In a significant development aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting regional development, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated a new flight service connecting the state’s capital, Bhubaneswar, to the tribal-rich Kalahandi district. The launch ceremony took place on Thursday, marked by the departure of a nine-seater aircraft from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to the newly established Utkela Airport, situated near Bhawanipatna, the district headquarters of Kalahandi. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia participated in the inaugural event via video conferencing, emphasizing the importance of this development. The flight service is part of the Udan (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, aimed at improving air connectivity to remote and underserved regions.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his enthusiasm for the new service via Twitter, stating, “Glad to flag off the first flight service between Bhubaneswar and the newly inaugurated Utkela Airport in Kalahandi district. The airport has added yet another golden chapter to Odisha’s aviation sector. It will boost connectivity, commerce, and tourism, fulfilling the aspirations of people in the region.”
The Chief Minister’s office issued a statement highlighting the significance of this air link, noting, “Chief Minister has always stressed on transforming and developing each corner of Odisha. An airport at Utkela to connect to the capital city was a much-needed aspiration of the local community to accelerate economic activity in the region.”
Kalahandi is recognized as a commercial hub in Western Odisha, experiencing rapid population and industrial growth. The introduction of flight services on this route is expected to further stimulate the local industry and tourism sector. The long-standing demand for flight operations at Utkela has now been fulfilled, and this air connectivity is poised to realize the dreams of the local community.
The region boasts attractive tourist destinations such as the Manikeswari Temple, Phurli Jharan Waterfall, Rabandhara Waterfall, and the Khariapat Wildlife Sanctuary, making it a promising draw for tourists after the introduction of air connectivity at Utkela.
The flight schedule is set to commence with departures from Bhubaneswar at 7:15 AM, arriving at Utkela at 8:25 AM. The return leg will take off from Utkela at 8:50 AM, reaching Bhubaneswar at 10:00 AM. Initially, the flight service will be available twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Odisha’s Transport and Commerce Minister, Tukuni Sahu, who was among the first passengers on the inaugural flight, expressed her delight, saying, “The dream of the people in my area to have a flight service has been fulfilled. Although the flight service will be available twice a week initially, steps will be taken to make it available every day of the week.” This underscores the commitment to expanding and optimizing this vital air link for the benefit of the community and the region’s growth.
Prasanta Patnaik