Bid to boost NE air connectivity

New Delhi: Notwithstanding past setbacks the process of launching an exclusive air service to boost intra-regional connectivity in the North-east has been revived, with the Ministry initiating fresh talks with private airline operators, disclosed Minister Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Bijoy Krishna Handique. Talking to newsmen days ahead of completion of first 100 days in office, Handique said he tackled plethora of issues including the controversy relating to use of funds by Bodoland Terrirorial Council (BTC), charges of corruption in North Eastern Council (NEC), revival of the stalled Lumding-Silchar Broad Gauge line among others. The Minister completes 100 days on September 15.
Identifying connectivity as the key issue, the Minister expressed his dismay at the regional air service. ‘The core areas in the region are not being touched by the air operators,” he said, underlining the need for dedicated air services.
At least 11 unused airstrips are being developed and a couple of green field airports are also coming up. “We have opened negotiations with some private air operators,” he disclosed.
The NEC’s earlier attempts to start a regional airline came a copper, because of lack of response from the private air operators. The Council contributes Rs 38 crore as subsidy to the air operator, Alliance Air used to operate the regional air service using four ATR 50 aircraft.
29/08/09 Kalyan Barooah/Assam Tribune

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Categories: Airports Aug 2009, Indian Aviation- In General Aug 2009