Satyanarayan Mohapatra
Odisha, a state steeped in aviation history, is charting a new course towards becoming a prominent center for flight training in India. The legacy of the legendary Biju Patnaik, a daring pilot and the founder of Kalinga Airlines, continues to inspire the state's ambitions in the aviation sector. Now, with a strategic plan to lease out eight airstrips for the establishment of flight training institutes, Odisha is not only honoring its past but also investing in a future where skilled aviators take wing from its soil.
This ambitious endeavor is deeply rooted in the state's renewed focus on aviation, as evidenced by the recently unveiled air connectivity policy. By transforming these airstrips into bustling hubs of learning, the government aims to attract leading flight training organizations and create a dynamic environment where aspiring pilots can hone their skills. This initiative promises to generate employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth in the surrounding regions, and solidify Odisha's position as a key player in the Indian aviation landscape.
The eight airstrips selected for this transformative project are spread across the state, each offering unique geographical features and flying conditions. From the plains of Balangir to the hills of Kandhamal and the mineral-rich terrains of Keonjhar, these locations will provide trainees with a diverse and challenging learning environment. (The airstrips where the training institutes will come up are Tusra in Balangir district, Hirakud (Jamadarpali) in Sambalpur, Gotma in Nuapada, Padampur (Sativata) in Bargarh, Phulbani (Gudari) in Kandhamal, Rairangpur (Dandbose) in Mayurbhanj, Raisuan and Barbil in Keonjhar). This strategic dispersal of training centers will also ensure greater accessibility to aviation education for aspiring pilots from different parts of Odisha.
The "design, build, operate, and maintain" (DBOM) model adopted for this project reflects the government's commitment to sustainable development and efficient management. By entrusting the development and operation of these training institutes to private entities, the state aims to leverage their expertise and resources while retaining overall control and ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety and quality.
This initiative goes hand-in-hand with the establishment of the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre (BPAC) at Bhubaneswar and Birasal airstrip in Dhenkanal, a state-of-the-art facility that will offer comprehensive training programs for pilots, cabin crew, and other aviation professionals. Apart, Government Aviation Training Institute (GATI): The BPAC, with its advanced simulators and experienced instructors, will serve as a flagship institution for aviation education in Odisha, attracting students from across the country and beyond.
Furthermore, the government's recent acquisition of a twin-engine IFR turbo prop aircraft for VIP travel underscores its commitment to modernizing its aviation infrastructure. This aircraft, equipped with the latest safety features, will not only serve the transportation needs of dignitaries but also potentially be utilized for advanced flight training purposes, further enhancing the capabilities of the state's aviation sector.
Odisha's comprehensive approach to aviation development, encompassing infrastructure enhancement, training initiatives, and policy reforms, is set to create a ripple effect across the state's economy. By fostering a thriving aviation ecosystem, Odisha is not only realizing its vision of becoming a leading aviation hub but also inspiring a new generation of aviators to reach for the skies. This is a testament to the enduring legacy of Biju Patnaik and a promising chapter in Odisha's journey towards progress and prosperity.
