Brahmapur Airport Proposal: Sasmit Patra Urges Upgrade of Rangeilunda Airstrip
BJD MP Dr Sasmit Patra has urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu to upgrade the Rangeilunda Airstrip in Ganjam into a full-fledged commercial airport named Brahmapur Airport.
Southern Odisha, despite its growing economic and educational importance, continues to face an aviation deficit.
Residents rely on Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam airports, leading to delays and higher travel costs.
The Rangeilunda Airstrip was identified under the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme in 2018, with operations beginning in March 2023.
Dr Patra has consistently raised the demand in Parliament, highlighting the region’s tourism potential, seafood and textile exports, MSME growth, and disaster preparedness needs.
The Union government has already recognised Rangeilunda as a site for RCS flight development.
The proposed airport is expected to:
- Boost tourism in coastal Odisha, including Gopalpur-on-Sea.
- Strengthen logistics for agriculture, seafood, and textiles.
- Provide faster emergency medical connectivity.
- Enhance disaster response in cyclone-prone areas.
Dr Patra has requested a joint feasibility study with the Airports Authority of India and the Odisha government to develop terminal, runway, and navigation infrastructure.
The proposal has sparked excitement among locals, businesses, and students, who see it as a historic milestone for Odisha’s aviation future.
