Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set for a major expansion in aviation sector.
A third terminal will be built at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, while the new Puri airport will become operational soon.
Announcing the development plans on Sunday, Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Ram Mohan Naidu said that a new terminal will be constructed at Bhubaneswar airport to handle the rising number of air passengers.
“Terminal 3 is in planning stage now. It brings me happiness to say the work is going to get started soon. We will try to make a nice architectural building which showcases the history and legacy of Odisha. We will try to make into ground level as soon as possible,” Naidu said.
The Union minister, who was in Bhubaneswar for the Eastern Region Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, informed that 20 non-functional airstrips across the state will be revived, boosting regional air connectivity.
Seaplanes in Chilika
Plans are afoot to introduce seaplane services in Chilika Lake. Also, heli-taxi facilities have been proposed for hilly and remote regions of the state. These initiatives are expected to provide Odisha’s tourism a significant boost.
Naidu said that as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ plan, Indian government’s target is to develop 350 new airports by 2047, integrating Odisha’s growth into the national aviation roadmap.
Puri Jagannath Airport approvals in place
The minister said all necessary approvals for the greenfield airport in Puri have come through.
The airport will named Jagannath Airport, Naidu announced.
The conference featured discussions around improving airport infrastructure and passenger traffic in eastern India.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was the chief guest at the conference. Among others who attended the conference were Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol, and representatives from West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand.