New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra met Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday and proposed the development of the existing Rangeilunda airstrip in Odisha’s Ganjam district into a full-fledged commercial airport, to be designated as ‘Brahmapur Airport’.
According to details shared from Patra, the meeting focused on transforming the current airstrip into a modern facility that would significantly enhance air connectivity for southern Odisha. “This has been a long-standing
aspiration of the people of Southern Odisha and a matter which I have consistently pursued both inside and outside Parliament as an issue of regional connectivity, balanced development and economic inclusion,” he wrote.
In December 2025, the BJD MP raised the issue strongly during Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, urging the Ministry of Civil Aviation to expedite the project as a critical step for regional development. “On February 8, 2025, I raised a Parliamentary Question regarding the establishment of a Greenfield Airport at Rangeilunda in Ganjam district. In its response, the Ministry clarified that a formal proposal process under the Greenfield Airports Policy would be required for further consideration. Thereafter, during discussions in March 2025 concerning aviation and infrastructure development in Odisha, I urged the Government to expedite airport infrastructure projects across the State, specifically highlighting the urgent need for develo
pment of Rangeilunda alongside other regional airport projects. On December 9 , 2025, during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, I strongly appealed for the upgradation of the existing Rangeilunda airstrip into a fully operational “Brahmapur Airport”. During the intervention, I highlighted the severe aviation connectivity deficit in Southern Odisha and emphasised the enormous developmental potential associated with the project.”
In the letter, he highlighted the strategic importance of the location, noting its potential to serve as a key aviation hub for southern Odisha and contribute to the broader economic corridor along the east coast. “Southern Odisha, despite its significant economic, educational and strategic importance, continues to remain underserved in terms of aviation infrastructure. Brahmapur today functions as the principal economic and educational hub for the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Rayagada and Malkangiri, besides serving large parts of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Yet, citizens from this entire region continue to depend largely upon Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam for commercial air connectivity, resulting in avoidable logistical and developmental disadvantages.”
Patra further noted that the airstrip was identified under the UDAN/Regional Connectivity Scheme framework in 2018, thereby receiving policy recognition under the Centre’s regional aviation vision. “Subsequently, regional connectivity operations commenced from Rangeilunda/Berhampur in March 2023, demonstrating both operational feasibility and growing public demand for regular aviation services in Southern Odisha.”
Upgrading the airstrip would reduce travel hardships for residents who currently rely on distant airports with irregular services, such as those in Jeypore and Malkangiri. This latest push comes amid ongoing discussions on improving aviation infrastructure across Odisha.