Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel was travelling with her family on the Vande Bharat Express. White towels were draped over the executive-class seats in the coach. Must be part of official protocol for the Governor.
Delighted to have attended the meeting of consultative committee on aviation chaired by the HonтАЩble Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri @RamMNK Naidu Ji, and HonтАЩble Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri @mohol_murlidhar Ji along with other honourable MP colleagues at Mysuru.
As the Member of Parliament from West Bengal, its reassuring to have received positive response on the five key priorities raised:
1. A time-bound plan to make Kalaikunda, Hashimara, Malda, Balurghat and Purulia airports fully operational by 2028, with the State Government extending land acquisition and other necessary support as assured by HonтАЩble Chief Minister Shri @SuvenduWB
2. Comprehensive modernisation of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport by the Airports Authority of India, along with planning for a second airport for Kolkata to ease the growing passenger burden on the existing airport. Direct flights for passengers travelling to UK and US from Kolkata.
3. DGCA-approved Flight Training Organisations in major centres including Kolkata, Durgapur and Siliguri to build West BengalтАЩs aviation ecosystem and create new opportunities for our youth.
4. A statewide network of helipads, preferably across districts and at intervals of 150тАУ200 km, to improve regional connectivity, emergency response and tourism.
5. A feasibility review for small-airport connectivity in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, examining safe, regulated operations suited for Himalayan terrain.
West Bengal deserves aviation infrastructure that matches the demand of its vast population, economic potential and strategic importance. Better connectivity from Kolkata to the districts and the hills can unlock investment, tourism and thousands of new opportunities.
I look forward to the Ministry and the State Government working together to turn this roadmap into reality.