Bhubaneswar, July 21: Odisha is set to mark a significant milestone in its civil aviation journey with the establishment of the state’s first Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bhubaneswar.
Spearheaded by the Commerce & Transport Department under the New Destination Policy, this facility is a key part of the state’s strategy to build a robust aviation-linked economic ecosystem.
The completion of all formalities for the MRO project represents more than just infrastructure growth—it signals Odisha’s ambition to become a self-sustaining aviation hub in eastern India. By localizing aircraft maintenance and overhaul capabilities, the MRO facility is expected to reduce turnaround times for carriers, attract aviation-related investments, and create high-skilled employment opportunities.
This strategic move complements the state’s broader push to expand both regional and international air connectivity. The New Destination Policy has already operationalized 13 new flight routes, connecting Odisha to key domestic and international destinations. Among them, direct flights from Bhubaneswar to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have opened new doors for global commerce and diaspora engagement. On the domestic front, new connections like Jharsuguda–Mumbai, Bhubaneswar–Goa, and Bhubaneswar–Port Blair have enhanced access to tribal regions, tourism hotspots, and industrial centers.
These connectivity improvements are underpinned by the revival and operationalization of regional airstrips such as Jeypore, Rourkela, Utkela, and Rangeilunda through the UDAN scheme, ensuring last-mile connectivity in remote regions. This growing network lays the foundation for the MRO facility’s success, as increasing aircraft traffic will demand reliable, on-site maintenance infrastructure.
In tandem with the MRO project, the government has also made significant progress on the proposed Puri Airport, unveiling the Interactive Colour Coded Zoning Map (CCZM) via NOCAS 2.0. This digital planning tool streamlines height clearance for construction, ensuring safe and sustainable airport development while integrating urban planning and environmental protection.
Odisha’s aviation development strategy stands out for its holistic and sustainable approach. The state’s New Destination Policy not only incentivizes new routes but also ensures the viability of services in unserved and underserved regions, linking aspirational districts to growth centers. By fostering aviation infrastructure such as the MRO and laying the groundwork for future innovations like a dedicated Drone Policy, Odisha is shaping an aviation ecosystem that is resilient, inclusive, and future-ready.
With a clear roadmap and infrastructure-first approach, Odisha is not just enhancing connectivity—it's laying the foundation for a Viksit Odisha by 2036, firmly positioning itself as a rising force in India’s aviation sector.
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