Jharsuguda: The local airport sprawling across 900 acre here would become operational by Utkal Diwas next year, two months ahead of the deadline, Airport Authority of India(AAI) chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra Friday said.
The chairman, on a one-day visit to the town, reviewed the progress of infrastructure development and held discussions with the consultancy firms engaged in the project, the district officials and locals over the issue.
While speaking to media persons, Mohapatra said the airport was to be completed by June 2018. But the Centre was keen to make it operational by April 1, next year for which the AAI is making all arrangements to meet the deadline, he added.
As the deadline has been advanced by two months, the firms entrusted with the infrastructure development and construction works have been asked to speed up their activities. Besides, the chairman has asked the district administration to provide required support to the firms.
Later, he reviewed the construction of the runway, control room and terminal work. This apart, it was decided to invite tenders from private agencies who can resume flight services between Jharsuguda and Rourkela.
The AAI chairman also appreciated the cooperation extended by the state government for completion of the airport.
The state government has offered 900 acre and granted `100 crore for infrastructure development, it was learnt.
Among others, principal secretary in GA department Ashok Meena, Jharsuguda collector Bibhuti Bhusan Patnaik, SP Umashankar Dash, other officials of AAI, ADM, sub-collector, tehsildar, panchayat executive officer and Wesco officials were present at the review meeting. PNN
