Bhubaneswar: To strengthen the aviation infrastructure in the state, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today discussed the topic of “Aviation and Network Construction Management” at Lok Seva Bhawan.
In this meeting, the development of Shri Jagannath International Airport (SJIA) in Puri and the upgradation of Rourkela Airport, along with plans for a greenfield airport in Paradip, were discussed. In order to enhance regional connectivity, emphasis was placed on the upgradation of major airports in the state including Jaipur, Dand Bose, Rangeilunda, Gautama, Satibhita, Raisuan, Tusara, Jamadarpali, Malkangiri, Amarda Road and Utkela.
Along with this, the construction of heliports in 15 districts of the state and the development of Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre (BPAC) at the airstrip at Birashola in Dhenkanal were discussed in the meeting. The Works Department was given the responsibility of expediting these development works as the nodal agency.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister discussed the establishment of world-class aviation infrastructure in the state, including airports, helipads and drone hubs. Along with this, he emphasized on further improving the efficiency of the airports currently operating in the state and modernizing it.
The Chief Minister Shri Majhi directed the departmental officers to develop infrastructure including upgrading public sector airports, increasing flight connectivity, increasing the efficiency of aviation units.
The meeting discussed the restructuring of the Directorate of Civil Aviation with proposals for modern infrastructure and better human resources to strengthen the growing aviation sector in the state.
The meeting was attended by Commerce and Transport Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, ACS to the Chief Minister Nikunj Bihari Dhal, PS to CM Manoj Kumar Sahoo ACS, Industries Department Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport Usha Padhi, Principal Secretary, Finance Saswat Mishra, Principal Secretary, Works Vir Vikram Yadav, MD, IDCO & IPICOL Bhupinder Singh Poonia, Director, Civil Aviation Debudatta Suranjita Jena.