The Chhattisgarh Government’s dream of getting an international airport tag for Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur has been dashed as the Central Government has turned down the proposal while terming it as ‘unviable’.
The proposal of Chhattisgarh Government to declare Swami Vivekananda Airport as an international airport was examined thoroughly by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation but found international traffic projections low for approving the proposal, officials informed.
It may be recalled that the Chhattisgarh Government had tried very hard to get an international tag for Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur for the past several years.
Meanwhile, a provision of Rs 126 crore for extension of Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur and upgradation of Raigarh airstrip had been made in the Chhattisgarh State budget 2016-17.
Notably, State Minister for Urban Administration and Development Amar Agrawal in January this year had also proposed the idea of direct flights to China from Raipur during his meeting with Consul General of People’s Republic of China MA Zhanwu.
On the other hand , the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is taking up runway extension work as well as expansion of Apron suitable for 'C type' category of Aircraft at the Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur.
The current runway length is 2286 meters and would be extended by another 965 meters.
AAI has also decided to further expand passenger amenities at the integrated terminal of Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur.
Notably, there had been a quantum jump in the number of domestic passenger arrivals at the Swami Vivekanand Airport during the past two years, official stated.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, Chhattisgarh is set to gain immensely from Centre’s recent proposed formulation of Regional Connectivity Scheme (“RCS ”) to promote regional air connectivity in Indian airports by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and AAI. It has been decided to formulate Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to promote Regional Air Connectivity in Indian airports by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India, officials stated.
It may also be recalled that Raipur may soon have direct Air India (AI) flight connectivity to New Delhi, Bhopal and Pune.
The Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) of Air India Ashwani lohani who called on Chief Minister Raman Singh here last month has agreed 'in principle' for introducing the flights, officials informed.
In a discussion held with lohani, Chief Minister Raman Singh informed him that the State is developing fast and many national-level institutions are operating in Raipur.
“The State had witnessed quantum growth in industrial activity which had resulted in phenomenal rise in the number of air travellers. Under these circumstances, Air India should begin direct flight to cities like Bhopal, Pune and New Delhi from Raipur,” he suggested. He assured if AI wants to develop a ‘principal hub’ for small aircraft traffic in Raipur then the Chhattisgarh government will extend all possible help.