FLIGHT FROM ROURKELA FAST TRACKED.
CHIEF SECRETARY DIRECTED AAI TO EXPEDITE TRAINING OF POLICE PERSONNEL.
Bhubaneswar: May 11: In another significant step towards growth of business and tourism in Odisha, Government is now all set to start the first regional air connectivity ( RCS) operation from Jharsuguda. The flight operation from Jhasusguda to Bhubaneswar is scheduled to start from 14th June, 2018. This was decided in the State Level Monitoring Committee on RCS-UDAN held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sri Aditya Prasad Padhi in secretariat conference hall today afternoon wherein Principal Secretary General Administration, Public Grievances and Civil Aviation Sri Ashok Kumar Meena outlined the issues for discussion.
Reviewing the progress and preparedness for starting the UDAN operation, Chief Secretary Sri Padhi advised the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security ( BCAS) and Air Port Authority of India (AAI) to expand the facilities for training of security personnel. They were advised to provide training here in Bhubaneswar so that more number of security personnel could be trained quickly.
Review showed that in the meanwhile Rourkela air strip has been made ready for UDAN operation and MOU has been signed between SAIL and AAI regarding air strip management and operation. It was decided that State Government would also provide security and fire personnel for Rourkela airstrip. The Runway expansion work in Jeypore and Utkela is completed. Chief Secretary Sri Padhi directed to complete other associated civil works by June, 2018. The Obstacle and Limitation Surface (OLS) Survey of all the 4 air ports have been completed.
Replying to a media query after the meeting Principal Secretary Sri Meena said that operation certificate for Jharsuguda Air Port has already been sanctioned. Fire personnel have already been trained and deployed. Home department has deputed the security personnel. First phase of induction training is already over. BACS was requested to train the required number of personnel for deployed. Application has already been submitted for civil aviation license for Rourkela. Flight operation would start after getting the license.
It may be pertinent here to mention that Govt of Odisha is providing both the manpower and financial support to make the regional connectivity scheme viable during initial periods. State Govt is providing around 20% of the Viable Gap Funding. State Govt is also providing land, security and fire services. The electricity and water would also be provided at minimum rate. State Govt have decided to provide these subsidies and financial assistance for regional air connectivity as a part of its ‘Make in Odisha’ initiative. It is expected that such subsidies and financial assistance will keep the ticket cost at affordable level. Sources say, the average price of a ticket to be paid by the passengers for these flights would be around two thousand and five hundred. The routes like Bhubaneswar to Utkela, Utklela to Raipur, Bhubaneswar to Jeypore, Bhubaneswar to Jharsuguda, Jharsuguda to Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar to Rourkela have been suggested for regional connectivity.
Additional Chief Secretary Home Sri Asit Kumar Tripathy, Principal Secretary Finance Sri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Principal Secretary Revenue & Disaster Management Dr Chandra Sekhar Kumar, Secretary Works Sri Nalinikanta Tripathy, Director Civil Aviation Sri Pradeep Kumar Biswal along with senior officers from Ministry of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Departments of Finance, Revenue & Disaster Management, Regional Connectivity Air Line Operators and oil companies participated in discussions.
