Garhwa: The development of the Chiyanki airstrip in Palamu district has emerged as a potential step towards improving air connectivity in the Palamu-Garhwa region of Jharkhand. The state government may submit a proposal for the airstrip’s development under the challenge-mode framework of the Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN.
Palamu MP Vishnu Dayal Ram received a letter from Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol outlining the possibility of the state government proposing the development of the Daltonganj (Chiyanki) airstrip under the next phase of the scheme.
The proposal could open a route for the project to be considered under the prescribed framework. However, development of the airstrip and the commencement of regular commercial flights have not yet been confirmed.
MP Raised Chiyanki Airstrip Development in Parliament
Vishnu Dayal Ram raised the issue of developing the Chiyanki airstrip and starting regular commercial flights from the facility in the Lok Sabha on August 11, 2026, under Rule 377.
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Following the minister’s letter, the MP shared details of the response, highlighting the possibility of moving the project forward through the next phase of the UDAN scheme.
The proposal is relevant to efforts to improve transport connectivity in Palamu and neighbouring Garhwa, where the development of the airstrip could provide an additional mode of travel if the project progresses and commercial services are introduced.
Land Availability Held Back Earlier Development Plans
According to the minister’s letter, the Daltonganj (Chiyanki) airstrip had been identified for development and regional flight operations under UDAN Round 4.2.
However, the development process could not advance because the Jharkhand government had not made the required land available, the letter stated.
Land availability remains an important requirement for taking the project forward. The next steps will depend on the state government’s proposal and compliance with the applicable requirements.
State May Submit Proposal Under Challenge-Mode Framework
The letter refers to a challenge-mode framework introduced for the next phase of the UDAN scheme. Under this arrangement, state governments can identify airstrips for development based on their regional air-connectivity requirements.
Jharkhand may submit a proposal for the Chiyanki airstrip along with the required documents. The proposal would then be assessed against the prescribed eligibility criteria and project-readiness requirements.
The process therefore provides a possible route for reconsidering the airstrip’s development, but submission of a proposal would not by itself guarantee approval or the commencement of flights.
Palamu and Garhwa Could Benefit From Improved Air Connectivity
If the airstrip is developed and regular commercial flights begin operating, the facility could improve travel options for people in Palamu, Garhwa and nearby areas.
The MP has argued that the project could support local industrial activity and create employment opportunities. He has also expressed hope that the state government will provide the necessary land and documentation to enable the proposal to proceed under the scheme’s prescribed process.
For now, the immediate step is for the Jharkhand government to consider submitting the proposal. The project’s progress will depend on the required state-level preparations and the outcome of the assessment under the UDAN framework.
