Mayurbhanj (Odisha): Spread over 600 acres of deep forest land, Amarda road airstrip which is Asia's largest airstrip located in Rasgovindpur village in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha has become a deserted and devastated landmark due to lack of restoration.
The current dilapidated premises reveals that it was once a silent witness of the 2nd World War against Japan during the 19th century.
The construction of this airstrip, having a runway of nearly 11 thousand feet and a space to house over 300 warplanes, started in 1938 at a cost of Rs. 3 crore which was completed in 1940.
Presently, it has skipped the attention of the historians, research scholars and government as well. With bushes growing up all over the runway, the area has sheltered stray animals as well as some anti-social elements.
According to research scholars, only a small investment will be required for its restoration and to make it operational again. The place can also be used as an airport or a training centre of the Indian Air Force.
With escalating tension between India and China over a border dispute, the nation's largest airstrip is expected to strengthen the defence mechanism of the forces to combat every challenge raised by the rivals.
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