With Odisha’s aviation network expanding rapidly, the state government has begun work on an Aviation Security Training Institute (ASTI) to serve current and future airports. The former Government Aviation Training Institute premises at Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, are being refurbished by the Directorate of Civil Aviation in line with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security guidelines.

Because full redevelopment will take time, the directorate plans a temporary campus in the Mancheswar area so courses can begin without delay. The institute will address the growing demand for security personnel as new facilities take shape, including an international airport at Puri and proposed airstrips in Sambalpur, Nuapada and other districts.

ASTI will operate under a public–private partnership: the private partner will run and maintain the centre while delivering accredited courses at affordable fees, with priority admission for local youth. Officials say the goal is to create employment ready professionals and ultimately elevate ASTI to a national Centre of Excellence for aviation security.