The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) signed an agreement at New Delhi on Friday for commencement of commercial operations from the Rourkela Airport.
Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) ED (P and A) PK Satpathy and AII ED-II NV Subbarayudu signed the pact.
Keeping in view the urgent requirement of the airport because of the forthcoming World Cup hockey matches to be played in Rourkela, RSP Director-in-charge AtanuBhowmic has taken the initiative of owning the airport and bearing its major expenditure.
The AAI on behalf of the RSP would operate and manage the airport while the State Government would provide security and fire and ambulance services.
The SAIL had signed anMoU in 2018 for use of its own airport under the UDAN scheme for operation of commercial flights. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has provided financial support for the up-gradation of the airport.
The operationalisation of the airport would not only enhance the connectivity of the city but would also boost the health, academic, tourism and commercial sectors.