Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated a new air-service from Raipur to Ambikapur and Bilaspur on Thursday at Swami Vivekananda International Airport.
CM stated that this initiative marks another landmark step in the development of the state, “The inauguration of the Raipur-Ambikapur-Bilaspur air service is a badge of the regional connectivity expansion. The initial fare for the service will be only Rs 999, so that common people also get to use the facility of air travel.”
The flight took off with a water salute and the first passenger of this inaugural flight was MP Chintamani Maharaj, who boarded the aircraft with his wife. CM Sai presented him a boarding pass and greeted him: “Today, you are making history as the first passenger on this route. All the very best to you.”
A total of 18 passengers were on board the first flight to Ambikapur.
He credited the transformation that the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had brought about, calling it a big example of change.
“As the PM once said, even those wearing slippers will travel by airplane, and today it has become a reality,” CM stated.
The improved air connectivity will not only be convenient to the citizens but also prove to be a boon in terms of tourism and overall economic activities in these locations.
State govt has developed the Ambikapur Airport at a cost of Rs 80 crores. The Maa Mahamaya Airport in Ambikapur has bagged the ‘Three C VFR’ category license and is thus ready to support 72-seater ATR-72 aircraft. Fly Big charter company will run services to the above cities in 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft.
CM Sai elaborated that the plans include connecting Ambikapur to major cities like Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Delhi, and Kolkata. He also emphasized the natural charm of Chhattisgarh, its historic and eco-tourism.
“This will now make it easier for tourists from all over the world with destinations like Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, Ramgarh Hills, and Chitrakote Waterfall, often regarded as Asia’s Niagara.”.
The state government also offered exclusive incentives for businessmen like homestays and resorts, in the recently released industrial policy, resulting in plenty of employment options for youths of the place. “We want to carry Chhattisgarh to next level in aviations by the end of the next four years,” he concluded.
Presenting the new year message, he appealed to everyone present there, to take advantages of newly launched air service as well and experience the natural beauty at Surguja.
