Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi
TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 20, 2024: Chhattisgarh is set to enhance its global air connectivity with the upcoming launch of international flights from Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss air connectivity initiatives, including direct flights from Raipur to Singapore and Dubai.
During the meeting, the Union Minister gave the green light for the commencement of international air services from Swami Vivekananda Airport, marking a significant step towards bolstering Chhattisgarh’s economic growth and global integration. The Chief Minister also sought international airport status for Raipur, emphasizing the state’s growing international passenger traffic and its potential for future air services.
In addition to international flights, discussions also focused on developing a cargo hub at Raipur Airport. Chief Minister Shri Sai proposed the establishment of a major cargo facility to support the transportation of agricultural and horticultural products. Minister Naidu responded positively, assuring prompt action on this proposal.
Another key topic of discussion was the development of regional air connectivity. The Chief Minister urged for improved connectivity from Raipur to Patna and Ranchi, which has received approval, and proposed new routes connecting Ambikapur to cities like Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. These new services are expected to boost tourism and regional development, given Chhattisgarh’s cultural and mineral resources.
To further strengthen regional connectivity, Shri Sai also advocated for the restoration of financial assistance for RCS flights at Jagdalpur and Bilaspur airports. He called for the reinstatement of the Indigo Airlines flight service between Jagdalpur and Raipur, citing the strong demand due to Bastar’s tourism potential.
Additionally, the Chief Minister pushed for the upgrading of Bilaspur Airport to accommodate night landings, with the installation of the Radio Navigation System DVOR being fast-tracked. The Union Minister assured that all these proposals would be given priority, laying the groundwork for enhanced air travel across the state.
Present at the meeting were Shri Rahul Bhagat, Chief Minister’s Secretary, and Smt. Ritu Sain, Investment Commissioner of Chhattisgarh in New Delhi.
