Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan to discuss the development of aviation infrastructure in the state, focusing on “Aviation and Network Construction Management.”
The meeting reviewed the progress of various airport projects, including the Shri Jagannath International Airport (SJIA) in Puri, the upgradation of Rourkela Airport, and plans for a greenfield airport in Paradip.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing regional connectivity by upgrading major airports in the state, such as Jaypur, Dand Bose, Rangeilunda, Gotama, Satibhita, Raisuan, Thusuara, Jamadarpali, Malkangiri, Amarda Road, and Utkela. Additionally, the construction of heliports in 15 districts and the development of the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre (BPAC) at the Birashola airstrip in Dhenkanal were discussed.
The Works Department was designated as the nodal agency to expedite these development projects. The Chief Minister directed departmental officers to focus on upgrading public sector airports, increasing flight connectivity, and improving the efficiency of aviation units.
The meeting also discussed restructuring the Directorate of Civil Aviation, with proposals for modern infrastructure and better human resources to support the growing aviation sector in the state. The Chief Minister stressed the need for world-class aviation infrastructure, including airports, helipads, and drone hubs, and emphasized improving the efficiency and modernization of existing airports.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and other departmental secretaries like Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Nikunj Bihari Dhal, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries Department Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport Department Usha Padhi, Principal Secretary, Finance Department Shashwat Mishra, Principal Secretary, Works Department Veer Bikram Yadav, MD, EPICAL Shri Bhupinder Singh Punia, Director, Civil Aviation Debudatta Suranjita Jena..
