Koraput: The state govt is moving ahead with its plan to upgrade Jeypore Airport, a move expected to enhance regional connectivity and drive economic growth in southern Odisha.Sub-collector (Jeypore) Jadumani Nayak said the administration has identified around 244 acres of land across three villages for acquisition to upgrade the airport from Category 2B to 3C.
The detailed land schedule has been sent to the govt for notification. Once approved, the land acquisition process will begin, he said.Jeypore Airport, which became operational on Oct 31, 2022, under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, currently handles two nine-seater flights daily between Bhubaneswar and Jeypore, and one between Jeypore and Visakhapatnam. With over three years of operations, the airport is now set for a major expansion following approval of its category upgrade.The upgrade will enable the airport to handle 72-seater aircraft and support round-the-clock operations without runway visual range limitations. As part of the expansion, about 244 acres would be acquired, including nearly 50 acres of govt land. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had submitted a positive feasibility report in Aug 2024, paving the way for the project. The existing 1,200-metre runway will be extended to 2,700 metres, along with improved security infrastructure to meet higher operational standards.
The regional transport officer, who is serving as the land requisition officer on behalf of the commerce and transport department, said work on the expansion will begin once the land is handed over.Koraput collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan said the airport upgrade will have a multiplier effect on the region, boosting economic activity, strengthening tourism and improving overall connectivity.
