Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-awaited Jharsuguda airport under the regional air connectivity scheme Udega Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) here on Saturday.

The airport was named after the region’s legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.

Modi said, “Today, after so many years, a second major airport of Odisha has been made operational. The VSS Airport is located at a prime location having connecting links with Bhubaneswar, Raipur and Ranchi. This airport will provide wings to development of the region.”

The Prime Minister further said, “While being happy this airport is opening, we also need to wonder why it took so many years for a second airport in Odisha.

Connectivity is at the core of all round development. Our Government has devoted significant efforts to enhance connectivity all over the nation,” Modi added.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said State Government had earlier requested Modi to name Jharsuguda airport after Veer Surendra Sai.

“The State Government has sanctioned 120 acre land for the airport free of cost and Rs 75 crore from the State fund,” said Patnaik.

Patnaik further urged the Government of India to make Jharsuguda airport into a full-fledged commercial airport.

“I request the Government of India to consider the introduction of commercial flights in addition to the UDAN flights. To begin with, one of the Air India flights from Bhubaneswar may be routed through Jharsuguda airport,” said Patnaik.

Governor Ganeshi Lal, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram Union Minister of Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu and Bargarh Lok Sabha MP Prabhas Singh were also present.