n With an eye for setting up of a full-fledged airport at Jeypore in Koraput district, the State Government has approached the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

While the State Government has written to the AAI for preparation of a DPR, sources said the AAI has also agreed for the same.

After Jharsuguda, the State Government is making serious effort to turn the Jeypore airstrip to a full-fledged airport.

Upgrading the Jeypore airstrip needs expansion of its runway up to 5,000 feet so that commercial flights will be able to fly from the airport.

While its runway expansion is going ahead with a time bound manner, other required infrastructure would be needed to upgrade it to an airport, said officials.

The State Government has allocated Rs 100 crore during 2019-20 for development of the Jeypore Airport along with development of Birasal, Utkela, Sativata and Rangeilunda Airstrips.

While Ude Desh Ke Nagarik (UDAN) promotes such types of airport under regional connectivity programme, Jeypore stands on a better footing as it will connect southern States like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and others due to its geographical advantage.

Connecting Jeypore with RCS-UDAN Programme has been discussed at length in the State Government.

Requirement of personnel was discussed and it came to the fore that over 40 fire and security personnel are needed for the purpose.

Fire and safety equipment is to be deployed as and when Ministry of Civil Aviation allows flight operations from Jeypore.

The Jeypore airstrip was built in the 1960s; and in the early 1980s, flight service was introduced. However due to a crash, services were stopped.

In addition to Jeypore, Birasal in Dhenkanal, Utkela in Kalahandi, Satibhata in Bargarh and Rangeilunda airstrip in Ganjam are being developed.

While Rourkela has a full-fledged airstrip and it has been already connected under RCS-UDAN. However, delay in operation of flights from the airstrip is a cause of concern, officials admit. In fact, Rourkela has been already awarded routes under third phase RCS-UDAN, but flight operations are yet to be started. It has been decided to bring the matter to the attention of the Joint Secretary Civil Aviation so that any hassle can be sorted out while facilitating beginning of flight operations.