CM seeks Chandigarh flight from Doon

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 26

Chief Minister Harish Rawat has sought start of air services from Dehradun to Amritsar and Chandigarh.

In a letter written to Union Civil Aviation Minister P Ashok Gajapati Raju, the Chief Minister urged the Aviation Minister for start of air services from Dehradun to Amritsar and Chandigarh in order to facilitate travel of Hemkund Sahib pilgrims. The Hemkund Sahib Yatra is set to begin from June 1.

The Chief Minister also submitted a proposal regarding developing the Pantnagar airport as a cargo hub for the export of perishable goods. Chief Minister informed that the Civil Aviation Authority has adequate land for developing the Jollygrant airport into the maintenance repair and overhaul airport.

More parking bays and new terminal building may be constructed for international flights at the Jollygrant airport as it would increase the income of Airport Authority of India.

The Chief Minister further informed in the letter that for promoting tourism and other related activities, the state government had established a Civil Aviation Development Authority. About 60 helipads are being constructed.

The Chief Minister said augmentation of the air services in the state was need of the hour and Union government’s kind cooperation was solicited on priority basis.

The state government is ready to provide necessary land for the airports expansion. Harish Rawat said 24-hour operation of the Jollygrant airport was necessary, especially night parking facilities which would facilitate morning flights from Dehradun to Delhi and other places.