Bhubaneswar: The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) on Friday signed an Operation and Management (O&M) agreement in New Delhi to facilitate commercial operations of flights from Odisha’s Rourkela airport.
SAIL had signed an MoU for the use of its own airport, under the UDAN scheme, for operation of commercial flights in 2018. Now, SAIL has signed the O&M contract with AAI, through its Rourkela Steel Plant, to facilitate the commencement of commercial flights from Rourkela.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has provided financial support for the upgradation of the airport. The Odisha government will provide the security, fire and ambulance services, besides helping with other local clearances. AAI, on behalf of SAIL-Rourkela Steel Plant, will operate and manage the airport.
The airport is expected to provide relief to air travellers from the industrial town of Rourkela and the surrounding areas. The commencement of air services also hold significance in view of the forthcoming FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.
At least 20 out of the total 44 matches in the World Cup are scheduled to be held at Rourkela in January 2023. The global event will witness a huge footfall in the Steel City during the period and the requirement for air connectivity will be a major necessity for logistical reasons.
Besides, the air connectivity to the city is likely to boost economic activity in the region of western Odisha.
