Bhubaneswar: The Indian government has sanctioned ₹2,100 crore for the expansion and enhancement of Veer Surendra Sai Airport located in Jharsuguda, Odisha.
According to Bargarh MP Pradip Purohit, this development is intended to bolster air connectivity in the western region of Odisha, upgrade passenger amenities, and facilitate the use of larger aircraft.
Purohit, who chairs the advisory committee for Jharsuguda Airport, mentioned that both the Central and state governments are actively working to modernize the airport’s infrastructure. He noted that efforts are underway to acquire 168.88 acres of land for runway expansion, with a goal of increasing passenger traffic by 41.2 percent. Plans are also in motion for a new terminal and supplementary facilities to accommodate the rising air traffic.
During a meeting of the airport advisory committee led by Purohit, various proposals were discussed, including the introduction of a second morning flight connecting Jharsuguda to New Delhi, aimed at enhancing accessibility for travelers heading to the capital.
Additionally, direct flight services to Chennai, Jaipur, and Visakhapatnam were suggested. If these routes are established, they could offer more travel options for passengers from western Odisha and lessen the reliance on connecting flights via other cities.
The committee also explored several initiatives to enhance passenger convenience at the airport. These initiatives include the installation of an ATM, as well as the establishment of a restaurant and food stalls within the airport grounds.
Furthermore, a dedicated tourism information center has been proposed to assist travelers with information regarding tourist attractions, heritage sites, and other points of interest in western Odisha.
To improve emergency readiness, the committee emphasized the importance of having a dedicated ambulance stationed at the airport for emergency medical services.
Lastly, expediting the land acquisition process was highlighted as a critical topic during the meeting.
