Berhampur: Principal Secretary of Commerce & Transport Department, Usha Padhee on Friday reviewed the expansion works of Rangeilunda airstrip in Ganjam district.
The expansion work of the airstrip has been intensified. As per plans, a non-scheduled flight is likely to take off from Rangeilunda on March 5, the birth anniversary of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, as per sources.
The Commerce & Transport Secretary took stock of the preparations for the trial-run. She visited the Rangeilunda and held discussions with the administration and police department for more than an hour. She has also visited the under construction terminal and runway at the airstrip.
Keerthi Vasan V, CDO-cum-Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, Ganjam; Kulkarni Ashutosh C. Sub-Collector, Brahmapur; Dr. Saravana Vivek M., Berhampur SP; Chief Engineer Tarakant Mishra, PWD Executive Engineer Tapan Panigrahi and other officials were present during the review meeting. The officials of IndiaOne Air, which will operate the flight, will also review the expansion works.
The long-standing demand of people of Ganjam is going to be fulfilled with the approval of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the expansion of Rangeilunda airstrip. The preparations for the trial run from this airstrip are at the final stage.
Meanwhile, the district administration has started the rehabilitation and resettlement of the local people and shop owners, who are likely to be affected by the expansion works.