Odisha Approves 10 New Flight Routes to Boost Connectivity

27 Apr 2026 CW Team

Proposed services would connect Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda with Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Bhopal, Shirdi, Tirupati, Surat, Puri, Kolkata and Ujjain. The committee also examined upgrades to airstrips at Satibhata, Jamadarpalli, Raisuan, Amarda Road and Gotma to support scheduled operations. Development plans include expansion works at regional airports and measures to improve ground infrastructure. Attention was drawn to enhancing facilities at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to handle increased regional traffic.

The state cabinet had earlier approved a Rs 41.82 billion (Rs 4,182 crore) Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network scheme for 2025-30, referred to as B-MAAN, to develop aviation infrastructure. Officials said over Rs five billion (Rs 500 crore) has been earmarked specifically for the airstrip projects under the scheme. Heliports are proposed in districts that currently lack air connectivity, including Nabarangpur and Phulbani, as well as at Taratarini. Plans also cover upgrades to existing regional airports such as Jeypore and Tusura.

The committee decided to pursue discussions with the government to expedite the Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri and directed that land transfer for expansion at Jharsuguda and Rourkela be completed by May 2026. A review of the Odisha Civil Aviation Policy 2022 was ordered with a view to preparing a second version for cabinet approval. Officials were asked to prepare a proposal to reduce VAT on aviation fuel to promote services and to develop the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre at Birasal in Dhenkanal district. The meeting also called for steps to operationalise Malkangiri airport and accelerate connectivity initiatives.

The Odisha government has approved 10 new flight routes in a move to expand regional air connectivity and boost tourism. A high-level committee chaired by chief secretary Anu Garg endorsed the plan to link Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda with several key cities, noting that the routes are likely to be operated by Star Air using smaller aircraft. The decision is intended to strengthen links between the state capital and emerging regional centres. Officials described the approvals as part of a broader effort to decentralise air services. Proposed services would connect Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda with Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Bhopal, Shirdi, Tirupati, Surat, Puri, Kolkata and Ujjain. The committee also examined upgrades to airstrips at Satibhata, Jamadarpalli, Raisuan, Amarda Road and Gotma to support scheduled operations. Development plans include expansion works at regional airports and measures to improve ground infrastructure. Attention was drawn to enhancing facilities at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to handle increased regional traffic. The state cabinet had earlier approved a Rs 41.82 billion (Rs 4,182 crore) Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network scheme for 2025-30, referred to as B-MAAN, to develop aviation infrastructure. Officials said over Rs five billion (Rs 500 crore) has been earmarked specifically for the airstrip projects under the scheme. Heliports are proposed in districts that currently lack air connectivity, including Nabarangpur and Phulbani, as well as at Taratarini. Plans also cover upgrades to existing regional airports such as Jeypore and Tusura. The committee decided to pursue discussions with the government to expedite the Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri and directed that land transfer for expansion at Jharsuguda and Rourkela be completed by May 2026. A review of the Odisha Civil Aviation Policy 2022 was ordered with a view to preparing a second version for cabinet approval. Officials were asked to prepare a proposal to reduce VAT on aviation fuel to promote services and to develop the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre at Birasal in Dhenkanal district. The meeting also called for steps to operationalise Malkangiri airport and accelerate connectivity initiatives.

Infrastructure Transport

15 May 2026

MMRDA Removes 1.14 lakh m of Metro Barricades

In a bid to ease congestion and improve urban mobility during monsoon, MMRDA has undertaken one of the largest coordinated barricade removal and monsoon preparedness drives across its ongoing metro and infrastructure projects.With substantial progress achieved in viaduct and structural works across multiple metro corridors, barricades from completed stretches beneath metro viaducts are being systematically removed, restoring maximum possible road space before the monsoon. Wider carriageways across key arterial roads are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, support better rainwa..

Infrastructure Transport

15 May 2026

Pune Division to Remove All Diamond Crossings by Year-End

The Pune railway division has announced plans to remove all 16 diamond crossings by the end of 2026 as part of a major yard remodelling project following the derailment of a Vande Bharat Express at Pune Junction on April 27. Railway authorities said the replacements aim to improve safety and streamline train operations across the busy station. The decision followed a Central Railway finding that the accident involved a non-standard diamond crossing and highlighted the need for replacement. Regular maintenance of existing crossings will continue until the replacement work is completed. Official..

Infrastructure Urban

15 May 2026

Goa Declares 80 Million Square Metres No Development Zone

The Goa state government has declared 80 million square metres (mn) of land a no development zone, designating the area as protected from new construction. The notification reclassifies tracts across the state under a no development category for planning and regulatory purposes. The declaration signals a formal halt to new building permits within the defined zone. Authorities indicated that maps will be issued to show broad boundaries while detailed surveys will refine precise limits. The move transfers responsibility for enforcement to local planning authorities and relevant departments, whic..