Bhubaneswar: Union Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan in a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister, Suresh Prabhu has requested to expedite and hasten the process of construction and development of a new airport in Bhubaneswar.
Pradhan in his letter stated, “As the construction and development of the airport takes considerable time, this process needs to be hastened to avoid severe air traffic congestions and public inconvenience.”
Pradhan pointed out that the process of identification of a suitable piece of land near Khurda, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, is underway.
Besides, Pradhan urged Prabhu to set up of a new terminal at the Biju Patnaik International Airport and to revamp facilities at the existing two terminals.
He also sought Prabhu's intervention in early implementation of Centre’s UDAN scheme to kick start flight services from Jeypore, Rourkela and Utkela. Moreover, Pradhan sought early completion of expansion work of Jharsuguda Airport runway to handle bigger aircrafts and commercial flights.
The Union petroleum minister has also urged the Civil Aviation minister to upgrade an existing private airstrip at Angul for flight operations under UDAN-2 scheme, revamp of an airstrip at Amarda Road in Mayurbhanj district and development of an airline industrial hub in Bhubaneswar by setting up of ancillary industries.