Demand for ESIC hospital, upgradation of Rourkela airport

Rourkela: Members of Rourkela Airport Action Committee and Rourkela ESIC Medical College & Super Specialty Hospital Action Committee have launched an indefinite strike in front of Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) office here on Monday.

They are demanding establishment of the ESIC medical sollege and super-specialty hospital and for upgrading the Rourkela airport.The airport action committee is also demanding implementation of the promises made by the chief minister during his visit on Feb 1, 2025. Their specific demands include upgrading Rourkela airport to a 4C licensed facility, handing over ownership to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), installing ILS (Instrument Landing System) and NLS facilities.Highlighting the industrial significance of Rourkela and the urgent need for better healthcare, the demand for ESIC Medical College and Super Specialty Hospital has been active since 2009. Local citizens, trade unions, and student organizations have been consistently advocating for its establishment. More than 100 people joined the protest declaring that the agitation will continue until the government provides a concrete commitment.