Malkangiri Airport Inaugurated Without DGCA Approval

24 Sep 2024 CW Team

In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that the Malkangiri Airport, inaugurated by the former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in January 2024, lacked the necessary approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to an RTI query, no application for an aerodrome license was ever filed for the airport’s management.

This raises questions about whether an actual airport or just an airstrip was inaugurated on January 9, 2024. Despite the lavish announcements and advertisements surrounding the inauguration, the RTI response from DGCA has cast doubt on the legitimacy of the event.

RTI activist Pradeep Pradhan criticized the previous government, stating, "They staged this overnight drama to fool the people of Malkangiri and Koraput for votes, spending crores from the state exchequer. Now, the so-called airport is in shambles, with walls collapsed and roads washed away."

Experts highlight that DGCA approval is mandatory for airports, which must include facilities such as ticket counters and security check-ins. However, small airstrips for helicopters do not require DGCA permission, further deepening the question of whether Malkangiri's facility was ever intended to function as a full-fledged airport.

Calls are now being made for the new government to take action. "I urge the Mohan Majhi government to make Malkangiri Airport operational soon," said BJD leader Manas Madkami.

Today, the site languishes in disrepair, with reports of animals roaming freely through the lobby and runway, waterlogging issues, and structural damage caused by heavy rains. The controversy surrounding its inauguration leaves a significant blot on the previous administration’s legacy.

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..