Airports Authority of India to conduct feasibility study for development of airport near Gopalpur

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has suggested Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ajit Singh to provide adequate infrastructural support to the aviation sector in the state for ensuring unhindered industrialisation and flow of tourist traffic to Odisha. The Chief Minister impressed upon the Union Civil Aviation Minister that there was an urgent need to take up the development of airstrips at Gopalpur and Jeypore in Southern Odisha and asked the Union Minister to take up feasibility studies to develop these into airports. The chief ministe said the state does not have adequate air connectivity. It has only one operational domestic airport in Bhubaneswar which is also deprived of international operations. Official sources said the Union Civil Aviation Minister suggested that Odisha should also explore the possibility of developing new airports in PPP mode and assured that Airports Authority of India will conduct necessary feasibility studies for the development of Jeypore and Gopalpur airstrips.

The Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to declare Biju Patnaik Domestic Airport as an international airport without delay and fulfill the pending legitimate demand of air connectivity of the state. Mr Patnaik requested the Minister for starting international operations from Bhubaneswar to Middle East and South East Asian countries by Air India and other domestic airlines.  He also suggested that Ministry of Civil Aviation should initiate the process of promoting Odisha as a world-class tourist destination and provide necessary support for holding a major conference in Bhubaneswar in the early part of 2013.

He apprised the Union Minister that the state has witnessed huge investments in various sectors and the total investment of the state stood at Rs.3.21 lakh crore during the calendar year 2011, also considered the highest in the country. Similarly, there has been also a significant increase in the inflow of domestic and international tourist traffic to Odisha, Mr Patnaik said and stressed the urgent need for improved air connectivity. The chief minister said the state has approved an allotment of 191 acres of land for development of Jharsuguda airport and requested the Union Minister to take urgent steps for developing Jharsuguda Airport, including expansion of its airstrip and other necessary infrastructure.

State proposes to set up five Greenfield airports and up-gradation of four existing airfields

The proposal was discussed at a high-level meeting convened recently to discuss roadmap for aviation. The State government has proposed to develop Greenfield airports in five locations in addition to its existing 17 airstrips and 16 helipads.

A proposal in this regard was taken up for discussion at a high-level meeting convened here recently to discus road map for civil aviation sector prepared by Industrial Investment Promotion Corporation of Odisha Limited (IPICOL). Five locations identified for development of Greenfield airport are Rayagada, Paradip, Dhamara, Angul and Kalinganagar. These places are fast emerging as industrial hubs in different sectors.

Sources in the Industries Department said the government had already initiated process for setting up of an airport primarily keeping the upcoming Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) in mind. It is expected that the PCPIR would attract investment to the tune of Rs. 2,74,000 crore.

Besides, two major steel projects – one by South Korean Posco and another by Essar Group – have been proposed to be established around port town of Paradip.

Similarly, Kalinga Nagar and Angul have already witnessed industrialisation in steel and power sector respectively. Moreover, Dhamra, where Tata Steel and L and T have jointly developed a port holds huge potential to be an industrial hub in the region. Rayagada, the southern Odisha town, has been in focus of the State government for development of food parks.

According to roadmap, which has been prepared for a period of 10 years from 2012-13- to 2022-23, up-gradation of four existing airfields namely Gopalpur (Berhampur), Jharsuguda, Barbil and Rourkela has also been proposed.

The roadmap has identified development range from creation of night parking facility and hinterland connectivity to establishment of Aero city, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and refuelling hub. However, the immediate priorities chalked out by the State government include establishment of domestic terminal and connectivity, setting up of aviation training institutes, operationalisation of international flight, development of cargo hub and air line base. Mr. Patnaik asked IPICOL to arrange an interface with air line operators, tour operators, hotel associations, travel and restaurant associations, corporate houses and chambers of commerce to assess the real requirement. Source: The Hindu