Push Renewed for Ganjam Greenfield Airport Project

08 Sep 2025 CW Team

The urgency intensified after the central government identified land for a greenfield airport just 30 km away, at Baruva in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. In response, Odisha’s Transport Minister has urged authorities to establish a similar facility at Subani village, located close to the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border.

The Minister highlighted that an airport at Subani would serve communities across both states, boosting regional connectivity, trade, and economic development. However, public opinion remains divided on the ideal site. While some advocate for Subani’s strategic border location, others call for a more centralised site within Ganjam district for greater accessibility.

Local resident P.K. Pattnaik proposed alternate locations, including 500 acres near Laxmipur mouza and 500–600 acres near Regdi junction, both considered suitable for the project.

“There is no development without an airport. The government must act decisively and begin work to assure Ganjam residents that the airport will be built at any cost,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Rengeilunda airstrip, which briefly operated under the UDAN scheme in 2024 with a 17-seater aircraft, remains non-operational due to runway limitations. Currently spanning 27 acres, the facility requires an additional 56 acres—including 40 acres of government land and 16 acres from private owners—for full functionality.

Authorities are now prioritising the airstrip’s runway extension, underground cabling, and the development of basic passenger facilities, with the Southern Revenue Commissioner confirming efforts to make the airstrip operational by January.

As aviation infrastructure gains renewed focus in Odisha’s southern region, residents are hopeful that Ganjam will soon secure a modern airport that enhances both accessibility and economic potential.

The long-standing demand for a Greenfield Airport in Ganjam district, Odisha, has regained momentum as local residents and leaders renew calls for swift action from both the state and central governments. Despite prolonged discussions over the years, a final decision on a suitable location is yet to be taken.The urgency intensified after the central government identified land for a greenfield airport just 30 km away, at Baruva in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. In response, Odisha’s Transport Minister has urged authorities to establish a similar facility at Subani village, located close to the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border.The Minister highlighted that an airport at Subani would serve communities across both states, boosting regional connectivity, trade, and economic development. However, public opinion remains divided on the ideal site. While some advocate for Subani’s strategic border location, others call for a more centralised site within Ganjam district for greater accessibility.Local resident P.K. Pattnaik proposed alternate locations, including 500 acres near Laxmipur mouza and 500–600 acres near Regdi junction, both considered suitable for the project.“There is no development without an airport. The government must act decisively and begin work to assure Ganjam residents that the airport will be built at any cost,” he said.Meanwhile, the Rengeilunda airstrip, which briefly operated under the UDAN scheme in 2024 with a 17-seater aircraft, remains non-operational due to runway limitations. Currently spanning 27 acres, the facility requires an additional 56 acres—including 40 acres of government land and 16 acres from private owners—for full functionality.Authorities are now prioritising the airstrip’s runway extension, underground cabling, and the development of basic passenger facilities, with the Southern Revenue Commissioner confirming efforts to make the airstrip operational by January.As aviation infrastructure gains renewed focus in Odisha’s southern region, residents are hopeful that Ganjam will soon secure a modern airport that enhances both accessibility and economic potential.

Infrastructure Transport

17 Oct 2025

Sonowal Unveils Eight Projects at NMPA’s Golden Jubilee

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) at Bharat Mandapam. To commemorate the milestone, he unveiled eight major maritime infrastructure projects designed to strengthen India’s port network, enhance logistics performance, and promote sustainability. These include a modern cruise terminal, new covered storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital, expanded truck terminals, and improved port access infrastructure aimed at enhancing..

Infrastructure Energy

17 Oct 2025

India To Boost US LPG Imports, Cut Middle East Reliance

India is planning to reduce imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Middle East as state-owned refiners prepare to ramp up purchases from the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move aligns with New Delhi’s efforts to expand energy cooperation and secure a broader trade deal with Washington. State refiners have already notified their traditional LPG suppliers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar of the potential reduction in imports. Although the exact size of the supply cut was not disclosed, earlier reports suggested that Indi..

Infrastructure Energy

17 Oct 2025

UK Sanctions Nayara Energy in Crackdown on Russian Oil

The United Kingdom has announced fresh sanctions on 90 entities, including Indian refiner Nayara Energy Limited, in its latest bid to curb Russian oil revenues and weaken President Vladimir Putin’s war funding. The sanctions, unveiled jointly by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK Treasury, aim to disrupt networks supporting Moscow’s crude exports amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the FCDO, the new restrictions are intended to “strike at the heart of Putin’s war funding” by targeting firms and assets that enable Russia’s energy trade. “..