The expansion work of the Rangeilunda airstrip adjacent to the Brahmapur University has been disrupted due to delay in land acquisition by the district administration.
According to information, a tender has been finalised for the Rs 43.34-crore project. While it was targeted to complete the expansion work, required for landing of a 20-seater aircraft, in 18 months’ time, six months have already elapsed but no work has been initiated.
As per the approved proposal, the length of the runway would be increased from existing 895 metres to 1820 metres and width to be expanded from 30 metres to 50 metres.
While Rs 24.51 crore would be spent for runway expansion, Rs 5 crore set for diversion of the Brahmapur-Gopalapur Road, Rs 7.23 crore for land acquisition and Rs 16 crore has been set for compensation payment.
A total of 41 acres of land would be acquired for the expansion work, which includes 36 acres for runway expansion and 5 acres for road diversion.
When contacted, Works Department Executive Engineer AK Dash said, “The district Collector has been recommended for acquisition of 41 acres of land. Now, valuation of lands is being done. Expansion work will start once land acquisition work is over.”