TV
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has begun an Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) survey at Rourkela Airport. This survey is a significant step towards elevating the airport to the Code 4C category, a move that will enable it to accommodate larger aircraft. After a slight delay, the survey is now underway as of Wednesday.
Collaborative Efforts
Three officials from the AAI, including an associate consultant and two GIS analysts, are tasked with executing the survey between 15 and 22 April. This initiative has been jointly backed by the state’s Commerce and Transport department, which issued a proposal on 15 February seeking to enhance the airport to allow for 4C CAT 1 Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations. This upgrade is crucial as Rourkela continues to grow significantly as a major steel hub.
Expansion Plans Unfold
The Directorate of Aviation has laid down initial plans, with the government committed to funding the costs involved. According to the proposed master plan, the runway will be extended to 2,700 metres in length and 45 metres in width. Additionally, systems such as the Doppler Very High-Frequency Omni Range (DVOR) and CAT 1 Instrument Landing System (ILS) will be implemented, enabling larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, to operate.
Addressing Land Acquisition Challenges
A meeting on 6 March brought together Union Tribal Affairs Minister and Sundargarh MP Jual Oram, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena with Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) and AAI officials, alongside district administration representatives. The primary focus was to resolve land acquisition hurdles that impede the airport’s expansion.
Bimal Bisi, president of Sachetan Nagarik Manch, highlighted the importance of the OLS survey, calling it an essential step in advancing the development plans for Rourkela Airport.
