Better air connectivity in Bihar will increase economic activities: Smarat

Patna, August 16 (ABN) Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary today reviewed the revised flight plan of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) version 6.0, informed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Central Government, at Lok Sevak Awas's Sankalp Auditorium. During this, Secretary of the Civil Aviation Department, Mr. Neelish Ramchandra Deore, gave a detailed presentation about the expansion of air connectivity in the state.
During the presentation, detailed discussions were held on the possibilities of strengthening regional air connectivity in Bihar, developing new airports and helipads, and connecting small towns and tourist destinations with air services.
During the review, the Chief Minister directed to expedite the necessary action for the development of air facilities in Gopalganj, Araria, Kishanganj, Saran, and Begusarai. He said that the available resources and possibilities should be utilized properly to connect the maximum number of districts in the state with air connectivity.
He also directed to take necessary action on the possibilities of developing helipads/air facilities at other potential locations including Aurangabad, Banka, Khagaria, Nawada, Sheikhpura, and Sitamarhi. He specifically directed to work on the plan to build helipads between Rajgir and Gaya, Sasaram-Kaimur, and Shahabad areas.
He said that such locations should be given priority at the regional level to increase air connectivity, so that the surrounding districts and major tourist, religious, and economic centers can also benefit from it. He directed the officers to immediately review the availability of land, suitability of the site, traffic possibilities, and other technical requirements for the construction of airports and helipads.
Also, action should be taken to ensure the availability of land and other necessary resources in coordination with the DM of the concerned districts.
The Chief Minister said that better air connectivity in Bihar will give new impetus to tourism, trade, industry, investment, employment, and economic activities.
Especially, connecting the state's tourist, religious, and historical sites with air services will increase the movement of tourists from within and outside the country, and the local economy will be strengthened.
Proposals should be prepared according to the needs of Bihar as per the Regional Connectivity Scheme, and necessary steps should be ensured by coordinating with the concerned ministries and authorities of the Central Government.
It is noteworthy that the revised flight scheme aims to expand regional air connectivity and connect small towns and backward areas with better air facilities.
The Bihar government is making efforts to accelerate the expansion of air infrastructure in the state in accordance with this broader objective.
In the meeting, the Chief Minister's Principal Secretary Mr. Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary Mr. Pritya Amrit, Chief Minister's Secretary Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department Mr. Animesh Prashar, Secretary of the Transport Department Mr. Rajkumar, Secretary of the Civil Aviation Department Mr. Neelish Ramchandra Deore, Patna's DM Mr. Kandan Kumar, Information and Public Relations Department Secretary Mr. Naveen Kumar, and other senior officers were present.