BJD MP Urges Union Minister to Fast-Track Development of Puri International Airport

Bhubaneswar: BJD MP Dr. Sasmit Patra on Friday urged the Union Civil Aviation Minister to fast-track the development of international airport in Odisha’s pilgrim city of Puri with direct international connectivity to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The BJD MP also demanded for the developments of airports and airstrips at Jharsuguda, Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Rangeilunda, Jeypore, Utkela and Baripada.

Patra said that the proposed International Airport in Puri must be fast-tracked with direct international connectivity to Southeast Asia and the Middle East to boost tourism and trade.

The delay in land acquisition and environmental clearances must be resolved on priority, he said.

Stating that the Jharsuguda Airport, under the UDAN scheme, has demonstrated significant growth, the Rajya Sabha MP demanded that the airport must be upgraded with night landing facilities, cargo terminals, and additional runways to facilitate greater regional and international connectivity.

Seeking direct international connectivity from Bhubaneswar airport, the BJD MP said that Biju Patnaik International Airport is currently underutilized in terms of direct international flights and demanded immediate inclusion of more direct flights from the airport to major global hubs such as Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok, along with enhanced bilateral air service agreements.

He also urged the Union Minister to strengthen Rourkela Airport.

Given its role in Odisha’s industrial economy, Rourkela Airport must be brought under AAI’s expansion plans to support the steel and manufacturing sector with cargo and commercial aviation facilities, he said.

He further said, “The long-pending development of Rangeilunda Airport in southern Odisha must be prioritized, as it holds strategic importance for connecting the underdeveloped regions of Ganjam and southern Odisha to the national aviation network. Necessary funds and regulatory clearances must be expedited to operationalize this airport under UDAN”.

Several existing airstrips in Odisha, including those in Jeypore, Utkela, and Baripada, must be upgraded and operationalized under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. These airstrips can be crucial in enhancing intra-state connectivity and providing better access to remote and tribal regions. A special package must be allocated to integrate these airstrips into the national aviation network, the BJD MP further stated.

He also demanded setting up dedicated aviation-based disaster response and coastal surveillance units in Bhubaneswar and Paradip.

“Given Odisha’s vulnerability to cyclones and natural disasters, dedicated aviation-based disaster response and coastal surveillance units must be established in Bhubaneswar and Paradip. A dedicated squadron of disaster-response helicopters and drones must be stationed in Odisha to ensure rapid deployment during emergencies”, Dr. Sasmit Patra stated.