The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has reportedly identified a land parcel between Mandasa and Vajrapukotturu mandals for the proposed airport in Srikakulam district. A recent visit by a five-member AAI team confirmed the suitability of the land, which spans approximately 1,384 acres.

Of the identified area, around 300 acres are government-owned, while the remaining 1,100 acres would need to be acquired from local residents. The team, led by DGM Parvinder, with members Malkit Singh, KP Venkata Raman, Sunil Kumar, and Sheik Abdul Azeez, inspected land parcels across five villages in Mandasa and Vajrapukotturu mandals. The team examined water resources, groundwater availability, and other factors relevant to the airport’s feasibility.

The AAI team is expected to submit a detailed feasibility report to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation soon. If the project moves forward, the Srikakulam airport would significantly boost regional connectivity, linking the Bhubaneswar and Bhogapuram airports. It would also serve as a valuable resource for defence, supporting the Navy and military base at Gopalpur in Odisha during emergencies.

Additionally, a six-lane road from Mulapeta port to Bhogapuram airport is part of the proposed coastal corridor development project.

The new airport would be especially beneficial to the Palasa area, which exports cashew products worth over Rs 500 crore annually. Furthermore, the Centre has allocated Rs 24 crore for the modernisation of the Palasa railway station, further enhancing public transport facilities in the region. The station's modernization work is progressing swiftly.