Gujarat needs 11 more airports to meet the requirements of high-paced development that is taking place in Gujarat, stated Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Gujarat is internationally acclaimed for its development initiatives, CM expressed his firm resolve to set up airports at Palitana, Dwarka and Ambaji. He appreciated the newly built world-class terminal building at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Praful Patel, today, inaugurated the Terminal-2 building which has been built at the project cost of Rs. 290 Crores. Chief Guest at the inauguration -ceremony, CM proposed to place Sardar Patel’s statue in airport premises. For, Shri Praful Patel gave an assurance that Airport Authority of India will take necessary action to place Sardar’s statue, that too before Sardar’s next birth anniversary.
Central Aviation Ministry has given in-principal sanction to set-up 2nd International Terminal which would be at 80 K.M. distance from Ahmedabad. CM noted that there are other cities where International aircraft can land; by assigning International airport status to such cities would definitely ease the problem of heavy International traffic.
CM pointed out that Gujarat has formulated its Civil Aviation Policy- Gujarat State Civil Aviation Policy- which aims to garner public private partnership. With ultimate object to develop aviation- infrastructure and to promote private firm’s partnership Gujarat has set up a company-GUJSAIL.
CM welcomed the suggestion made by Union Civil Aviation Minister to utilise the Civil Aviation Service’s Model which has been evolved by the North-East States, this would be really helpful for creating internal-aviation-service- network in Gujarat.
CM pursued for creating skilled work-force, Union Aviation Ministry must come forward to set -up training facilities considering the high-paced development taking place in the aviation sector.
The newly built terminal runs on solar-energy, CM lauded the environment friendly initiatives. He demanded speedy clearance for import-licensing to the private promoters who wish to launch airlines services.
CM made number of suggestions to improve immigration counter services, allowing auto-rickshaw and other passenger related services. He made a demand for London’s direct flight from Ahmedabad, also establishing multi-language –kiosk highlighting contribution of our great leaders.
The newly built terminal would commence its International operations from 15th August 2010, which is the Independence Day; announcement to this effect was made by Union Minister Shri Praful Patel.
Union Minister of State for Aviation gave assurance of his full cooperation in fulfilling Gujarat’s development requirements. India stands on 9th position, it would rise much higher by upgrading aviation facilities, he added. He also made an announcement to give direct flight to London by making necessary amendment in 2010’s aviation services infrastructure.
Minister of State for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Shri Dinsha Patel said that the air traffic is increasing day by day, and pilots are in short supply, against the requirement of 4500 pilots we have only 3300. Considering the bright prospects, An Aviation –Pilot training centre needs to be established at Ahmedabad. He appealed State Government for land-allotment.
Union Minister of State for Power, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki gave an assurance that Gujarat’s M.Ps are fully committed to boost Gujarat’s development and progress. The coastal-belt in the State holds immense potential for trade and business. Gujarat would be a frontrunner in aviation and marine sectors.
Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Tushar Chaudhri appealed to equip Vadodara and Surat Airports with all modern facilities. He hoped that Civil Aviation Facility would be getting expanded in the coming days.
Leader of the Opposition in Gujarat Assembly, Shri Shaktisinh Gohil said that Ahmedabad has got the World-Class Terminal today. National and International tourists would continue to get better services. He appealed to create better services at other domestic airports of the State.
M.P. Shri Harin Pathak, Airport Authority Chairman Shri V.P. Agraval also addressed the gathering.
Mayor Shri Kanaji Thakor, Gujarat’s Minister of State for Aviation Shri Saurabh Patel, MLA Shri Jayant Patel, MLA Dr Maya Kodanani, Airport Authority of India’s member Shri Sudhir Raheja, eminent leaders and top officials were present on the occasion.
