The Odisha government is implementing significant plans to upgrade Veer Surendra Sai (VSS) Airport in Jharsuguda. The initiative aims to enhance regional air connectivity and create space for larger aircraft. During a recent meeting chaired by N.B.S. Rajput, the Principal Secretary of the Transport Department, officials outlined a strategy to acquire an additional 235 acres of land, increasing the airport’s total area from 1,139 acres.
This expansion aims to elevate the airport’s classification from Category 4C to 4E, enabling it to accommodate larger, more advanced aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 and the latest Airbus models. The project includes extensive work on the runway and the construction of a second terminal to manage increased passenger traffic.
However, the vision extends beyond just infrastructure. The broader goal is to establish Jharsuguda as a major aviation hub for Odisha. The expanded airport is expected to stimulate economic growth and attract more industries to the region. By transitioning from a smaller domestic airport to one capable of handling wide-body international jets, VSS Airport could play a crucial role in shaping Odisha’s transportation landscape.
