The Odisha district of Koraput, which is predominately tribal and was formerly Maoist-infested, can now boast of air access from Bhubaneswar. The determined and energising efforts of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik have made this possible. The Koraput district, which is a part of the underdeveloped KBK region of Odisha, offers a plethora of natural resources and scenic beauty, as well as tremendous potential for tourism due to its vibrant tribal culture. But this area’s inability to be reached by air was impeding its rapid expansion and development.
Naveen Patnaik has been collaborating closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to make sure that flights to Jeypore, the district headquarters of Koraput, begin as soon as possible after realising the huge potential of the city.
The first aircraft to Jeypore in Koraput after 75 years of Indian freedom departed from Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport, ushering in a new age of development for this area that was formerly more well-known for its Maoist infestation.
IndiaOne Air’s direct service between Bhubaneswar and Jeypore was inaugurated on 31st October 2022 morning by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Around 11.35 am, the flight from Bhubaneswar will depart, and it will arrive in Jeypore at 1.20 pm. At 4.05 p.m., the flight from Jeypore will take off, and it will land at the airport in Bhubaneswar at 5.50 p.m.
With new air service, the Koraput district in eastern India will become the most anticipated travel destination due to its clean, rich forest, vibrant tribal culture, eco-friendly way of life, and organic food offerings.
Prasanta Patnaik