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New Delhi, November 20, 2024: In an important development, the Modi government today gave its consent to start international air services from Raipur soon.
Along with this, consent has also been given to develop a cargo hub at Raipur Airport and to start air service from Raipur to Patna and Ranchi as well, official sources said.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi today and held detailed discussions regarding strengthening the air connectivity of the state and development of regional airports.
The Union Minister has agreed to start international air service from Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur soon.
Along with this, the process of developing a 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 as well, the sources said.
Chief Minister Sai demanded giving international airport status to Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur.
Along with this, he said that there is great potential for international air service in Chhattisgarh. This move 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 quite good, due to which these services will prove to be commercially beneficial.
The Union Aviation Minister has agreed to the proposal to start international air service from Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur soon, they added.
Sai, while informing that there is no major cargo facility center in the state at present, proposed to develop Raipur airport into a central cargo hub. He said this will promote the transportation of agricultural and horticultural products. The Union Minister has assured of early action on this proposal.
In the meeting, a proposal has also been made to upgrade Bilaspur Airport to 3C IFR category. For this, the Chief Minister has requested to complete the installation process of Radio Navigation System DVOR as soon as possible. The Union Minister directed the officials to start it immediately in view of the problems being faced in night landing of aircraft at Bilaspur Airport.
Sai also demanded the introduction of new flights to connect Ambikapur Airport with major cities like Raipur, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya. The Chief Minister said that in view of the cultural and mineral wealth of the region, starting a new flight service will greatly benefit the people, on which the Union Minister has assured positive initiative.
In the meeting, the Chief Minister has 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.
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, he said 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 initiative on other proposals.
Chief Minister’s Secretary Rahul Bhagat and Chhattisgarh’s Investment Commissioner posted in New Delhi, Ritu Sain were also present during the meeting.
