Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 3, 2015 : Odisha government will invest Rs 30 crore to upgrade the existing infrastructure of eight airstrips across the state to bolster up the air connectivity in the state.

“The state government will spend Rs 30 crore for improving facilities in its existing airstrips. Running Light System and Advance Air Traffic Advisory system will be developed in all the eight airstrips in a phased manner towards the upgradation of the infrastructure,” an official release said.

The decision in this regard was taken at a high-level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at state secretariat here on Friday.

In the first phase, the government has identified Jeypore airstrip in Koraput district and Jamdarpali in Sambalpur district for which tender process has already begun.

The meeting also deliberated on the launching of international airlines operations from the Biju Patnaik International airport and helicopter connectivity to tourist and business destinations across the state.

Incidentally, the Biju Patnaik International Airport is all set to host its first international flight to Dubai on July 10.