Baleswar MP RK Jena has demanded that the Rasgobindapur airstrip in Mayurbhanj district be renovated for the benefit of people in north Odisha.
The airstrip was highly useful to the British air force during the World War II operations. It was built in the early 1940s. But, presently the historic site is lying neglected. Jena said the Civil Aviation Ministry had decided to develop at least 200 low cost aerodromes across the State and therefore, the Rasgondipur airstrip should be included in the list of the proposed sites.
“The runway length is about 11,000 square feet. It is concrete and still intact. There is a requirement of renovation. Once the airfield is renovated and put in service, not only people of Baleswar and Mayurbhanj, but of Bhadrak and Keonjhar would also enjoy the facility,” said Jena.
He further said, “Odisha has a population of about 4.19 crore yet due to neglect by the centre, it has only one airport. Since there are airports in other States where the population concentration is between 70 lakh and 80 lakh, in order to remove the disparities, the department should renovate the Rasgobindapur airstrip and put it into use on a priority basis.”