In a monumental moment for regional air travel, Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, in collaboration with Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh (Rtd.), MoS, Ministry of Civil Aviation, spearheaded the inauguration of Utkela Airport and the commencement of direct flights between Utkela and Bhubaneshwar. This significant event unfolded seamlessly through video conferencing, marking a new era in air travel connectivity.
Utkela Airport: A Marvel Under UDAN Scheme
Utkela Airport, proudly owned by the Government of Odisha, has emerged as a key player in regional aviation, all thanks to the visionary UDAN scheme by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. A substantial investment of Rs. 31.07 Cr has been devoted to its development. The airport boasts a runway extending over 917 meters (2,995 ft.) with a width of 30 meters, setting the stage for seamless air travel experiences. With the inclusion of Utkela Airport, Odisha now spreads its wings with a total of five airports, elevating its air connectivity profile.
Wings of Progress: Utkela – Bhubaneshwar Flight Route Takes Off
The freshly inaugurated Utkela – Bhubaneshwar – Utkela flight route is set to revolutionize regional air connectivity, playing a pivotal role in the economic growth of the region. IndiaOne will be steering flights along this route, commencing on August 31st. To facilitate this air journey, the operator will be deploying 9-seater Cessna C-208 aircraft, in alignment with the UDAN scheme. The flight schedule is as follows:
- Monday: Departure from Utkela to Bhubaneshwar
- Tuesday: Departure from Bhubaneshwar to Utkela
- Wednesday: Departure from Utkela to Bhubaneshwar
- Thursday: Departure from Bhubaneshwar to Utkela
- Friday: Departure from Utkela to Bhubaneshwar
- Saturday: Departure from Bhubaneshwar to Utkela
- Sunday: No Scheduled Flights
Bridging Distances: Utkela to Bhubaneshwar in Just Over an Hour
In his inaugural address, Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia emphasized that the Utkela to Bhubaneswar air connectivity will drastically reduce travel time, cutting down an arduous 8-hour road journey to a mere one hour and twenty minutes. This transformation promises to kickstart a new era of economic prosperity in the Kalahandi region, paving the way for diverse employment opportunities. Shri Scindia underscored the close cooperation between the central government and the Odisha government in the development of civil aviation infrastructure within the state.
A Testament to Investment: Redevelopment of Utkela Airport
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation, Gen Dr. V K Singh (Retd.), revealed that the central government’s significant investment of approximately Rs. 31 Crore has rejuvenated the Utkela airport. With the launch of flights connecting Kalahandi to Bhubaneswar and other key cities in the state, this development is poised to be a catalyst for the region’s growth.
A Distinguished Gathering
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Sujit Kumar, MP Rajya Sabha; Shri Basanta Kumar Panda, MP Lok Sabha; Smt. Tukuni Sahu, Minister, Water Resources and Commerce & Transport, Govt. of Odisha; Shri Rajiv Bansal, Secretary Ministry of Civil Aviation; Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Govt of Odisha; and CEO of India One, Shri Arun Kumar Singh, all contributed to the grandeur of this landmark occasion.
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