TNI Bureau: The Central Government has spent ₹58.96 crore on the development of Rourkela Airport, owned by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), under the UDAN scheme.
This was informed by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, in the Rajya Sabha while replying to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Dilip Kumar Ray.
The Minister stated that the UDAN scheme aims to improve regional air connectivity by reviving existing airports and airstrips.
The Minister further explained that under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, proposals for new airports must be initiated by the State Government or another airport developer after identifying a suitable site and conducting a pre-feasibility study.
The proposal is then submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for consideration. Speaking on the issue, Dilip Kumar Ray said that Rourkela, one of India’s leading steel cities, is witnessing rapid industrial growth, including the modernization of the Rourkela Steel Plant.
Emphasizing the city’s growing economic importance, he urged both the Central and State Governments to further strengthen Rourkela Airport and expand air connectivity to more destinations across the country.
