Centre to provide all assistance for Bastar Airstrip: Union Aviation Minister

     Jagdalpur, September 09, 2016: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju today visited Bastar today and assured Chhattisgarh of all assistance to develop Jagdalpur Airstrip.

     Raju also discussed with the state government officials to start commercial air services from Bastar.

    Along with Civil Aviation Secretary Rajeev Narayan Choubey the Union Minister discussed about the security situation and other related matters with Airport authority, local administration and police while inspecting the DRDO airstrip here.

     Union Minister Raju wanted to know the available infrastructure and the viability of a commercial air service from here.

     Chhattisgarh administration also gave a presentation before the Central team about the prospect of the commercial air services.

     Commercial air services would be viable from Jagdalpur as Nagarnar Steel plant would start production shortly and also people from nearby Odisha would also use this place to fly out, said Bastar district Collector Amit Kataria.

     After construction of the terminal building and other essential infrastructures air services from Jagdalpur could be considered, the Union Minister said and assured all assistance from the Centre to the state for a smooth start of commercial services.

     State Cabinet yesterday approved a proposal to connect all the important cities of the state through domestic air services.

    Under the new Central Civil Aviation policy-2016 private operators would be provided benefits for operating within the state. And as a part of that the Raman Singh government has decided to sign an MoU with the Centre to start domestic air services to connect all important cities of the state.