Jharsuguda: The Centre has reportedly approved Rs 2,100 crore for the development and expansion of Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, Odisha, with plans underway to upgrade the facility to international standards.
Bargarh MP and Airport Advisory Committee chairman Pradeep Purohit said the proposed funding would support major infrastructure improvements, including runway expansion, construction of a new terminal and facilities to accommodate larger aircraft. The development is expected to strengthen air connectivity and support economic and tourism growth in western Odisha.
The airport’s expansion, passenger amenities and proposed new flight connections were discussed during a meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee chaired by Purohit on Monday.
Rs 2,100 Crore Approved for Airport Infrastructure
Speaking after the meeting, Purohit said the airport was expected to be upgraded to international standards in the coming years. He also confirmed that the process of acquiring nearly 350 acres of land for the expansion was underway.
“Jharsuguda airport will become an international airport in the coming days. The Centre has approved Rs 2,100 crore to develop it to an international level. The acquisition process for nearly 350 acres of land is underway,” Purohit said.
The proposed expansion includes improvements to airport infrastructure, runway capacity and passenger facilities. The plans also aim to enable the airport to handle larger aircraft as its operational capacity increases.
However, the project’s progress will depend in part on the land acquisition process and the implementation of the proposed development works.
Efforts to Improve Flight Connectivity
Improving flight connectivity from Jharsuguda was another key issue discussed at the committee meeting.
Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy said efforts would be made, under the leadership of MP Pradeep Purohit, to establish direct air services connecting Jharsuguda with Chennai, Jaipur and Visakhapatnam.
The proposed routes could offer additional travel options for passengers from western Odisha. The committee also discussed the need for morning flights to improve convenience for travellers.
The proposed connections remain part of the efforts discussed at the meeting, and their introduction will depend on further developments and operational arrangements.
New Passenger Amenities and Ambulance Services
The meeting also focused on improving facilities for passengers using Veer Surendra Sai Airport.
Tripathy said an ATM would be opened at the airport as soon as possible. A restaurant-like facility is also planned to provide food and other services to passengers.
In addition, the airport is expected to have a dedicated modern ambulance to support emergency medical requirements.
The discussions covered the need to strengthen passenger amenities alongside infrastructure development, ensuring that airport services improve as the facility expands.
Tourism Promotion and Employment Opportunities in Western Odisha
Tourism development and local employment generation were also highlighted during the meeting.
Airport director Upendra Nath Dhaundia said detailed discussions had taken place on expanding and upgrading the airport, promoting development in Odisha—particularly western Odisha—and improving tourism and employment opportunities.
“Detailed discussions were held on how the airport can be expanded and upgraded, how development can be promoted in Odisha, particularly western Odisha, how tourism can increase and how local employment opportunities can be improved,” Dhaundia said.
Improved air connectivity could make destinations in western Odisha more accessible to visitors while supporting business and travel. The committee’s discussions also emphasised the importance of creating greater awareness about local tourism attractions.
Jharsuguda Airport Expansion: A Potential Boost for Western Odisha
The proposed Rs 2,100-crore investment, land acquisition for expansion and plans to improve passenger facilities indicate a broader development agenda for Jharsuguda Airport.
If implemented, the proposed upgrades could enhance the airport’s capacity, provide access to additional destinations and support tourism and economic activity across western Odisha.
For now, the focus remains on advancing the expansion process, improving passenger services and pursuing better flight connectivity.
