Refuelling at Kangra airport soon

Our Correspondent

KANGRA, OCTOBER 23

Union Minister for Civil Aviation P Ashok Gajapathi Raju today said for the low fare, the state government should come forward with subsidy on the pattern of Jammu and Kashmir, states of Northeast and Andaman and Nicobar Island.

He was talking to mediapersons on his arrival at the Kangra airport. The Union minister was here to inaugurate the central air-conditioning system of the Kangra airport. Besides he inaugurated the VIP lounge.

He said the Centre had no role to play in bringing down the airfare and there was neither a provision nor any budget meant for subsidising the airfare to the hill states. He said, “Himachal can provide the subsidy on airfare and no body is stopping the government from doing it.”

He, however, said the refuelling facility would start at the airport which was under process.

Earlier RK Shrivastav, Chairman, Airports Authority of India, said regarding the extension of the runway at the Kangra airport, the state government had initiated action4 of providing land for the expansion. The runway would be extended from 1,300 meters to 1,800 metres and work be completed in one year after getting the possession of the land.

The minister was received at the airport by Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma and other officers.

He left for Bir for inauguration of the World Paragliding Championship.