Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, on Monday, launched its flight services under the Centre’s UDAN scheme in Bilaspur city of Chhattisgarh, connecting it with Delhi via Jabalpur and Prayagraj. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel virtually launched the inaugural flight which was given a water cannon salute at Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport, Bilaspur.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who virtually presided over the function, mentioned so far 54 airports have been upgraded and air-service has commenced in 311 routes under UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme whereas the target is to upgrade 100 airports and award air-service on 1,000 routes under the regional connectivity scheme (RCS). The minister mentioned that air services in Bilaspur will enhance tourism and trade within the region and people will have access to medical facilities of metro cities with air connectivity.
Besides, it will also profit the employees of companies situated at Korba, Raigarh, Surguja, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts (of north Chhattisgarh), the union minister mentioned. Within the last six years, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has spent Rs 130 crore for the development of Swami Vivekanand Airport Raipur, and the construction of a new terminal constructing there is under consideration, he mentioned.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel urged the union minister to start an international flight from Raipur airport citing an increase in the number of people traveling abroad from the state. He also mentioned the Raipur airport has been upgraded to accommodate international flight services. He also requested to set up a cargo hub at Raipur airport.
The first flight on Monday reached Bilaspur at around 3:20 pm from Delhi via Jabalpur and returned to the national capital at around 3:45 pm via Prayagraj. Similarly, another flight arrived at Bilaspur at 4 pm from Delhi via Prayagraj and returned to Delhi via Jabalpur, leaving Bilaspur at 4:30 pm.
