Flight services in Rourkela a failure! Resentment brews among residents

Rourkela, affectionately dubbed by locals as ‘Mini India’ due to its multicultural tapestry, finds itself in a predicament as its air services falter persistently. The city's residents have voiced their increasing discontent over the erratic nature of flight services, facing constant last-minute cancellations which have disrupted travel plans, sources said on Monday.

Also Read: Irregular flight service from Rourkela irks commuters

The existing airport facility offers only a single daily flight to the State Capital, Bhubaneswar, leaving those wishing to travel to other destinations in a quandary.

According to the sources, Rourkela boasts significant infrastructure, including a renowned international hockey stadium and prestigious academic institutions such as the National Institute of Technology (NIT) and Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT). For a city of such stature, regular air connectivity is deemed essential by its inhabitants.

Despite numerous protests and public discussions demanding improvement, the situation remains unchanged. In his recent trip to Rourkela, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recognised the community's concerns and assured stakeholders that endeavours would be made to maintain consistency in the flight operations.

“Every state is developing three to four of its cities. Rourkela City is entirely dependent on the airport. Hence, we have taken the matter seriously and are committed to continue our battle for the restoration of flight services,” Rourkela Sachetan Nagarik Manch (a local residents’ outfit), Bimal Bisi said to OTV.

Must Read: Air travelers irk over 'frequent cancellation’ of Rourkela-Bhubaneswar flights

“I have repeatedly come to Rourkela and whenever I came here, I thought why this Smart City is not having a major airport? The demand that is being made, what I feel, is justified. Our government is looking into the matter and will soon conduct a review. Subsequently, discussions will be held with stakeholders such as Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) authorities,” the CM had stated in a presser.