Bokaro Airport: Scheduled to be Operational by February 2024
The much-awaited Bokaro airport in Jharkhand is set to commence operations for ATR-72 type aircraft by early next year, according to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. In a letter to Dhanbad MP P N Singh, Scindia revealed that the Bokaro airport has been selected under the Centre’s Udan scheme for commercial flights connecting Kolkata and Patna. Singh had earlier sought a progress report on the airport project, which falls under his jurisdiction.
The construction work related to the operation of ATR-72 type aircraft has been completed. The process of providing license to the airport for flight operations is underway and is likely to be completed by February 2024. Once approved, the Selected Airline Operator (SAO) can start operating flights connecting Bokaro to Kolkata and Patna, said Singh, quoting Scindia’s letter.
The Udan scheme, launched in 2016, aims to improve connectivity to remote and hilly areas across the country at affordable airfares.
Expressing concern over the slow progress of the Bokaro airport project, Singh has written to Jharkhand Chief Secretary Sukhdev Singh, urging the state government to expedite the completion of the airport. He emphasized the need for addressing crucial aspects such as security, health, and firefighting to ensure the airport meets international standards.
Singh added, The construction work of the Bokaro airport is progressing at a very slow pace. There has been a significant delay in the completion of this scheme from the scheduled deadline. Because of the delay, people in the region are expressing frustration as they wanted air connectivity from their own region to other parts of the country.
As the construction work nears completion, the Bokaro airport is poised to become a vital transportation hub, bridging the gap between Bokaro and key cities like Kolkata and Patna. The airport’s operation, initially catering to ATR-72 type aircraft, will undoubtedly enhance connectivity and unlock economic opportunities in the region.
With the government’s commitment to furthering air connectivity under the Udan scheme, it is hoped that the Bokaro airport will soon become a bustling gateway, serving the travel needs of residents and facilitating growth in the surrounding areas. The upcoming months are crucial for the successful culmination of this long-awaited project that promises to transform the region’s connectivity landscape.
In the meantime, stakeholders, including the central and state governments, are encouraged to collaborate closely to ensure the necessary infrastructure and facilities are in place before the airport’s operationalization. The completion of the Bokaro airport project will not only fulfill the aspirations of the local population but will also contribute to the overall development of Jharkhand by bolstering tourism, trade, and commerce.
As the deadline for completion approaches, all eyes are on the Bokaro airport, eagerly awaiting its inauguration and the start of the much-anticipated flight operations that will link this vibrant region with the rest of the country.
