DGCA Revives Dhalbhumgarh Airport Project After Six-Year Delay
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a renewed initiative to breathe life into the long-stalled Dhalbhumgarh airport project near Jamshedpur. This greenfield venture, which has remained dormant for six years following its foundation stone laying in 2019, is now poised to receive the critical momentum required for advancement.
Technical Assessment and Administrative Coordination
In a significant development, officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducted a comprehensive survey of the proposed site on Saturday. The following day, they engaged in detailed discussions with Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi to thoroughly understand the current status and challenges facing the airport project.
Ajay Kumar, Deputy General Manager of Air Traffic Management at AAI and safety investigation coordinator stationed at Birsa Munda Airport, led the five-member technical delegation. He confirmed that the state forest department has completed marking trees that require relocation from the airport site.
"As soon as the transplantation of these trees is completed, infrastructure work will commence," Kumar stated. He further revealed that negotiations with landowners are actively underway to secure necessary land parcels for the project.
Overcoming Key Obstacles
Kumar identified forest clearance and private land acquisition as the primary hurdles that have delayed the project. "With the marking of trees, we have moved a step ahead in addressing these challenges," he explained.
The district administration has agreed to appoint the Sub-Divisional Officer of Ghatsila as the nodal officer to oversee and coordinate all matters related to airport progress. This administrative support is expected to streamline decision-making and implementation processes.
Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Considerations
The AAI conducted its assessment at the specific direction of the DGCA, with Kumar confirming that the assessment report will be submitted to AAI headquarters on April 24 for further review and action.
A forest official from the Jamshedpur division disclosed that the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has raised a six-point query regarding tree transplantation for airport construction. "We have responded to these queries, and the file is currently pending with the ministry," the official stated, though specific details were not disclosed.
Project Specifications and Historical Context
The proposed airport is situated approximately 70 kilometers from Jamshedpur, developed on an abandoned World War II airfield spanning 240 acres. The initial design features a 2,179-meter-long runway, with expansion plans to extend it to 4,400 meters to accommodate future aviation requirements.
AAI sources indicated that approximately nine acres of privately owned land might be excluded from the project plan if landowners remain unwilling to part with their property under any circumstances.
Financial Allocation and Infrastructure Plans
The Raghubar Das government allocated Rs 100 crore for airport construction when the foundation stone was laid in 2019. According to the project blueprint, the terminal building will occupy 15,000 square feet with six check-in counters, while the airport will feature parking facilities for two ATR 72 aircraft simultaneously.
This revival effort represents a crucial step toward enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure development in the Kolhan region, potentially stimulating economic growth and improving transportation access for residents across East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts.
