BJD criticises proposal to lease out Bhubaneswar airport to private entity
Biju Patnaik International Airport is estimated to be worth between ₹5,000 crore and ₹7,000 crore, while around 50 lakh people use this airport every year, BJD says
The Biju Janata Dal has launched a scathing criticism of the BJP government's proposed plan to lease Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to a private entity. Dibya Shankar Mishra, a BJD MLA and former Minister, addressed reporters on Tuesday, vehemently opposing the government's decision. Mishra argues that the airport, named after the state's celebrated leader, is one of India's most profitable airports, generating over ₹500 crore in annual profits.
He decried the move, stating that government institutions typically only undergo privatization when they are unprofitable.
Mishra emphasized that the airport's worth is estimated between ₹5,000 crore and ₹7,000 crore, and that it serves approximately 50 lakh passengers annually. He also highlighted the significant contributions made by the previous Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, to the airport's development. The BJD leader demanded that the Central Government immediately reverse its decision to lease the airport, asserting that the people of Odisha would not accept the privatization.
He further suggested that the government should instead invest in further developing and expanding the airport's facilities.
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