Wednesday, 24 August 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met the Union Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and discussed various issues in detail related to air connectivity in Uttarakhand on Tuesday. Dhami said that fixed wing aircraft connectivity is needed in Pithoragarh. At present, selection of airlines for three routes- Pithoragarh-Pantnagar, Pithoragarh-Hindon and Pithoragarh-Dehradun is in progress under the regional connectivity scheme. Responding to the CM’s request, the Union minister directed the officials of his ministry that work orders to airlines should be issued at the ministry level by September 30 this year so that further action can be taken to establish air connectivity to Pithoragarh.
Dhami further said that the State government had submitted a proposal that considering the strategic importance of Naini-Saini airport it should be handed over to the Airport Authority of India so that it can be upgraded from 2B to 3C and be brought under independent management. In this matter, it was decided that the AAI and Uttarakhand government will prepare the service conditions for the memorandum of understanding without delay so that a decision can be taken soon in this regard. The CM also requested the Union minister to direct Pawan Hans to operate helicopter service under the regional connectivity scheme in Pithoragarh and to connect Almora with helicopter service. Responding to this, Scindia directed the officials of the ministry to undertake necessary action at the ministry level to facilitate daily service of Pawan Hans from August 26. The CM also recalled that a greenfield airport is proposed in Pantnagar to improve the air connectivity in the Kumaon region. He requested that the OLS survey of the new alignment proposed by the State government for expansion of the Pantnagar airport be facilitated. Scindia informed that directions have been issued to the ministry to conduct the OLS survey by November 30 this year. He also directed officials to prepare the detailed project reports for two small airports of Gauchar and Chinyalisaud. Dhami expressed hope that along with Dehradun, even Pantnagar airport will be developed to international level.
AAI chairman Sanjeev Kumar, Civil Aviation additional secretary Usha Padi and officials of the State government were also present on the occasion.
