The Odisha government has announced plans to establish four new airstrips in Western Odisha, increasing the total number of airports in the region to eight.
Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena informed the State Assembly of this development while responding to a question from Bolangir MLA Kalikesh Singh Deo.
The new airstrips will be located at Jamadarpali (Sambalpur), Satibhata (Bargarh), Gotma (Nuapada), and Tusura (Bolangir). These additions aim to boost connectivity and infrastructure in the region. Currently, there are four operational airports in Western Odisha: Jeypore Airport (Koraput), Veer Surendra Sai Airport (Jharsuguda), Rourkela Airport (Sundargarh), and an airstrip at Utkela (Kalahandi), all of which have direct connectivity to Bhubaneswar.
In addition to the new airstrips, the government plans to upgrade Jeypore airport from category 2B to 3C, requiring around 229.4 acres of land. A budget of Rs 64.4 crore has been allocated for its development. Tusura airport in Bolangir district will also be upgraded to category 2B, with Rs 65 crore sanctioned for this purpose. Delays in these projects are due to land acquisition and aerodrome licensing issues.
Furthermore, the government plans to make four more airports operational at Raisuan and Barbil (Keonjhar district), Gudari (Kandhamal), Dandabos, and Amarda (Mayurbhanj district). These airports will serve the central, north, and west-central regions of Odisha.
The state budget also includes a provision to establish a Greenfield airport in the industrial and port town of Paradip. This new airport aims to accelerate growth in industry, export, and import activities and expand the aviation network in coastal industrial clusters. A Greenfield airport is built from scratch.
