Mission 15: Odisha Maps Out a ₹5,000 Crore Aviation Future

Odisha has set an ambitious target to make at least 15 airports fully operational by 2047, in line with its long-term Vikshit Odisha 2036–47 vision.

The state currently has 19 airports and airstrips, including 12 owned by the government, but only five civilian airports—Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, Jeypore, Utkela, and Rourkela—are operational. Bhubaneswar remains the only international airport, offering connectivity to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok, while work on a greenfield international airport in Puri is underway.

During a recent High Power Committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, officials reviewed ongoing aviation projects and discussed strategies to improve connectivity, enhance infrastructure, and introduce policy reforms. The state projects that aviation-related services will generate ₹5,000 crore annually by 2047.

The discussions also covered the development of a robust aviation ecosystem, including a dedicated policy for Flight Training Organisations, operationalisation of the Dhenkanal aviation centre, and recognising MRO and aviation manufacturing as priority sectors. Officials emphasised the need for an “enabling policy environment” to support sustained growth.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.