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