Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has announced that the proposed airport at Palasa in Srikakulam district will be built under the central government’s UDAN scheme, entirely under government control with Airports Authority of India funds. The minister clarified that the facility will not be handed over to private companies.
The airport is being developed with the aim of eliminating employment migration and removing the backward region tag from Srikakulam district. Along with the airport, around 500 acres of land will be allocated for industrial establishments, with a structured policy ensuring local residents receive first preference in employment opportunities.
The minister drew a parallel with Bhogapuram Airport, where land values increased and thousands found employment in hotels and transport sectors, urging locals to extend similar cooperation for the Palasa project.
District Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar assured that no village would be vacated or relocated during land acquisition. He confirmed that farmers and affected landowners would receive fair compensation in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act, and that the process would move forward only with the full consent of local communities.
The minister also highlighted the rapid progress of Mulapeta Port works in the region, noting that world-class companies are already showing investment interest in the area as a result of ongoing infrastructure development.
