MP Brijmohan Chairs Airport Advisory Committee Meeting to Launch International Air Services
Consideration to Operate Raipur-Ambikapur Flight to Patna
Instructions to Start Raipur-Hyderabad Flight via Jagdalpur
Raipur>>
A meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) was held on Thursday to discuss the expansion of air services in Chhattisgarh and improving Swami Vivekanand Airport for passengers. The meeting was chaired by MP Brijmohan Agrawal.
Discussion on Making Raipur Airport International
The meeting focused on the necessary steps to develop Raipur Airport into an international airport. MP Agrawal instructed collecting data from the Immigration Office to gather accurate figures of passengers traveling abroad from Chhattisgarh. He emphasized the need to start immigration, customs, and cargo offices at the airport as soon as possible to commence international air services.
Focus on New Flights and Services
MP Agrawal instructed officials to explore the possibilities of connecting flights from Raipur to Patna, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ranchi for the Raipur-Ambikapur flight. He also suggested creating an action plan to start direct flights from Raipur to Jaipur, Pune, Patna, Ranchi, and Chandigarh. Furthermore, he directed to operate the Raipur-Hyderabad flight via Jagdalpur. He also recommended encouraging airlines like Air India and Akasa Air to start services from Raipur to offer better services and reduce fares for passengers.
Special Attention to Passenger Facilities
The meeting also discussed parking rates, waiting times, and the behavior of parking staff at the airport. Agrawal instructed reducing the waiting time to 10 minutes and lowering parking rates. He also directed the Superintendent of Police and Collector to collaborate with the Airport Authority to resolve these issues.
Additionally, instructions were given to open outlets offering food and beverages at reasonable prices and promote Chhattisgarhi cuisine within the airport premises.
Progress on Infrastructure Improvements
Airport Director Dr. S.D. Sharma informed that the in-line baggage handling system would soon be operational, making the screening of registered luggage easier. He also shared that outbound cargo services would be resumed in the next quarter. To reduce congestion, three new lanes and two additional exit checkpoints will be constructed in front of the terminal building.
The meeting was attended by MLA Motilal Sahu, Collector Gaurav Kumar Singh, Superintendent of Police Dr. Lal Ummed Singh, Corporation Commissioner Shri Avinash Mishra, airline representatives, and other officials.
MP Brijmohan Agrawal’s Call
At the end of the meeting, MP Brijmohan Agrawal stated that connecting Chhattisgarh with better air services is crucial for the state’s development. He urged all officials to implement these plans promptly.
