Overseas Odias living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who have spearheaded a movement to ensure regular air connectivity to the newly-opened Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda have stepped up their efforts.
On Saturday, a delegation of nonresident Odias (NROs) from Dubai met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here and presented a memorandum in this regard.
They emphasised on the need for the proper functioning of the airport for the overall development of the region.
According to a member of the delegation, Director and CEO, International Shipping and Logistics FZE, Dubai Capt Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, the real fillip to the development of the region will happen when the airport starts its operations and direct air connectivity with major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata is established.
General Manager, Wipro Unza Middle East Limited, Dubai Priyadarshee Panigrahi said Bhubaneswar has about 11 daily direct flights from Delhi and about four daily direct flights from Mumbai. Initially, to ensure viability of flight services, some of these direct flights can be made hopping flights (with a stopover at Jharsuguda), for some days of the week.
Meanwhile, the State Government has recommended to the Government of India to ensure direct air connectivity to Jharsuguda airport by making the Air India flight from Delhi to Bhubaneswar operate via Jharsuguda. The State Government has offered to subsidise such flights.