On Sunday, Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha, officially inaugurated the first irregular flight service between Bhubaneswar and Rangeilunda in the Ganjam district.
“In order to increase air connectivity from the state capital to other cities and large areas, the Government of Odisha has started the fully State sponsored flight operation in Bhubaneswar-Rangeilunda (Berhampur) route,” the CMO said in a release.
Air travel would link Temple City Bhubaneswar in Ganjam with the Silk City Berhampur, cutting the distance to just one hour. Southern Odisha’s economic hub, Berhampur, has experienced tremendous population and industrial growth.
“The long-standing demand for flight operation to Rangeilunda has been fulfilled,” the release said.
“The presence of attractive places and tourist destinations like Chilika Lake, Tampara Lake, Gopalpur Beach, Rushikulya River, Tara Tarini Temple, etc. will attract many tourists after air connectivity at Rangeilunda. Senior Doctors, Professors of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur University, IREL, IISER and businessmen from the city will fly out and in frequently,” it added.
Previously, the Rangeilunda airstrip was only seldom used for aviation operations during dignitary arrivals. A 9-seater light aircraft operated by M/s India One Air will fly the Bhubaneswar–Rangeilunda route.
“Chief Minister has always stressed on transforming and developing each corner of Odisha. An airport at Rangeilunda to connect the capital city was a much-needed aspiration of local community to accelerate economic activity in the region.”
Prasanta Patnaik