Odisha: Jharsuguda Airport is now 'Veer Surendra Sai Airport'
What's the story
The Cabinet today approved renaming the Jharsuguda aerodrome in Odisha as 'Veer Surendra Sai Airport'.
The airport has been developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in collaboration with Odisha Government at an estimated cost of Rs. 210 crore, with Rs. 75 crore contribution from the State.
Spread across over 1,027.5 acres of land, the aerodrome will have a 2,390-metre long runway.
Why Sai?
Veer Surendra Sai is a well-known freedom fighter of Odisha
Veer Surendra Sai is a well-known freedom fighter of Odisha, so renaming the airport after him "will fulfill long-pending demand of the Odisha Government, which reflects the sentiments of the local public of the respective area," an official release said.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved of the same and on September 22, Modi had inaugurated the Airport.