Centre devoted significant efforts to enhance connectivity: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Jharsuguda airport in Odisha, describing improved connectivity as a key driver of economic and social development and highlighting the airport's potential to strengthen links between western Odisha and other cities.

“Connectivity is at the core of all-round development. Our government has devoted significant efforts to enhance connectivity all over the nation,” Modi said after inaugurating the airport.

Jharsuguda became Odisha's second operational airport, providing air connectivity to major cities including Bhubaneswar, Raipur and Ranchi under the Centre's UDAN regional connectivity scheme. The Prime Minister also named the airport after prominent freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.

Modi said the airport was strategically located to serve the people and industries of the region. At the same time, he questioned why Odisha had to wait so long for a second airport despite the state's growing economic importance.

He said the rapid expansion of India's aviation network was transforming the country's connectivity and would benefit people by making air travel more accessible. The new airport, he added, could also help industries in Odisha expand their operations and conduct business more efficiently.

The Prime Minister also flagged off the first flight from Jharsuguda airport during the inauguration ceremony.

Alongside the airport, Modi dedicated several other infrastructure and mining projects. These included the Garjanbahal open-cast coal mine and the Jharsuguda-Sardega railway line in Sundargarh district. He also marked the beginning of coal production and transportation from NTPC's Dulanga coal mine.

The projects are expected to strengthen the region's transport and industrial infrastructure by improving the movement of passengers, coal and other goods. Better rail and air connectivity could also make the mineral-rich western Odisha region more attractive for investment and industrial activity.

The Jharsuguda airport was developed by the Airports Authority of India at an estimated cost of Rs 210 crore, with the Odisha government contributing Rs 75 crore.

The airport covers more than 1,027 acres, while its terminal building has an area of around 4,000 square metres. It has been designed for all-weather operations, including night operations, and can handle A-320 category aircraft.

The inauguration marked an important step in expanding Odisha's aviation network beyond Bhubaneswar and improving access to the state's western districts, which are home to major industrial and mining activities.