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The government of Odisha has announced the establishment of a Rs 562-crore aviation training center to address the increasing demand for pilots and skilled personnel in the aviation sector. The proposal to establish the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre (BPAC) at Birasal airstrip in Dhenkanal district gained approval at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday.

According to Revenue Minister Sudam Marndi, the proposed center will offer comprehensive training programs for pilots, simulators, and cabin crew. It will be developed in accordance with the Civil Aviation Policy-2022 of the state government.

The necessity to produce 2,000 pilots annually for the next two decades to meet India's growing demand underscores the significance of the aviation training center. The center aims to produce 500 professionals annually, contributing significantly to the local economy and fostering growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

During the press briefing, Higher Education Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Development Commissioner Anu Garg were also in attendance.

Additionally, the cabinet approved amendments to the NUA-O (Nutanm Unnata Abhilasa-Odisha) scholarship guidelines, expanding eligibility to students pursuing various non-technical undergraduate and postgraduate courses. A total of 17 proposals from various departments received approval at the council of ministers meeting.

Moreover, the state government unveiled plans to develop 'Ama Bus Stands' across all blocks of Odisha within six years, allocating Rs 6,164.80 crore for the development of 318 bus stands across the state by the 2028-29 fiscal year.