Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan in New Delhi today. In the meeting, discussions were held regarding strengthening the air connectivity of the state and development of regional airports. The Union Minister has agreed to start international air service from Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport soon. Along with this, the process of developing cargo hub at Raipur airport will also be started soon and consent has been given to start air service from Raipur airport to Patna and Ranchi.
Chief Minister Sai demanded to give the status of international airport to Swami Vivekananda Airport of Raipur. Along with this, he said that there is huge potential for international air service in Chhattisgarh. This step will boost the economic development of the state and increase connectivity at the global level. The Chief Minister discussed the need for direct flights from Raipur to Singapore and Dubai keeping in mind the international passenger traffic in Chhattisgarh. He said that the passenger traffic on these routes is very good, due to which these services will prove to be commercially profitable. The Union Aviation Minister has agreed to the proposal to start international air services from Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport soon.
Chief Minister Sai informed that at present there is no major cargo facility in the state and proposed to develop Raipur airport into a central cargo hub. He said that this will promote transportation of agricultural and horticultural products. The Union Minister has assured immediate action on this proposal.
In the meeting, a proposal for upgradation of Bilaspur Airport to 3C IFR category was also made. For this, Chief Minister Sai has requested to complete the installation process of Radio Navigation System (DVOR) as soon as possible. In view of the problems being faced in night landing of planes at Bilaspur Airport, the Union Minister directed the officials to start it immediately.
The Chief Minister also demanded the start of new flights to connect Ambikapur Airport with major cities like Raipur, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya. The Chief Minister said that considering the cultural and mineral wealth of the region, people will be greatly benefited by starting the new flight service, on which the Union Minister has also assured positive initiatives.
In the meeting, the Chief Minister also demanded restoration of financial assistance for RCS flights at Jagdalpur and Bilaspur airports. He said that increasing connectivity on these routes will help in regional development. Chief Minister Sai said that the flight service operated by Indigo Airlines between Jagdalpur and Raipur was stopped due to less passengers. Urging to start it again at the right time, he said that in view of the immense tourism potential in Bastar, there is a huge demand for air connectivity on this route. The Union Minister has also assured positive initiatives on other proposals. During this, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rahul Bhagat and Investment Commissioner of Chhattisgarh posted in New Delhi Ritu Sain were also present.