A high-level committee headed by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan is in advanced stages of talks with an Andheri-based aviation company to provide easy and subsidised air connectivity to many tier II and tier III cities in the state.
If the project is implemented, it will be the first time in Maharashtra that the government would be taking a financial hit to promote air connectivity. The high-level committee had last year hinted its plans.
The development comes after several similar projects across the country, with no state help, had failed in the recent past. India, which is among the fastest growing aviation market, has over 450 used, unused, and abandoned airports and airstrips. The future lies in 'regional air connectivity', say aviation experts.
Government sources said that the Maharashtra government will subsidise up to seven seats in an aircraft in case it does not get filled. "The seats may then be used by senior government employees and bureaucrats for official work," they said.
25/04/14 Shahkar Abidi/Daily News & Analysis
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If the project is implemented, it will be the first time in Maharashtra that the government would be taking a financial hit to promote air connectivity. The high-level committee had last year hinted its plans.
The development comes after several similar projects across the country, with no state help, had failed in the recent past. India, which is among the fastest growing aviation market, has over 450 used, unused, and abandoned airports and airstrips. The future lies in 'regional air connectivity', say aviation experts.
Government sources said that the Maharashtra government will subsidise up to seven seats in an aircraft in case it does not get filled. "The seats may then be used by senior government employees and bureaucrats for official work," they said.
25/04/14 Shahkar Abidi/Daily News & Analysis
