Historic step towards the development of Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Team News Riveting
Raipur, December 19
Regional carrier FlyBig started its maiden operation in Chhattisgarh by starting a new flight connecting Raipur with Ambikapur and Bilaspur.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the service at Swami Vivekananda Airport on Thursday. FlyBig will operate 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft.
Water cannon salute was given to the aircraft as it moved to the run for the take off. Sarguja Member of Parliament Chintamani Maharaj along with his wife boarded the flight as the first passenger of the flight service. The Chief Minister gave them the boarding pass and said that today they had made history.
MLAs Rajesh Agarwal, Prabodh Minj and Ramkumar Toppo, Secretary to Chief Minister Basavaraju, Director Aviation Department Sanjeev Jha, CMD of FlyBig Sanjay Mandaviya and other dignitaries were present.
Sai said another historic step had been taken towards the development of Chhattisgarh. The launch of Raipur-Ambikapur-Bilaspur air service is a symbol of the expansion of regional connectivity. The starting fare of this service is only Rs 999, which ensures that the general public can also avail the benefit of air travel, he added.
He said that this was a big example of the change that had come in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Even a person wearing slippers will travel by plane and today that dream is coming true.
Air connectivity to remote areas like Surguja and Bastar will not only provide facilities to the citizens but will also increase tourism and economic activities in these areas. The state government has developed the airport of Ambikapur at a cost of Rs 80 crore. Maa Mahamaya Airport, Ambikapur has received a license of Three C VFR category. The airport is suitable for operating 72-seater ATR-72 aircraft.
The Chief Minister said that work was also underway on a plan to connect Ambikapur with Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata. Chhattisgarh has immense potential for natural beauty, historical heritage, and eco-tourism. Places like Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, Ramgarh Hills, and Chitrakote Falls, called the Niagara of Asia, will now be easily accessible to tourists from India and abroad.
Along with this, the expansion of air connectivity will also improve the investment environment. The government has given special encouragement to enterprises like homestays and resorts in the new industrial policy, creating huge employment opportunities for local youth, Sai said, adding that the effort is to take Chhattisgarh to new heights in the field of aviation in the next four years.
