Politics intensifies in Odisha over 'privatisation' of Bhubaneswar Airport

Political tensions have intensified in Odisha over the proposed privatisation of the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar . The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has questioned on why the Centre is giving the airport in lease to a private entity under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The party has asked why a profit-making airport is being handed over to a private company and alleged that the move could serve vested interests. BJD MLA Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra questioned the rationale behind the proposed privatisation, pointing out that the Biju Patnaik International Airport has been operating profitably. He also questioned why the Centre was considering handing over the airport to a private operator. According to the BJD leader, the Biju Patnaik International Airport is to be clubbed with Karnataka’s Hubballi Airport, which is reportedly running at a loss, and both airports would be offered to a private entity under the PPP model. The BJD has strongly opposed the move and demanded that the Centre immediately withdraw the order. The party questioned the government’s intention behind including a profitable airport in such an arrangement and urged it to reconsider the decision in the interest of Odisha. Also Read: Bhubaneswar Airport to be leased? No proposal received yet from Centre, says Odisha Minister "A decision has been taken to club Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar with Karnataka’s Hubballi Airport and privatise them in the long-term PPP mode. The BJD is fully opposing the move. In whose interest will the airport be privatised?" asked BJD MLA Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra. Meanwhile, the BJP has responded to the allegations. Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said that the state government has not yet received the proposal. Jena stated that if and when the proposal is received, the government will hold discussions keeping Odisha’s interests at the forefront. He also assured that the state government would not allow Odisha’s interests to be compromised. "The Central government has a plan to double the number of airports by mixing some small and big airports in the country. Bhubaneswar is ahead of Hubballi Airport. The state government has not yet received any proposal. When the proposal is received, the government will hold discussions, keeping Odisha’s interests at the forefront," said Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena.