Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flagged off the first scheduled flight service to Utkela in Kalahandi district at Biju Patnaik International Airport on August 31. Kalahandi is considered a commercial hub of Western Odisha which has seen rapid growth in its population and industry. The flight operation on this route will boost the industry and tourism sector. A nine-seater aircraft operated by M/s India One Air will be flying on the Bhubaneswar-Utkela route. Commerce and Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu, Science Technology and SSEPD Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Chief Secretary PK Jena, 5T Secretary VK Pandian and senior officers of the Commerce and Transport department were also present at the occasion.