Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh's second largest city, joined India's air map on Monday as Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel virtually launched the first flight connecting New Delhi.
"Today is a very important day for Chhattisgarh," Baghel said on the occasion at the Bilasa Devi Kewat Airport (Chakarbhatha). "The old dream of connecting Bilaspur by air has come true."
Baghel joined the inauguration from his office in the Assembly premises. The ceremony was presided over by Union Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Assembly Speaker Dr. Charandas Mahant, Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Ravindra Chaubey, other cabinet ministers and MLAs were present.
The Chief Minister said various organizations, civil society and the state government have been making consistent efforts to get Bilaspur on the air map.
He praised Puri for acting promptly so that the flight could start within a month.
Baghel said the people of the region will be able to travel to New Delhi, Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
He urged Puri to start an international air service from Raipur, saying the Raipur Airport has been developed for international flights. He also sought flights to Dehradun and Ranchi.
He also that if the airline starts a morning flight after night stay, the government will reduce the rate of VAT on ATF in Chhattisgarh. Currently, 4 percent VAT is applicable on ATF.
Puri said that with the introduction of this air service, business and tourism will flourish in this region.
He said Rs 130 crores have been spent on the development of the Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur. Construction of a new terminal building in Raipur is under consideration.
The Chief Minister interacted with the passengers of Bilaspur traveling on the first flight.
Two flights of aircraft (72 seating) will operate from Bilaspur to Delhi on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The first flight will leave Delhi and reach Bilaspur at 3.20 am via Jabalpur and return to Delhi from Bilaspur at 3.45 pm via Prayagraj. The second flight will reach Bilaspur from Delhi at 4 pm via Prayagraj and will go from Bilaspur to New Delhi via Jabalpur at 4.30 pm.