New Delhi, 21st of December, 2024 : The Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu inaugurated centenary celebration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
The event witnessed the presence of Shri Murlidhar Mohol,Minister of State for Civil AviationS, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Vipin Kumar, Chairman AAI and Senior official of Ministry of Civil Aviation & Airport Authority of India.
Speaking on the occasion, thr Minister said, this marks a momentous milestone in Indian aviation history as the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata celebrates its 100 years of service. It is a historic airport, a pre-independence marvel, stands as a testament to the legacy and progress of the civil aviation sector. The Minister reiterated Centre’s plan to restore the glory of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and transform it into a hub for international flights. Shri Naidu announced that 100 flights will soon operate from the airport daily. “Currently, there are 15 international and 49 domestic flights from Kolkata. We are determined to significantly increase both international and domestic flights in the near future. Our goal is to make Kolkata one of the busiest airports in the country, handling over 100 flights daily in both sectors,” he said.
The Minister said, “This is a proud moment for all of us, where we are continuing the legacy built by our nation and drawing inspiration from it for future achievements. The airport has catered to crores of passengers and stood as a vital gateway for Bengal and the country through significant historical milestones. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister always says very dearly, ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi,’ so this is a proud moment for us.”
He further added that “In the last ten years, especially for civil aviation, the way airports have expanded, the way passenger capacity has expanded, airline fleets have grown, and cargo operations have surged, all verticals related to civil aviation have pushed boundaries under the leadership of our Prime Minister. We are now the third-largest domestic aviation hub in the whole world. And now, we need to take it forward, break barriers once again, level up the civil aviation sector, and achieve the goal of becoming the number one domestic hub in the world.” Reflecting on the transformative impact of the UDAN scheme, he remarked, “The UDAN scheme has been revolutionary in the civil aviation sector. Over the last eight years, we have launched more than 600 flights, transporting crores of people. The scheme has made the vision of ‘Hawai Chappal in Hawai Jahaz’ a reality. Today, as we celebrate 100 years of Kolkata Airport, we see this as a source of inspiration and a sense of pride for the entire country.” Highlighting the importance of Kolkata Airport, he noted, “The airport has served through various historical periods, representing the pre-independence struggle, the growth of the country post-independence, and the LPG reforms. Today, under the leadership of our Prime Minister, the airport sector has been transformed. Special focus has been put on Kolkata Airport, with significant upgrades in capacity, additional services, and world-class infrastructure over the last five years.”
“The civil aviation sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country and plays a critical role in economic growth and job creation. With the unwavering focus of our Prime Minister and a dedicated team, we are confident of achieving even greater milestones in the next five years. The centenary of Kolkata Airport will inspire us to achieve more,” he stated. The Minister concluded by congratulating the Airport Authority of India for organizing the centenary celebrations and their efforts in developing Kolkata Airport and other airports across the country.
The Minister also inaugurated a unique UDAN Yatri Cafe at Kolkata Airport to cater specifically to passengers traveling under the UDAN scheme. The cafe will offer a curated menu with affordable pricing, ensuring that passengers have access to quality food at a cost-effective rate, enhancing their travel experience without compromising on value.
Shri Naidu unveiled Centenary Coin, Centenary Postal Special Cover and a Coffee Table Book of Art Works of Kolkata Airport…
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