By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on Monday directed the Works Department to operationalise the Malkangiri Airport for State planes by January, 2024. Chairing a high level meeting Chief Secretary Mohapatra said that, the airport would also enhance the economic and commercial activities in the district. Additional Chief Secretary Forest and Environment Mona Sharma, Principal Secretary Finance, Vishal Kumar Dev, Special Secretary Commerce & Transport Manoj Kumar Mishra along with senior officers of AAI and concerned departments participated in the discussions.
Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport, Bishnupada Sethi said, “Presently Malkangiri airfield can be developed as a 2B category airport. As of now, land acquisition is over, and raising of concrete posts with barbed wire fencing along with the gate has been completed.
Administrative approval has also been accorded for the project estimated around Rs 29 crore”. He added that the project would involve the Government land of around 74 acres, private land of around 126 acres, and forest land of around 33 acres.
Chief Secretary directed the departments of Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water to handover the existing two roads to the Works department. Works department would strengthen those roads as per the required specifications.
Mr.Mahapatra also directed TPSODL to shift the existing electric line within June, 2022. Chief Secretary asked to clear the obstacles that were necessary for laying of the airstrip of 800 to 1000 mt for operation of state flights. He directed the works department to finish preparation of DPR quickly and go ahead for tendering.
