Bhubaneswar: The Central Government is planning to establish a Greenfield Airport at Puri and make two more small airports operational in Odisha, said Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, while attending the Udan Utsav celebrations at the Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, yesterday.

Speaking about airport expansions in Odisha, the minister said the Greenfield Airport at Puri and the Phase-II expansion of Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda will commence following responses from the state government.

He said that the Ministry is also expecting a report from the state government to resolve the issues of permission and licensing for Jeypore and Utkela airports in Odisha.

Scindia said the development of Jharsuguda airport is a perfect example of cooperative federalism and a great success story of Udan scheme. It is an example of how the center and state's joint work could do wonders, the minister added.

He said that while all the airports around the country were witnessing a steep decline in the number of flyers during the Covid pandemic time, Jharsuguda airport was among those few, which witnessed something different. "The number of flyers across the country during the pandemic saw a decline of 62% while Jharsuguda during the same time, witnessed a mere drop of 5%. This shows the potential of the district and the region at large," he said.

Speaking of the glory of the rich land of Jharsuguda and terming it as the Power House of Odisha and India at large, Scindia said that the place, which is a house to many brave freedom fighters, natural and cultural resources, is aptly chosen to celebrate the Udan Utsav.

Scindia also announced the Special Joy Ride, an air ride, being planned for elderly and children during the Udan Utsav celebrations which will also commemorate the ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

During the event, the minister interacted with the airport directors/ officials and beneficiary flyers of Udan who were connected from different parts of the country through Video conferencing.

The minister also unveiled a Socio-economic Impact Study Report of UDAN Scheme conducted by Indian School of Business. He also witnessed the exchange of partnership agreement between Udan and Make My Trip. On the occasion, the results of UDAN Logo competition were announced. The minister also flagged off new air route between Shillong and Dimapur under RCS Scheme.