Communication System in Odisha: Evolution From Ancient Scripts to 5G Marvels(2023)
Communication is the cornerstone of any society’s development. Communication System in Odisha, renowned for its distinct culture and traditions, effective communication systems play a pivotal role in connecting its people, businesses, and administration. These systems serve as conduits for sharing ideas, facilitating trade, accessing vital information, and preserving cultural heritage.
Historical Evolution of Communication in Odisha
From the ancient days of stone-carved edicts and palm-leaf manuscripts to the modern era of smartphones and high-speed internet, Odisha’s communication landscape has transformed remarkably. The state’s historical trade connections, including its maritime prowess, highlight its longstanding need for effective communication with the world.
Language Diversity and Multilingual Communication
Odisha’s cultural diversity is reflected in its multitude of languages and dialects. Effective communication caters to this linguistic diversity, ensuring information reaches every corner of the state. Initiatives to provide content in multiple languages have been crucial in making information accessible to all.
Telecommunication Landscape: Connecting the People
The telecommunications sector in Odisha has witnessed rapid growth, with numerous providers offering varied services. This expansion has enabled residents to stay connected effortlessly, even in the most remote areas. Mobile communication has not only improved personal connections but has also facilitated business operations, healthcare access, and emergency services.
As technology continues to evolve, Odisha eyes the implementation of 5G networks. This leap forward promises faster speeds, lower latency, and more seamless connectivity, further transforming the state’s communication landscape.
Media Landscape: Broadcasting Information and Entertainment
Television, radio, and digital media play pivotal roles in Odisha’s communication ecosystem. They provide news, entertainment, and educational content, contributing to a well-informed and culturally engaged population.
E-Governance Initiatives: Transforming Citizen Engagement
Odisha’s embrace of e-governance has revolutionized how citizens interact with administrative bodies. Online platforms for services and information dissemination have made governance more transparent, efficient, and accessible.
Modern Infrastructure and Technological Advancements
Today, Odisha boasts a modern communication infrastructure, including a robust network of roads, railways, airports, and seaports. Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail, and road with the rest of India. Some highways are getting expanded to four lanes. Odisha Government Plans Mega Metro Rail Project to Connect Puri and Bhubaneswar. The metro rail proposal was given to connect trains between Puri- Bhubaneswar – Cuttack. The Odisha government has planned a new Expressway that will connect Biju Patnaik International Airport airport at Bhubaneswar with the proposed Shri Jagannath International Airport at Puri.
Communication System in Odisha By Air
1. Biju Patnaik International Airport Bhubaneswar
Biju Patnaik International Airport is an international airport serving Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the state of Odisha, playing a vital role in the Communication of Odisha in 2023. It is situated around 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) southwest of Bhubaneswar Railway Station and 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) from the city center. Named after the former chief minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik, a famed aviator and freedom fighter, it is the 17th busiest airport in India and the 11th busiest among the airports maintained by the Airports Authority of India.
2. Jeypore Airport
Jeypore Airport also known as Jayapur Airport, is a domestic airport serving the cities of Jeypore and Koraput in Odisha, India. It is located 3 km (1.9 mi) northwest of the city of Jeypore in Koraput District. The airstrip was constructed in 1962 along with the establishment of a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) factory nearby Sunabeda. In the 1980s, Vayudoot operated a daily Bhubaneswar-bound flight via Visakhapatnam.
3. Veer Surendra Sai Airport JharsugudaÂ
Communication in Odisha in 2023, Veer Surendra Sai Airport, also known as Jharsuguda Airport, is a domestic airport serving Jharsuguda, Odisha, India. The airport is located 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) northeast of the city centre.  The airport is located in Durlaga, approximately 8.5 km (5.3 mi) from Jharsuguda Junction Railway Station and around 63 kilometres from Sambalpur City. The airport is named after the revolutionary Veer Surendra Sai and it is the second commercial airport in the state of Odisha.
4. Rourkela Airport
Rourkela Airport is a domestic airport serving Rourkela, Odisha, India. It is located near Chhend Colony, 6 km (3.7 mi) west of the city centre. The airport is capable of handling ATR-72-type aircraft and has an apron for parking two aircraft at a time and a general aviation terminal. The license for commercial usage of the airport was issued in January 2019.
The airport upgradation project was taken up by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at a cost of ₹ 64.24 crore. It involved the expansion of the runway from 1,765 m to 1,930 m to handle larger aircraft, like the ATR-72 and De Havilland 8-400 aircraft, the construction of a new apron, a parallel taxiway to the runway, a new passenger terminal building and a perimeter wall. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted a license to Rourkela Airport for public use on 19 December 2022. The airport was upgraded from 2B to 2C category type. Commercial operations to Rourkela began on 7 January 2023, with direct flights provided by Alliance Air to Bhubaneswar. Direct flights to Kolkata are also available.
5. Rangeilunda Airport BerhampurÂ
Rangeilunda Airport, also known as Brahmapur Airport is a domestic airport serving the city of Berhampur (also known as Brahmapur) in Odisha, India. It is located adjacent to Berhampur University at Rangeilunda, 10 km (6.2 mi) east of the city center and 5 km (3.1 mi) from the famous Gopalpur-on-Sea beach. The airstrip was built by the British during World War II.
Communication System in Odisha by Seaports
1. Paradip Port
Paradip Port is the best for Communication in Odisha by waterways. Paradip Port is a natural, deep-water port on the East coast of India in Paradip, just 53 km (33 mi) from Jagatsinghpur city in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha, India. It is at the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal, 210 mi (390 km; 240 mi) south of Kolkata and 260 nmi (480 km; 300 mi) north of Visakhapatnam.
2. Dhamara Port
The Dhamra Port is a port in Bhadrak district, Odisha, India, on the shore of the Bay of Bengal about seven kilometres from the old port of Dhamra increasing to develop Communication in Odisha. The agreement to develop the port was signed in April 1998. The Dhamra Port Company Limited (DPCL) was formed as a result of a 50:50 joint venture between Larsen & Toubro and TATA Steel to run the port. The Port received its first vessel on 8 February 2010 and the first commercial vessel on 10 April 2011. The Port has an initial capacity of 25 million tonnes annually, eventually growing to 80 million tonnes annually. Greenpeace has opposed the project, claiming it threatens nearby protected areas and endangered species such as the olive ridley turtle.
3. Gopalpur Port
Gopalpur is the 2nd important port for Communication in Odisha by waterways. Gopalpur is a coastal town and a Notified Area Council on the Bay of Bengal coast in Ganjam district in the southern part of Odisha, India. Today it is a commercial port, a famous sea beach, and a tourist destination. Gopalpur is around 15 km from Berhampur. The reconstruction of an all-weather port including new berths is under development.
4. Subarnarekha Port
Subarnarekha Port formerly known as Kirtania Port is a deep-water, all-weather port proposed to be constructed at the mouth of the Subarnarekha River in Balasore district in the Indian state of Odisha. The foundation stone for the port was laid in 2019.
Communication System in Odisha By Railways
Railways play a vital role in Communication in Odisha. Consequent to the parliament’s approval, East Coast Railway was the first of the seven new zones to be inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India H. D. Deve Gowda on 8 August 1996. The Officer-on-Special Duty took over the charge of the newly declared Zone on 16 September 1996. Initially, only one division namely Khurda Road was attached to this railway. Subsequently, the zone became fully operational on 1 April 2003. The Waltair division was notified to be bifurcated from the East Coast Railway zone on 27 February 2019. The Odisha section of the Waltair division will constitute the new Rayagada division, while the Andhra Pradesh section will be a part of the South Coast Railway zone upon operationalization. The geographical jurisdiction of the East Coast Railway zone extends over three states encompassing almost all of Odisha and Bastar, Mahasamund, and Dantewada districts of Chhattisgarh and a minor part [Palasa, Sompeta, and seven other stations] of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh. The zonal headquarters is at Bhubaneswar in Odisha. The zone has three divisions: Sambalpur, Khurda Road, and Waltair. The Rayagada railway division has been proposed to succeed a section of the existing Waltair division which will remain in the East Coast Railway zone upon bifurcation. Major cities of Odisha are well connected to all the major cities of India by direct daily trains and weekly trains. Most of the railway network in Odisha lies under the jurisdiction of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) with headquarters at Bhubaneswar and some parts under South Eastern Railway and South East Central Railway.
Communication System in Odisha By Roadways
A total length of 3592.932 km of National Highways traversed through the state of Odisha. The general condition of roads in Odisha is good. National Highway 5 passes through Bhubaneswar. Another one National Highway 59 that passes through Odisha connects it with Raipur in Chhattisgarh. The four-lane express highway has recently been developed. One can easily reach Cuttack, Konark, Puri, Balasore, and Berhampur by bus or taxi. Long distant bus service is available from Kolkata to Balasore and Baripada.
Odisha State Road Transport Corporation
Bus services in Odisha are looked after by Odisha State Road Transport Corporation which looks after the roadways transportation of the state and aims at providing quality and time-bound services to the passengers. It ensures safe and comfortable Communication in Odisha through a fleet of buses. It also looks after the maintenance of bus stands across the state. In recent years Odisha State Road Transport Corporation has seen drastic changes. E-booking, new coaches, and prompt services add to its credit.OSRTC has shown tremendous growth in providing better services to passengers and is still continuing to provide the best of services to all passengers to give them complete travel satisfaction and comfort.
