The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), which owns the Rourkela airport in Odisha, has been tardy to expand the airport’s all-weather capabilities, according to the information provided by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). In response, the government of Odisha has assumed control of the situation.

Usha Padhee, the principal secretary for the department of commerce and transportation, has addressed a letter to Sanjiv Kumar, the chairman of the AAI, demanding two detailed project reports (DPRs) for the modernization of the airports in Rourkela and Jeypore. Currently, these airports have VFR operation licences and operate under the RCS (Regional Connectivity plan) plan.

As a result of several flight delays and cancellations caused by poor visibility and inclement weather, Padhee noted that there have been public outcries and requests for all-weather operations at these airports. She encouraged the AAI to create DPRs with master planning, land needs, projected landing and homing aids, specifics of night landing facilities with Category 1 ILS (Instrument Landing System), IAL (Integrated Approach Lighting), and RNP (Required Navigational Performance) protocols, among other information. She also asked for an upgrading to the 3C licence category for the airports. According to Padhee, the government should be informed of any fees associated with DPRs so that they can be paid.

This development is in response to allegations that the Civil Aviation Ministry broke its commitments to upgrade the Rourkela airport and begin flight operations between Rourkela and Kolkata after the conclusion of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023, which was held in Rourkela
Source- Travel biz
Link- https://travelbizmonitor.com/odisha-seeks-dettailed-reports-for-upgrading-rourkela-jeypore-airports/