Odisha, AAI sign pact to develop Jharsuguda airport

11 Nov 2025 CW Team

The Odisha government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for developing a full-fledged airport at Jharsuguda in western Odisha at an estimated cost of Rs 2.1 billion.

At present, the Jharsuguda facility, operated by AAI, caters only to a few chartered flights. Odisha currently has just one operational full-scale airport — the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar.

Under the new agreement, the state government will contribute Rs 750 million towards the project. AAI already holds 909.22 hectares of land in Jharsuguda, while the state has agreed to provide an additional 296.5 acres free of cost, including 118.75 acres to be transferred immediately.

AAI Chairman Alok Sinha said, “We can complete construction of the airport within two years from the date of land acquisition.”

Once operational, the Jharsuguda airport is expected to significantly enhance regional air connectivity and spur economic development across western Odisha.

Infrastructure Urban

05 May 2026

Meghalaya And Assam Hold Talks To End Transport Stoppages In Garo Hills

Meghalaya and Assam have opened talks aimed at ending recent stoppages of commodity transport in the Garo Hills, officials said. The deputy chief minister, in charge of home affairs, reported that both state governments are coordinating to resolve disruptions and to restore normal movement of goods. He acknowledged that misunderstandings may have contributed to the incidents and that clarification between administrative units is under way. The discussions are intended to produce practical arrangements that will allow consignments to move without hindrance while respecting local procedures. The..

Kochi Metro Records 1.375 mn Rise In Passengers In FY26

Kochi Metro recorded a marginal rise in ridership in the financial year 2025-26, carrying 1.375 mn more passengers than in the previous year. The service carried 36.8 million (mn) passengers in 2025-26 compared with 35.5 mn in 2024-25, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.9 per cent. The growth was described as distributed rather than concentrated in isolated spikes. A month-wise analysis shows steady gains across quarters. In the first quarter, ridership increased from 8.57 mn to 8.84 mn, while the second quarter rose from 9.13 mn to 9.51 mn. These trends indicated broad-based improvemen..

Ghaziabad Plans 16km Metro Link To Delhi Via Hindon Airport

Ghaziabad authorities are pursuing a 16 km metro link to Delhi that will run via Hindon Airport, and a detailed project report is under way. The plan is intended to improve connectivity between Ghaziabad and the national capital and to provide an interchange with the airport. Officials said the project is being studied to assess alignments, station locations and cost estimates ahead of formal approvals and tendering. The announcement follows the inauguration of the Delhi?Faridabad metro extension, which will offer hassle free travel for around 0.2 mn daily commuters between the national capita..