Air services to Jharsuguda by Nov end: Odisha Chief Secy

Bhubaneswar: One more airport in Odisha will get air connectivity by end of next month, official sources said today.

Jharsuguda airstrip will become operational for regional connectivity services under UDAN scheme by November, Chief Secretary AP Padhi said after State Level Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting held here today.

“Jharsuguda airport will by ready by November. But we are waiting for the private operators. They aren’t ready yet. When they will be ready, they will be able to start. We are sorting out issues with RSP. Initially we were hoping that they will manage the airport. As of now they are saying no. If they say no we will manage the security and fire services. Airport Authority of India is working to get the airstrip ready for which tendering process has been initiated. I expect the Rourkela airport to be ready by another two-three months.

Padhi further said that Jeypore and Utkela airports will be operational by March next year.

With operationalisation of Jharsuguda airport, the town will get air connectivity with Bhubaneswar and Ranchi. The flyers will have the optional to fly to various destinations at affordable price. The average price of a ticket to be paid by the passengers for these flights is capped at Rs 2,500.

Earlier, Padhi had directed officials to expedite the work and make the airports UDAN-ready in a time-bound manner.

Notably, five airports in Odisha were chosen to provide services under the UDAN scheme. They are: the already functional Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) and yet to be ready airports at Jharsuguda, Utkela (Kalahandi), Jeypore (Koraput) and Rourkela.

These airports will be jointly developed by AAI and the state government.