Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24 (UDN): The Odisha government is set to develop the Rasgovindpur airstrip in Mayurbhanj district into a full-fledged airport, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena informed the state Assembly on Thursday.
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Responding to a question in the House, Jena said the Centre has already approved the proposal to upgrade the airstrip into an airport, paving the way for further development of the facility.
Budget Provision Made for Development
The minister said the state government has made a budgetary provision in the current financial year for the development and upgradation of the Rasgovindpur airstrip.
He added that the Odisha government is coordinating with the Centre on the project and has initiated necessary steps for its implementation.
Project to Boost Air Connectivity
The proposed airport is expected to strengthen air connectivity in Mayurbhanj and surrounding areas once the development work is completed and flight operations begin.
The Rasgovindpur facility, also known as the Amarda Road airstrip, has been under consideration for development for several years. The Centre had earlier granted permission for the state government to develop the airstrip for civil aviation purposes.
The latest announcement marks a fresh step towards converting the existing airstrip into an operational airport, although details regarding the project timeline, construction schedule and commencement of commercial flight services were not specified in the Assembly reply.
