In a bid to improve air connectivity, the Odisha government has invited airline operators to run flights on the Rourkela-Kolkata and Bhubaneswar-Jharsuguda routes. 

The information in this regard was obtained after the state Commerce and Transport Department issued an advertisement on March 13, calling for airlines to operate up to seven flights per week on these routes.

Notably, the move comes amid frequent flight cancellations by Alliance Air, the current operator under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN.

The advertisement also added that Incentives and viability gap funding (VGF) will be provided under the New Destination Policy 2025 to ensure sustainable operations.

Existing Challenges and Government Response

Alliance Air, which operates an ATR-72 aircraft on the Rourkela-Bhubaneswar route, has struggled with frequent cancellations due to a tight flight schedule and visibility issues at Rourkela.

The airline introduced flights to Rourkela on January 7, 2023, but limited aircraft availability has led to irregular services, frustrating passengers.

Expansion Plans Underway

As stated in February, the Odisha government is also working on upgrading Rourkela Airport, currently operated by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

The expansion plan includes acquiring land from Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) and securing a 4C license, which would allow night landings and operations of larger aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

The proposed runway extension to 2,700 metres, along with Doppler Very High-Frequency Omni Range (DVOR) and Category 1 Instrument Landing System (ILS), is expected to significantly boost air connectivity and economic activity in the region. A proposal has reportedly been sent to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for approval.