Bokaro, the planned steel city in Jharkhand, could get an operational airport in 2024 as work is in progress to complete the civil work for the project. The airport was initially planned to be completed in 2020, however, various issues slowed down its progress.
Bokaro currently has the Bokaro Airport, which is an aerodrome owned and run by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). However, it handles non-scheduled flight operations of SAIL aircraft and VIP movements. The nearest commercial airport is the Ranchi Airport; about 90 km from Bokaro.
Bokaro Airport: Facts
| Name | Bokaro Airport |
| Built under | UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik) |
| Area | 200 acre |
| Foundation laying | 2018 |
| Builder | AAI |
| Operator and manager | SAIL |
| Type | Domestic |
| Status | Under-construction |
| Cost | Rs 75 crore |
All about the upcoming Bokaro Airport
Foundation laying
In April 2018, SAIL signed a pact with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to use its airstrip in Bokaro for the future development of an airport in the city under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme. The foundation for the Bokaro Airport was laid down in August 2018 by the then Jharkhand chief minister, Raghubar Das, and the then Union minister of state for civil aviation, Jayant Sinha.
Project plan
To be developed over 200 acres, the Bokaro Airport will have a terminal building with a peak-hour passenger capacity of 300. The existing runway, apron and taxi track will have the capacity to handle ATR-72 aircraft.
‘For commencement of scheduled flight operations, the AAI has undertaken the development work, including the construction of a terminal building, along with associated facilities like car parking, ATC (air traffic control) tower, security huts and fire station,’ the AAI said in a statement in 2020.
The airport will have six counters and a parking facility for 20 cars along with a control tower, watch towers and precision approach path indicators.
Runway length
The runway length of the under-construction Bokaro Airport will be 121 metres. It will be 30-metre wide.
Cost
The AAI has invested Rs 75 crore in the Bokaro airport project.
Manager
The airport will be managed by the Bokaro Steel City once commissioned.
Connectivity
The airport will be connected to Patna (Bihar) and Kolkata (West Bengal) under the government’s regional connectivity scheme, UDAN.
Impact
Planned and developed in the late 1960s to accommodate the Bokaro Steel Plant, one of India’s largest steel manufacturing facilities, Bokaro is instrumental in driving Jharkhand’s industrial growth. Connectivity with neighbouring growth centres, like Patna and Kolkata, will help the city scale higher economic growth through trade cooperation. A thriving metropolis and a key industrial hub in eastern India, Bokaro will benefit from improved air connectivity in terms of tourism as it has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery, lakes and hills, the city offers an efficient public transportation network, including buses and auto-rickshaws, ensuring convenient travel within the city. The upcoming airport will further boost real estate in this modern city that flaunts wide roads, green spaces and organised residential and commercial areas.
FAQs
Which is the nearest railway station to Bokaro?
The nearest railway station is the Bokaro Steel City Railway Station.
Does Bokaro have an airport?
Yes, Bokaro has an aerodrome. However, it only handles VIP movements.
Which is the nearest airport to Bokaro?
The nearest commercial airport is the Ranchi Airport.
How many airports are there in Jharkhand?
Currently, Jharkhand has two functional airports at Ranchi and Deoghar. The number will increase to five once the airports at Bokaro, Dumka and Jamshedpur are commissioned.
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