Bhubaneswar: The Indian government has approved a budget of ₹2,100 crore for the expansion and modernization of the Veer Surendra Sai Airport located in Jharsuguda, Odisha.
According to Bargarh MP Pradip Purohit, the expansion is designed to improve air connectivity in western Odisha, enhance passenger amenities, and accommodate larger aircraft.
Purohit, who serves as the chairman of the Jharsuguda airport advisory committee, stated that both the central and state governments are actively working on upgrading the airport’s infrastructure.
He mentioned that the acquisition of 168.88 acres of land for runway expansion is currently in progress, with the airport aiming for a 41.2 percent increase in passenger traffic. Plans are also underway for the construction of a new terminal and additional facilities to manage the anticipated rise in air travel.
This information was shared during a meeting of the airport advisory committee, which was chaired by Purohit and attended by Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, along with officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other stakeholders.
The committee deliberated on introducing an additional morning flight between Jharsuguda and New Delhi to enhance connectivity for passengers heading to the capital. Furthermore, there were proposals for direct flights to Chennai, Jaipur, and Visakhapatnam, which would offer travelers from western Odisha more options and lessen reliance on connecting services through other cities.
In addition, several initiatives to boost passenger convenience were discussed, including the installation of an ATM and the establishment of a restaurant and food stalls at the airport.
A tourism information center has also been suggested to assist travelers with information about local tourist attractions, heritage sites, and other points of interest in western Odisha.
To enhance emergency preparedness, the committee emphasized the importance of having a dedicated ambulance stationed at the airport for medical emergencies.
Expediting the land acquisition process was highlighted as another crucial topic of discussion during the meeting.
