CM requests for air connectivity from Bilaspur to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Central Chronicle News
Raipur, Jan 29: Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has written letter to Union Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri requesting for permission to provide air connectivity from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata under Regional Connectivity Scheme. Chief Minister has requested for RCS connectivity facility from Bilaspur to metro cities under Udaan 4.1 Yojana in the near future.
Chief Minister stated in the letter that I would like to bring to your notice the issue of RCS connectivity of Bilaspur with metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata etc. Prominence of Nyaydhani Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh including its strategically important geographic location within the state and the region has already been amply highlighted in my earlier communication with you. I would like to dwell on the most desirable support from MOCA on this subject. Baghel further stated in the letter that Bilaspur airport has just got upgraded to 3C VFR category. State Government has been striving hard for RCS connectivity of Bilaspur to the metros both directly and in stages, through several periodic correspondences and discussions at various levels. It is strongly urged to please look into this issue and promulgate necessary rules or concessions, if need be, to permit Bilaspur – metropolitan connectivity under RCS. I believe economic growth of this entire region and low cost air travel besides convenience of masses merits such consideration by MOCA. In the end, Chief Minister assured Union Minister that the state would do everything on its part needed to achieve this aim. He stated that the Government has so far sanctioned Rs. 45.00 crore for development of Bilaspur airport out of which 21.00 crore have already been spent. To cater for any contingencies, Bilaspur airport has the potential and scope for future development as an alternate aerodrome to Raipur airport, presently the only one of its class in this entire region. I would solicit intervention of your good offices in facilitating RCS connectivity of Bilaspur with metros in forthcoming Udan 4.1 scheme due to be implemented shortly. The state is eagerly looking forward to your urgent enabling support on the subject” stated Chief Minister in the letter to Union Minister.