August 3, 2026

Srikakulam to get airport

The Union Civil Aviation Minister, Rammohan Naidu, has announced that an airport will be established in Mandasa mandal of Srikakulam district under the UDAN scheme, aiming to make Srikakulam a mini aviation hub and enhance its connectivity to major cities across the country.

Srikakulam to get airport under UDAN scheme, says Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu

srikakulam airport:

July 9, 2026 Editorial Team

Srikakulam to get airport under UDAN scheme, says Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu The Union Civil Aviation Minister, Rammohan Naidu, has announced that an airport in Mandasa mandal of Srikakulam district will be established under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. This move is expected to make Srikakulam a mini aviation hub and enhance its connectivity to major cities across the country. The UDAN scheme is a flagship initiative of the government to promote regional air connectivity and provide affordable air travel options to the masses..

The minister’s announcement has been met with a mixed reaction from the locals and politicians. While some have welcomed the move, citing the economic benefits it will bring to the district, others have expressed concerns about the environmental impact and potential disruption to the local ecosystem. The government has assured that all necessary measures will be taken to minimize the impact on the environment and ensure a seamless transition..

The Civil Aviation Minister said that the airport would generate employment opportunities for the local youth and stimulate economic growth in the region. He added that the government was committed to providing world-class infrastructure and facilities to support the growth of aviation in the state. The airport is expected to be operational by 2025, subject to the approval of the State government and completion of the necessary infrastructure..

However, the CPI(M) leader in Srikakulam district has opposed the establishment of the airport, citing concerns about its impact on the Uddanam cashew and coconut belt. The CPI(M) leader argued that the airport would lead to deforestation and soil erosion, affecting the fertile cashew and coconut plantations that are a major source of income for many local farmers. The leader also expressed fears about the potential impact on the ecosystem and wildlife in the area..

The Uddanam cashew and coconut belt is a critical region in the district, known for its fertile soil and favorable climate. The region is home to numerous cashew and coconut plantations, providing a livelihood for thousands of local farmers. The CPI(M) leader has threatened to stage protests and demonstrations against the establishment of the airport if their demands are not met..

The State government has assured that the airport would be constructed in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment and the local ecosystem. The government has also promised to provide compensation to farmers whose land is acquired for the project. However, the CPI(M) leader has rejected this offer, demanding that the government halt the airport project entirely..

The opposition from the CPI(M) leader has sparked a heated debate in the district, with many local residents weighing in on the issue. Some have welcomed the airport project as a much-needed boost to the local economy, while others have expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact. The government has appealed for calm, urging the CPI(M) leader to engage in constructive dialogue and find a solution that benefits all stakeholders..

The establishment of the airport has also sparked hopes among local entrepreneurs, who see it as an opportunity to tap into the growing aviation sector. The Civil Aviation Minister has encouraged local businesses to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the airport, saying that they would be given priority in terms of contracts and tenders. However, the CPI(M) leader has accused the government of ignoring the concerns of local farmers and residents..

The leader has demanded that the government conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of the airport on the local ecosystem and wildlife before taking any further action. The government has agreed to conduct the study, which is expected to take several months to complete. The airport project is expected to be operational by 2025, subject to the approval of the State government and completion of the necessary infrastructure..

The Civil Aviation Minister has assured that the airport would be built with state-of-the-art facilities and would provide world-class services to passengers. The government has also promised to provide regular updates on the project’s progress and ensure that it is completed on time. As the debate continues, the people of Srikakulam district remain divided over the issue..

While some see the airport as a welcome development, others fear its impact on the local environment and ecosystem. The CPI(M) leader has promised to continue the struggle against the airport project, warning that the people of the district will not hesitate to take to the streets if their demands are not met. In the end, it is clear that the establishment of the airport in Srikakulam district will have far-reaching implications for the local environment, economy, and people..

While the government and the Civil Aviation Minister remain committed to the project, the CPI(M) leader has made it clear that the struggle is far from over. Only time will tell if the airport will become a reality and what its impact will be on the people of Srikakulam..

Updated: July 9, 2026

The establishment of an airport in Srikakulam district under the UDAN scheme may bring economic benefits, but it also raises important questions about the balance between development and environmental protection. As the project moves forward, it will be crucial to prioritize transparent and inclusive decision-making to address the concerns of local communities and minimize the airport’s ecological footprint.