BY TC News Desk
Agartala, May 02, 2023: Transport and Tourism minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Tuesday said the union Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia wrote to Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha apprising him regarding some of decisions taken to improvise and develop the connectivity system in Tripura.
Addressing a press conference at Civil Secretariat here on Tuesday afternoon, Chowdhury said that the CM Dr Saha during his recent visit to New Delhi met with several union ministers and apprised about the necessity for the development of the state and welfare of its people.
Dr Saha also met with union Civil Aviation minister Scindia and apprised about various matters in connection to the Transport department as well as demanded to fulfil the issues at the earliest.
Accordingly, Scindia wrote to Dr Saha about certain measures initiated for the welfare of common people and boost up the development in Tripura.
Chowdhury said “The CM demanded declaration of MBB Airport as international airport. Union minister said that once the connectivity of flight services begin from Agartala to Chittagong which is assumed to start from the first week of June next, the airport will be automatically termed as international airport. However, the work for immigration and customs services is going on.”
“Secondly, central government gave the responsibility of restarting cargo services to Indigo airlines while it is assumed that the other airlines’ companies may also start this services in the coming days. Thirdly, the BCAS in Imphal is doing a survey work for the number of CISF personnel required when 24-hour flight services begin from MBB Airport. Once the report is submitted to the Ministry of Home Affiars, night services will be started with the concerned ministry’s approval. Fourthly, CM demanded for operation of direct flight connecting Mumbai and Hyderabad from Agartala. Accordingly, union minister said that the centre cannot direct Airlines Company to start this service, but if any company is willing to start this service based on geographical and commercial viability, they can and AAI will immediately pass the order.”
“Fourthly, Kailashahar airport has been identified as the 33rd airport under UDAN 4.2 Scheme in the budget of 2023-24 fiscal year. Civil Aviation ministry will decide the route of flight of services from Kailashahar in the coming days. Fifthly, six heliports will constructed at six locations- Matabari, Amarpur, Narikel, Raipasa, Maichera in Belonia, kantlang at Kampui in Jampui. Sixthly, Govt. Art and Craft College has been given the responsibility to craft a bronze statue of Maharaja Bir Bikram spending Rs 25 lakh and install at MBB airport’s new terminal building”, Transport minister told reporters.
