August 31, 2023, witnessed a momentous occasion as Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, joined by Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), Minister of State for Civil Aviation, inaugurated Utkela Airport in Odisha. This landmark event is a vital component of the ambitious UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, designed to elevate regional air connectivity throughout India.
A standout feature of this inauguration is the introduction of a direct flight route connecting Utkela and Bhubaneshwar. This air link holds the promise of fortifying regional connectivity and igniting economic growth within the region.
The journey between Utkela and Bhubaneshwar will now be notably efficient, with the flight completing the distance in just one hour and twenty minutes. Minister Scindia underscored the significance of this improved connectivity, emphasizing its potential to catalyze economic activities and generate employment opportunities in the area.
To facilitate this vital air link, nine-seater Cessna C-208 aircraft will be deployed. Utkela Airport boasts a well-designed runway measuring 917 meters (2,995 feet) in length and 30 meters in width, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of flights.
With the addition of Utkela Airport, Odisha’s aviation infrastructure now encompasses a total of five airports. This connectivity between Kalahandi (Utkela) and Bhubaneswar, in addition to links with other cities within the state, is poised to drive comprehensive development in the region.