Raichur Airport Explained

Raichur Airport
Icao:VORR
Type:Public
Owner:Airport Authority of India
Operator:Government of Karnataka
City-Served:Raichur
Location:Yeramaras, Raichur
Elevation-F:1230
Elevation-M:375
Coordinates:16.2797°N 77.3603°W
Pushpin Map:Karnataka
Metric-Rwy:Y
R1-Length-F:3395
R1-Length-M:1035

Raichur Airport is the small airport serving Raichur city in the Karnataka state of India. The airstrip was constructed in 1942 during World War II.[1]

Historic landing

On 26 February 1957, when the Prime Minister of India Sri Jawaharlal Nehru was travelling on board a WIP IL-14, one of its engines caught fire. Its pilot, Sqn Ldr RA Rufus carried out an emergency landing at Raichur (a disused and unpaved surface). He was awarded Ashok Chakra for his presence of mind and dedication to the service.[2]

Future developments

It has been proposed to upgrade the airstrip at Raichur into a minor airport.[3] In May 2021, the Airports Authority of India gave its technical approval for constructing a 1,800 metre long runway suitable for operations of ATR-72 sized aircraft, as requested by Karnataka State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIDC). A total of 402 acres of land will be reserved for the development of the airport. Yeramus located around 10 km away from city is chosen for airport construction.[4]

References

  1. http://archive.deccanherald.com/content/Nov272007/spectrum2007112637929.asp Rendezvous with Raichur
  2. http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_unit.php?ch=40 Details Of Aircraft Flown
  3. http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/25/stories/2008072555910300.htm Develop airstrip at Raichur into airport
  4. https://www.prajavani.net/district/raichur/raichur-airport-dpr-tender-process-on-826634.html Preparing for Raichur Airport DPR