Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured that his government will actively pursue expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) and the upgrade of Rourkela Airport, describing both as key priorities to bolster the region’s industrial and infrastructural growth.
Speaking to mediapersons during his visit to the city, Majhi emphasised that Rourkela’s dual identity as a prominent steel hub and an emerging smart city makes these projects essential. “People of Rourkela have long been demanding for a larger airport and the expansion of the RSP. Coordinated efforts are underway involving both the state and central governments to ensure timely execution of the proposed projects,” he said.
Elaborating further, the CM revealed that he had personally engaged in discussions with RSP authorities and state steel department officials. This was followed by a visit of Union Steel Minister and his team to Rourkela for a detailed review, with further deliberations held in Bhubaneswar. A task force under the chairmanship of development commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh was also formed to accelerate the expansion work. “The task force, along with officials concerned, has already made three visits to Rourkela. We are holding discussions, and things are moving in a positive direction. These matters were neglected in the past, but since our government came to power, we have advanced significantly,” he stated.
The CM exuded confidence of swiftly executing these projects with the support of the double-engine government.
While there are plans to expand RSP from its current capacity of 4.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 9.5 MTPA by 2030, the Rourkela Airport is proposed to be upgraded to Category-C. The existing airport features a single runway of 1,930 metres, limiting its ability to accommodate larger aircraft.
