1. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurates Malkangiri airport, signalling a new era of air connectivity.
2. Developed for Rs 70 crore, the airport covers 233 acres and features a 1620-meter-long runway.
3. This move adds Malkangiri to Odisha’s aviation map, connecting the remote district with the rest of the country.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 10: In a significant development for Odisha’s aviation infrastructure, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Malkangiri airport on Tuesday. The airport, developed for Rs 70 crore, marks a crucial step in enhancing air connectivity in the southwestern region of the state.
Key Features of Malkangiri Airport
Spread across 233 acres in Katelguda, Goudaguda panchayat area, Malkangiri Airport boasts a 1620-meter long and 30-meter wide runway. The inauguration ceremony witnessed Patnaik expressing his satisfaction, stating that the airport’s establishment fulfills the long-cherished dream of Malkangiri residents to be part of the country’s aviation map.
Chapter of Transformation Unveiled
During the inaugural event, Patnaik emphasized the airport’s role in accelerating trade, tourism, and commerce in Malkangiri. This new chapter in the district’s transformative journey is expected to bring about positive changes, fostering economic development and providing citizens with enhanced opportunities.
Glad to inaugurate #MalkangiriAirport, a dream come true for people of the district which has now been placed on the #aviation map of the country. The airport adds a new chapter in #Malkangiri’s transformational journey to further accelerate the pace of trade, tourism and… pic.twitter.com/LOLpXDwUYD
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 9, 2024
Nine-Seater Aircraft to Initiate Operations
In the initial phase, the airport is set to operate nine-seater aircraft, with a successful trial run of a VT-100 double-engine flight conducted on January 7. This move positions Malkangiri on the aviation radar, with plans to connect the district to Bhubaneswar and other cities, fostering improved connectivity and accessibility.
Glad to share that the first trial flight has landed successfully at #Malkangiri Airport, ahead of commercial operations. Air connectivity to Malkangiri will usher in a new era of development, open up avenues of business & tourism and further transform the lives of people in the… pic.twitter.com/EokJtlwell
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 8, 2024
Seventh Operational Airport in Odisha
Malkangiri Airport’s inauguration elevates Odisha’s operational airports to seven. The existing airports are situated in Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, Jeypore (Koraput), Utkela (Kalahandi), Rourkela (Sundergarh), and Rangeilunda (Ganjam). The addition of Malkangiri further strengthens the state’s commitment to regional air connectivity.
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Enhancing Economic Activity and Tourism
The newly inaugurated airport is anticipated to boost economic activity, tourism, and overall development in Malkangiri. The improved air connectivity is expected to open up opportunities for business and commerce while ensuring quicker and more efficient rescue missions, instilling confidence in security personnel.
CM Patnaik Unveils Rs 4,000-Crore Irrigation Project
On the same occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a Rs 4,000-crore integrated irrigation project at Govindpalli. This project aims to irrigate 92,815 acres of agricultural land and provide drinking water to 1.5 lakh people. Set to commence in April, the project is poised to benefit around 37,000 hectares of land, contributing to agricultural prosperity and water resource management.
The combined impact of Malkangiri Airport’s inauguration and the integrated irrigation project reflects Odisha’s commitment to comprehensive regional development, encompassing both infrastructure and agriculture sectors.
