Jharsuguda Airport Set for Major Expansion as Centre Approves Rs 2,100 Crore, International Upgrade Planned

Representational Image  

The proposed development of Veer Surendra Sai Airport includes runway expansion, a new terminal, land acquisition and improved passenger facilities. Authorities are also exploring direct flights to Chennai, Jaipur and Visakhapatnam.

Jharsuguda, Oct 13 (UDN): Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda is set for a major infrastructure upgrade, with the Centre reportedly approving Rs 2,100 crore for its expansion and development to international standards.

The proposed investment is expected to support improvements in airport infrastructure, including runway expansion, construction of a new terminal and facilities to accommodate larger aircraft. The development could strengthen air connectivity across western Odisha and create fresh opportunities for tourism, business and employment.

The announcement was made by Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, who also chairs the Airport Advisory Committee, following a meeting held on Monday to discuss the airport’s future expansion and operational requirements.

Land Acquisition Underway for Airport Expansion

According to Purohit, the process of acquiring nearly 350 acres of land is underway to facilitate the proposed expansion.

“Jharsuguda airport will become an international airport in the coming days. The Centre has approved Rs 2,100 crore to develop it to an international level. The acquisition process for nearly 350 acres of land is underway,” he said.

The proposed infrastructure upgrades are expected to enhance the airport’s operational capacity and improve its ability to handle larger aircraft. However, the project’s implementation timeline and the details of its proposed international operations have not been specified in the report.

Direct Flights to Chennai, Jaipur and Visakhapatnam Proposed

Improving flight connectivity was another key issue discussed at the Airport Advisory Committee meeting.

Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy said efforts would be made to introduce direct flights connecting the industrial town with Chennai, Jaipur and Visakhapatnam.

Better connectivity with these cities could benefit business travellers, industrial establishments, tourists and residents of western Odisha. The proposed routes, however, remain subject to further efforts and operational decisions by the concerned authorities and airlines.

The meeting also discussed the need to introduce morning flight services to improve travel convenience for passengers.

ATM, Food Services and Ambulance Facility Planned

Alongside infrastructure expansion, officials discussed several measures to improve passenger amenities at the airport.

Tripathy said an ATM would be installed at the airport at the earliest and that a restaurant-like facility would be introduced to provide food and other services to travellers.

The provision of a dedicated modern ambulance was also discussed as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response facilities at the airport.

These proposed additions are aimed at making air travel more convenient and ensuring better support for passengers.

Push for Tourism and Employment in Western Odisha

Airport Director Upendra Nath Dhaundia said the meeting focused on the airport’s expansion, regional development, tourism promotion and employment generation.

“Detailed discussions were held on how the airport can be expanded and upgraded, how development can be promoted in Odisha, particularly western Odisha, how tourism can increase and how local employment opportunities can be improved,” Dhaundia said.

The proposed expansion is expected to strengthen Jharsuguda’s position as an important aviation hub for western Odisha, a region with significant industrial and commercial activity.

Improved air connectivity could also make local tourist destinations more accessible, potentially supporting hospitality businesses and other tourism-related services.

While the reported Rs 2,100-crore approval signals a major development plan for Jharsuguda Airport, the project’s next stages will depend on land acquisition, infrastructure development and the implementation of the proposed connectivity and passenger-service initiatives.