PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Jharsuguda Airport in Odisha

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Jharsuguda Airport in Odisha: Details, Features, Significance, Highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated new airport in Jharsuguda also known as the powerhouse of Odisha.

PM Narendra Modi also flagged off the UDAN flight on Jharsuguda-Raipur sector. It is the first airport in Odisha to provide necessary connectivity to Bhubaneswar, Raipur and Ranchi under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN (Ude Desh Ka AamNaagrik) Scheme.

Other than Jharsuguda, three more airports are being developed in Odisha namely, Jeypore (Koraput District), Rourkela (Sundargarh District) and Utkela (Kalahandi District) to provide connectivity to remote and far-flung areas of the coastal state under Regional Connectivity Scheme.

Jharsuguda is the second airport of Odisha after Bhubaneswar to become operational. It has been developed by Airports Authority of India (AAI) in collaboration with Odisha Government.

Jharsuguda airport is spread across over 1027.5 acres of land. Area of its terminal Building is around 4000 sqm.

Jharsuguda airport has 2390 meter-long runway and has been developed for all weather operations including night operations for A-320 type of aircraft.

Jharsuguda airport is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger facilities. Interiors of its building depict local handicrafts, artwork and tourist destinations of state highlighting rich ethos and culture of the region.

Jharsuguda airport will play a significant role in the development of Western Odisha and will give impetus to the growing tourism industry in the region.

UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) Scheme

UDAN is a flagship scheme of Central Government launched in the year 2017. It was introduced to enable air operations on unserved routes, connecting regional areas, to promote balanced regional growth and to make flying affordable for masses.

Under it, 24 airports in the western region, 17 in the northern region, 11 in the southern region, 12 in east and six in north-eastern parts of the country will be connected.