The State Government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Airport Authority of India for the development of the historic Jharsuguda airport used during the World War -II by the Allied Forces to counter Japanese advances.

The Jharsuguda airport, the second one in the State after the Biju Patnaik airport in Bhubaneswar, belongs to the AAI and spreads over 909.22 acres of land but is not in operation. Only a traffic control tower is functional and charter aircrafts are being operated from here.

As per the AAI’s preliminary estimate, a sum of Rs 210 crore would be spent for modernisation and expansion of the airport including strengthening and extension of the runway, apron and associated facilities, construction of a new terminal building, an isolation bay, a new technical block, control tower and fire station, upgradation of the navigational aids, visual aids and ground lighting facilities, etc.

While the State Government would provide Rs 75 crore, the Centre and the AAI would invest the rest of the funds.

The MoU was signed by AAI Chairman Alok Sinha and Special Secretary of State General Administration Department Nitin Chandra in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

According to the MoU, the AAI would develop the airport for full-fledged operation of A-320 aircraft within a period of  two years from the date on which the physical possession of land for phase one is handed over along with Rs 75 crore for the project. The airport would be developed in two years’ time subject to the condition that the State Government provides the requisite land in time.

As per the MoU, the State Government would provide 296.50 acres of land, 118.75 acres immediately, to the AAI free of cost for development of the airport.

The Jharsuguda airport would provide air connectivity to north and western Odisha. The Chief Minister said the airport would have a great strategic significance as it is situated amidst a major industrial hub and minerals-bearing areas.