Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai inaugurated the Raipur-Ambikapur-Bilaspur air service at Swami Vivekananda Airport today. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said on this occasion that today another historic step has been taken towards the development of Chhattisgarh. The launch of Raipur-Ambikapur-Bilaspur air service is a symbol of the expansion of our regional connectivity. The initial fare of this service is only Rs 999, which ensures that the general public can also avail the benefit of air travel.
He said that this is a big example of the change that has come in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He had said that even a person wearing slippers will travel by plane and today that dream is coming true. Air connectivity of 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 80 crores.
Maa Mahamaya Airport, Ambikapur has received a license of Three C VFR category. This airport is suitable for operating 72-seater ATR-72 aircraft. Chief Minister Sai said that work is also going on to connect Ambikapur with Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata. Our Chhattisgarh has immense potential for natural beauty, historical heritage, and eco-tourism. Tourists from India and abroad will now have easy access to places like Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve, Ramgarh Hills, and Chitrakote Falls, called the Niagara of Asia. Along with this, the investment environment will also improve with the expansion of air connectivity. Our government has given special encouragement to enterprises like home stays and resorts in the new industry policy, which is creating huge employment opportunities for local youth. Our effort is to take Chhattisgarh to new heights in the field of aviation in the next four years.
Chief Minister Sai said that the new year is about to come, and I urge all of you to take advantage of this new air service and enjoy the natural beauty of Surguja. Fly Big Charter Company will provide services to these cities through 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft.
The aircraft takeoff was given a water salute. MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj along with his wife boarded the flight as the first passenger of the flight service that started today, to whom Chief Minister Shri Sai gave the boarding pass and said that today you have made history. You are the first passenger of this route, best wishes to you. On this occasion, MLAs Shri Rajesh Agarwal, Shri Prabodh Minj, Shri Ramkumar Toppo, Secretary to Chief Minister Shri Basavaraju, Director Aviation Department Shri Sanjeev Jha, CMD of Fly Big Company Shri Sanjay Mandaviya were present.
