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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3384
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 23rd March 2026
SPECIAL AVIATION PACKAGE FOR ASPIRATIONAL AND LWE-
AFFECTED DISTRICTS OF ODISHA
3384. SHRI MANAS RANJAN MANGARAJ
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government acknowledges that poor air connectivity in southern Odisha affects
emergency medical evacuation, disaster response (particularly cyclones in coastal districts)
and development in Left-Wing Extremism affected districts;
(b) whether any special aviation package is being considered for backward and tribal-
dominated districts of the State of Odisha; and
(c) the expected timeline for ensuring equitable regional air connectivity across all regions of
the State?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar
Mohol)
(a) to (c): The Government is enhancing regional air connectivity in Odisha under the RCS-
UDAN scheme. Four airports, namely Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Utkela and Jeypore, have been
operationalised. Further, Rangeilunda, Amarda and Rairangpur airstrips have been identified
for development. So far, 32 RCS routes have been operationalised and Rs. 215 crore has been
disbursed as VGF in the State.
Several airstrips, including Angul, Barbil, Birasal, Gudari, Hirakud, Jayakpur, Lanjigarh,
Nawapara, Padampur, Raisuan, Sukinda, Theruboli, Tushra, Malkangiri, Baripada and
Konark, are listed as unserved airstrips under UDAN and routes may be considered based on
airline bids under the Scheme. Expansion of connectivity under UDAN is an ongoing and
demand-driven process, depending on availability of land, infrastructure, regulatory
approvals and airline participation.
The Government has also announced a Modified UDAN Scheme to connect 120 new
destinations, serve 4 crore passengers over the next 10 years, and also support helipads and
small airports in hilly, aspirational and North East region districts. The Scheme is presently
at the approval stage.
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