JHARSUGUDA: The Centre has approved Rs 2,100 crore for the expansion and development of Veer Surendra Sai (VSS) Airport in Jharsuguda, with plans to extend the runway, construct a new terminal and improve passenger amenities to strengthen air connectivity in western Odisha.
These proposals were discussed during the airport advisory committee meeting held earlier this week. Bargarh MP and chairman of the Airport Advisory Committee Pradip Purohit said the Centre aims to develop VSS airport into an international airport, for which `2,100 crore has been approved. Nearly 350 acre of land will be acquired for the proposed expansion.
“We held discussions with the authorities concerned about the airport’s development proposals including introduction of direct flights to Mumbai and Chennai, and an additional morning flight to New Delhi. The proposals will be taken up with the Civil Aviation Ministry for consideration. We will also request the Culture department to make provisions for showcasing the rich art and cultural heritage of western Odisha at the airport,” he said.
Official sources said the process of acquiring 168.88 acre for runway expansion is underway, while the airport is targeting a 41.2 per cent increase in passenger traffic. The proposed infrastructure upgrades are expected to improve its capacity to handle growing passenger numbers and air traffic.
Expanding flight connectivity remains another priority with proposals for a second morning flight between Jharsuguda and New Delhi, and direct services to Chennai, Jaipur and Visakhapatnam in the initial phase.
The proposed services are aimed at providing passengers from western Odisha with more travel options and reducing their dependence on connecting flights through other cities.
Improving passenger amenities also featured among the key priorities, with proposals to install an ATM and open a restaurant and food stalls on the airport premises. A dedicated tourism information centre has also been proposed to promote tourist destinations, heritage sites and other attractions across western Odisha. The committee also stressed the need for a dedicated ambulance at the airport to strengthen emergency medical response.
Among others, Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) attended the meeting which was held under the chairmanship of Purohit on Monday.