Odisha is all set to get a new airport in the Malkangiri district. The state government told the media that it took all the measures to operationalise the airport by January 2024. Access to an airport will make transportation easier and quicker to the Mao-affected areas of Malkangiri district. Chief Secretary Suresh Chnadra Mahapatra checked the progress of construction of a new airport in a high-level digital meeting from the Loksva Bhawan. Mahapatra ordered the works department to run the airport for state planes by January 2024. The Principal Secretary of Commerce and Transport, Bishnupada Sethi, outlined the problems for discussion. As Malkangiri is the farthest district from state headquarters, the airport will add to increasing the quality of health and education services in the area, Mahapatra said, adding that the airport would also improve the economic and commercial activities in the district. He ordered the building of the airport for state planes in the first phase, which would be expanded with the development and demand for bigger flights. He additionally directed the departments of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water to hand over the current two roads to the Works department. He asked the Works department to complete the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) quickly and go ahead with tendering. Tata power southern Odisha Distribution Ltd ( TPSODL) has been asked to move the existing electric line by June 2022. Mahapatra also asked the officials to clear obstacles and ensure the laying of the airstrip of 800 to 1000 m for the operation of state flights. Image Source Also read: 16 new airports to be built across five states in India: Scindia