Jharsuguda Airstrip to be Developed in 2.5 Years

After giving the Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar a sophisticated look, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) has now shifted its focus to Jharsuguda. AAI Chairman VP Agarwal confirmed that Jharsuguda Airstrip will be developed into a full-fledged airport within 2.5 years.

He was speaking at a press meet in Bhubaneswar as part of the curtain raiser programme for the new domestic terminal, which was inaugurated on March 5. The AAI has sought 276-acre land to develop Jharsuguda Airstrip. Out of these, 119 acres would be required to launch the project.

The total cost of the project is pegged at Rs 143 crore. The new airport will have the facilities to run two to three flights in a day with around 70 to 80 passengers. Initially, small aircrafts will operate from this airport. In future, it will be developed to accommodate large aircrafts such as A320 Class.