A dedicated policy for development of civil aviation soon: CM

Projecting Odisha as the most sought after business destination, the Odisha government today said it has been preparing a dedicated policy for development of civil aviation.
"Government of Odisha is currently working on preparation of a dedicated policy for development of civil aviation in the state," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said while addressing the conclave on development of civil aviation in the state.
Stating that the state has 12 functional airstrips and about 16 helipads, Patnaik said all of them may not be commercially viable.
"But due to marked shift in economic activities in the last few years, definitely a strong case in favour of Odisha exists for development of a few airstrips into full fledged airports capable of handling mid-sized aircraft," Patnaik said.

Though the Union Civil Aviation Ministry has been supportive in installing a new domestic terminal at Biju Patnaik Airport, the chief minister said "Our government expects something more from the ministry."
The state presently has only one airport in Bhubaneswar, he said.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh, who attended the conclave, assured that the Centre would certainly take steps for setting up an airport in Jharsuguda after the state government handed over the land required.
The need for civil aviation infrastructure was required as the state has attracted Rs 8.85 lakh crore investment in different sectors, while suffering from some impediments, Patnaik said.

"It is an apt moment for the state to initiate serious discussions on finding ways to increase aviation footprints in our state in order to ensure Odisha remains firmly on the growth trajectory it has created itself over the years," Patnaik said.
He also reiterated his government's willingness to reduce tax on aviation turbine fuel to five per cent for international flights touching Bhubaneswar and for all domestic flights from and to Bhubaneswar which touched at least one more airport located in the state.