Odisha Expands Air Network with Three New Destinations Under UDAN Initiative
In a significant boost to regional air connectivity, the state of Odisha has incorporated three additional destinations—Rangeilunda, Amarda, and Dandbose—into the tender for air services from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. This development follows the central government's launch of the modified Regional Connectivity Scheme RCS-2, commonly known as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik), on March 25.
Enhanced Coverage for North and South Odisha
Official sources have confirmed that, with support from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, construction and upgrade work on these previously unserved airstrips is progressing rapidly. The ministry is expected to announce the finalized list of destinations and carriers in the near future. The inclusion of these three locations will ensure comprehensive air coverage for both northern and southern regions of Odisha, specifically linking the districts of Mayurbhanj and Balasore in the north, and Ganjam in the south.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will assume control of the new airstrips once they become operational. A senior state government official, familiar with the developments, stated that the AAI will reimburse the costs associated with construction and technical work upon submission of the utilization certificate.
Strengthening Existing Infrastructure
Currently, Odisha's air network includes existing airstrips at Jeypore, Rourkela, and Utkela, which are connected to Bhubaneswar under the RCS framework, along with the airport at Jharsuguda. This setup provides coverage for western districts and partially serves the south-western region. The addition of Rangeilunda, Amarda, and Dandbose will extend connectivity to the core areas of both south and north Odisha, according to officials.
Revival of Historical Airstrips
One notable aspect of this expansion is the revival of the Amarda airstrip, located on Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) land at Rasgovindpur near Amarda Road in Mayurbhanj district. Originally built in 1940 as a wartime airfield during World War II, this facility had been unused for decades. Local communities had long advocated for its restoration to improve air connectivity in northern Odisha.
In Ganjam district, the Rangeilunda airstrip has already undergone trial runs, with non-scheduled operations now underway. An officer highlighted that the operationalization of Rangeilunda will complete air coverage in the south and south-central regions, including Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.
Future Plans and Current Status
Last year in May, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi outlined ambitious plans for civil aviation augmentation in the state. He announced that 15 out of 30 districts would have heliports, and a greenfield airport would be developed in the port town of Paradip.
Looking ahead, the state government may propose additional destinations for inclusion in future phases of the UDAN scheme. Potential locations under consideration include:
- Gotama
- Satibhata
- Raisuan
- Tusura
- Jamadarpali
- Malkangiri
Presently, Odisha boasts a total of 19 airports and airstrips, with 12 being state-owned. Additionally, the state has 13 heliports, further enhancing its aviation infrastructure and accessibility for residents and businesses alike.
