Process for the much-awaited expansion work of the Jeypore airstrip has started with the Centre expressing its keenness to make the airstrip an all-weather airport for operation of passenger flights and transportation of MIG-27 and Sukhoi combat aircraft engines as well, according to sources.
The sources revealed that the Centre has decided to transport the aircraft engines by planes from the proposed airport instead of transporting them by road to Vishakhapatnam, 240 km from here, keeping a reduction in transportation cost and security in view.
Besides, the proposed airport would be very helpful for Chhattisgarh’s NMDC, which is going to start its production very soon considering low security prospects of its nearby Jagdalpur airstrip. These apart, the HAl, Nalco and the Central University would be other major users of the proposed Jeypore airport.
The airstrip had been built in 1962 on 60 acres of land. Official sources said following the directive of the State Government, Koraput district Collector Yamini Sarangi, Jeypore Sub-Collector Poma Tudu and Tehsildar Rabi Narayan Majhi recently visited Bankabija village under the Gaganapur mouza and identified 445.52 acres of land near the airstrip for acquisition.
“The district administration would take necessary steps after it receives funds from the State Government to give compensation to the land owners,” a top district official said.