Bhubaneswar Launches Odishas First 4,670 sqm MRO Facility, Boosting Connectivity and Jobs
Odisha is strategically positioning itself as a burgeoning aviation hub with the establishment of its first Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bhubaneswar, a pivotal move set to catalyse an aviation-linked economic ecosystem. This significant development, coupled with an aggressive New Destination Policy, underscores the state’s commitment to bolstering regional and international air connectivity, fostering trade, tourism, and seamless integration. The comprehensive approach aims to create a sustainable and equitable aviation landscape, ensuring accessibility and economic benefits for all citizens.
The formal completion of all prerequisites for the MRO facility marks a crucial milestone in Odisha’s aviation strategy. This initiative, spearheaded by the commerce and transport department, is designed to attract investments, generate employment, and reduce the dependency on MRO services outside the state, thereby enhancing self-reliance in the aviation sector. The New Destination Policy, a cornerstone of this expansion, has already yielded impressive results, operationalising 13 new international and domestic flight services. These new routes are opening vital corridors for commerce and cultural exchange, connecting Odisha to global markets and strengthening ties with diaspora communities.
On the international front, direct flights from Bhubaneswar to prominent destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have commenced, significantly elevating Odisha’s global aviation footprint. Domestically, new air routes linking Jharsuguda to Mumbai and Hyderabad, and Bhubaneswar to Goa, Dehradun, and Port Blair, are enhancing accessibility to previously underserved regions. This expanded network is particularly beneficial for tribal areas, industrial centres, and key tourist destinations, promoting equitable access to air travel and fostering inclusive growth across the state. Furthermore, regional airstrips at Jeypore, Rourkela, Utkela, and Rangeilunda have been operationalised under the central UDAN scheme, ensuring last-mile connectivity and democratising air travel for the common citizen.
In a parallel and equally significant development, the proposed Puri airport project has advanced to a critical stage with the integration of the Interactive Colour Coded Zoning Map (CCZM) on the NOCAS 2.0 platform. This innovative digital tool streamlines online height clearance applications, intricately linking aviation planning with sustainable urban growth, regulated infrastructure development, and stringent environmental safeguards. This forward-thinking approach ensures that future aviation expansion is meticulously planned, minimising ecological impact and promoting harmonious coexistence between urban development and environmental preservation.
Looking ahead, the Odisha government is actively drafting a dedicated drone policy and expediting land allocation for critical airport infrastructure. These proactive measures are integral to building a resilient, innovation-driven aviation ecosystem that is future-ready. The holistic strategy, encompassing robust infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, digital planning tools, and progressive policy frameworks, positions Odisha as a leading example of sustainable aviation development in India. This comprehensive vision aims to create an aviation sector that is not only economically vibrant but also environmentally conscious and socially inclusive, contributing to the state’s broader developmental goals and ensuring a thriving future for its populace.
