Raipur: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated direct air services from Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport, Bilaspur, to Delhi and Kolkata today. Shri Sai virtually flagged off the direct flights from Bilaspur to Delhi and Bilaspur to Kolkata from his residence office. On the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sai and several other public representatives were present at Bilasa Devi Kevant Airport, while MP Shri Sunil Soni was present at Chief Minister’s residence.
In his address to the program, Shri Sai said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is committed to make air travel accessible and affordable for everyone. In the same sequence, air services are being expanded across the state. The new flights launched today are like a dream come true for people of Bilaspur. The newly-established direct air connectivity includes routes from Bilaspur to Delhi, Bilaspur to Kolkata, and now, Jagdalpur to Jabalpur. This expansion in air services will unleash new possibilities in the realms of business and tourism. Shri Sai congratulated people of Bilaspur for commencement of these air services.
Expressing his delight, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the initiation of direct flights is a significant development for Chhattisgarh. The benefits of these air services will extend not only to Bilaspur but to the entire state, fostering growth and opportunities. He extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his support in fulfilling the long-standing demand of Bilaspur residents.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Shri Sai highlighted the commencement of air services from Jagdalpur to Jabalpur, foreseeing positive impacts on commerce, tourism, education, healthcare, and industries in the Bastar region. Shri Sai also talked about the ongoing upgrade of facilities at Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport, Bilaspur. He announced that the facility of night landing will be available at the Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport soon.
Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport has obtained a 3C-FAR license, allowing the operation of 72-seater planes. Aviation Department has already applied for the 3CIFR license to provide night landing facilities, promising enhanced services in the near future. Alliance Air has commenced three air services in Chhattisgarh, connecting Bilaspur with Delhi, Kolkata, and Jabalpur.
The inaugural flights from Kolkata and Delhi to Bilaspur witnessed smooth operations. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao presided over the program at Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport, highlighting the significance of initiating simultaneous regular air services to New Delhi and Kolkata, marking a significant milestone for development of Bilaspur. He assured that the state government would extend every possible support in smooth operation of these regular flight services. He said that a regular flight from Bilaspur to Hyderabad will also be commenced soon.
Bilha MLA Shri Dharamlal Kaushik, Nagar MLA Shri Amar Agrawal, Takhatpur MLA Shri Dharamjeet Singh, Beltara MLA Shri Sushant Shukla, and other dignitaries, expressed their joy at the realization of a long-awaited dream for Bilaspur. The introduction of regular flights is expected to contribute positively to the region’s growth and development. Collector Shri Awanish Sharan delivered the welcome address.
Passengers will no longer have to go to any other city to catch a flight
Passengers, thrilled with the convenience, expressed their gratitude towards Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao for the launch of regular air services. Divya Vaishnav, who was traveling from Lormi to Delhi, said that these newly-launched flights will prove immensely beneficial for the people of Bilaspur. Now we will no longer need to go all the way to Raipur to catch flights for Delhi, Kolkata and other places. This will save both our time and money.
On this occasion, Kota MLA Mr. Atal Srivastava, Mayor Bilaspur Mr. Ramsharan Yadav, Zila Panchayat President Bilaspur Mr. Arun Singh Chauhan, Commissioner Mrs. Shikha Rajput Tiwari, Collector Mr. Awanish Sharan, SP Shri Rajneesh Singh, Corporation Commissioner Mr. Amit Kumar, Leader of Opposition in the Corporation Mr. Rajesh. Singh, District President Mr. Ramdev Kumawat and a large number of passengers and distinguished citizens were present. Many officials including Secretary Aviation Mr. Dayanand P., Director Aviation Mr. Neelam Namdev Ekka were present at the Chief Minister’s residence.