Bhubaneswar: A delegation of BJP MPs from Odisha led by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu over development of airport infrastructure in the state.
In the memorandum to Naidu, the MPs requested for a new terminal building at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar in view of growing air traffic and passengers demand, second phase development of Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, new airport at Puri and development of Charbatia airstrip in Cuttack into a full-fledged airport.
“Development of Jharsuguda airport and the construction of a new terminal building at BPIA will also help in promoting industrial development of eastern India,” the memorandum said.
Besides, the delegation pressed for the expansion of Jeypore and Rourkela airstrips and development of Tusura airstrip in Balangir district.
The BJP MPS further requested Naidu to include Birasal in Dhenkanal, Hirakud in Sambalpur, Rangailunda in Ganjam, Paradip in Jagatsinghpur, Utkela in Kalahandi, Kalinganagar in Jajpur, Raisuan in Keonjhar, Padampur in Bargarh, Rasgovindpur and Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj districts under Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme to boost regional air connectivity and fulfil the aspirations of the people of Odisha.
“These steps will further strengthen the economy of the state and create a new identity for Odisha at the national and international levels in terms of employment opportunities, tourism and trade,” Dharmendra posted on X.
