Modernisation of Rourkela airstrip delayed

Rourkela: The much awaited expansion and modernisation of the existing airstrip at Rourkela to a fully functional airport seems to have been put in cold storage.
The airstrip at Rourkela is maintained and managed by Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). It was set up by another steel major Tisco. The Tatas had interest in this area as they wanted dolomite for their steel unit. This was set for facilitating the movement of its officials in this area during the quarrying days. However, once Tatas stopped their operation the airstrip was handed over to the state government and in due course it came into the possession of RSP and since then it is being maintained by RSP.
After the grand revival of RSP and simultaneous industrialisation of Sundergarh district gave rise to the need of a fully functional airstrip with regular flight connection to Rourkela. A persistent demand for regular flight connection to Rourkela thus came to the fore. Some private operators also showed interest to start tri weekly flight.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI), showed interest in developing the Rourkela airport to a level where bigger aircraft can land. Last year a team officials discussed the project with RSP authorities here.
But an year later nothing has moved. Neither the AAI or nor the state government or any agency have sincerely followed the project.
23/04/08 The Statesman

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Categories: Airports Apr 2008, New Apr 2008