New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has urged the Union government to expedite the development of a full-fledged commercial airport at Rangeilunda in southern Odisha, pitching the project as a major boost for regional connectivity, tourism, and disaster preparedness.
The BJD MP met Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and submitted a detailed representation seeking the upgradation of the existing Rangeilunda airstrip into a commercial aviation hub to be formally named “Brahmapur Airport”.
In a detailed post on X, Patra said the proposed airport has long been a demand of people living across the southern Odisha districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput, Rayagada, and Malkangiri.
According to the MP, the airport project would help improve regional air connectivity, strengthen tourism around Gopalpur-on-Sea, and enhance emergency response capabilities during natural disasters.
Patra also highlighted that the issue has been consistently raised in Parliament through Rajya Sabha questions and Zero Hour submissions during 2025 and 2026. He noted that the Centre had officially acknowledged Rangeilunda’s selection under the Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN framework.
In his representation, the MP sought immediate ministerial intervention to formalize the upgradation of Rangeilunda into a regional commercial airport, along with a joint feasibility and technical assessment involving the Airports Authority of India and the Odisha government.
He also requested expansion of runway facilities, terminal infrastructure, and navigational systems required for commercial flight operations.
Patra expressed confidence that the Civil Aviation Ministry would positively consider the proposal under the leadership of the Union minister.
In a separate development, Dr. Patra has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking the inclusion of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework.
The Rajya Sabha MP requested that the matter be discussed during the upcoming GST Council meeting, arguing that the move could provide substantial relief to consumers.
Citing fiscal projections, Patra stated that bringing fuel under an indicative 28% GST slab could potentially reduce petrol prices in Odisha by nearly RS 25 per litre and diesel prices by around Rs 14 per litre.
The MP said his proposal also included an assessment of potential revenue implications for both the Centre and the Odisha government to ensure a balanced fiscal transition.
Dr. Patra maintained that progressive and consumer-focused taxation reforms were essential for long-term economic resilience.
