Good news is on the horizon for Western Odisha as the state government announces plans to build four new airstrips. With these additions, the region will soon boast a total of eight airports. The new airstrips are scheduled to be constructed at Jamadarpali (Sambalpur), Satibhata (Bargarh), Gotma (Nuapada), and Tusura (Bolangir).
Existing Airports in the Region
Currently, Western Odisha is served by four airports:
- Jeypore Airport in Koraput
- Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda
- Rourkela Airport in Sundargarh
- Utkela Airstrip in Kalahandi
These facilities provide direct connectivity to Bhubaneswar, ensuring that the state capital is easily accessible.
Upgrading Airport Facilities
In the State Assembly, Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena revealed plans to upgrade some existing airports. Notably:
- Jeypore Airport is set to be upgraded from a 2B category to a 3C category. This upgrade will require approximately 229.4 acres of land and has a development budget of Rs 64.4 crore.
- Tusura Airport in Bolangir will also be upgraded to a 2B category, with Rs 65 crore allocated for the project.
The minister explained that delays in these projects have primarily been due to challenges with land acquisition and obtaining the necessary aerodrome licenses.
Expanding the Network Further
Beyond Western Odisha, the government is also planning to operationalize four additional airports in different parts of the state:
- Two in Keonjhar district at Raisuan and Barbil
- One in Kandhamal at Gudari
- Two in Mayurbhanj district at Dandabos and Amarda
These new airports will serve the central, northern, and west-central regions of Odisha, enhancing overall regional connectivity.
A New Greenfield Airport in Paradip
In a move aimed at boosting industrial growth and trade, the state budget has also allocated funds for a Greenfield airport in Paradip, a key industrial and port town. Unlike upgrades to existing facilities, a Greenfield airport is built entirely from scratch, which will further expand the aviation network in Odisha’s coastal industrial clusters.
This comprehensive plan is set to improve regional connectivity and drive economic growth across various parts of Odisha.
