The Union Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Ajit Singh, today emphasised on the need for development of aviation sector in Uttar Pradesh.
“In UP, which has 16.1 per cent population of the country, only two per cent of total flights operate and only 2.5 per cent people fly. This situation needs to be improved,” Mr Singh said here after inaugurating the newly constructed integrated terminal at Chaudhary Charan Singh airport.
The Minister said UP has only two customs airport at Lucknow and Varansi and they would be soon given the status of international airports.
He said there was a proposal for maintenance, overhaul and repair facility in the state, which could attract an investment of $200-300 million.
Better connectivity
Emphasising on better connectivity, Mr Singh said small planes should be introduced so that people from Azamgarh and Tier II and Tier III cities could be connected with international flights via Lucknow.
“This could increase international traffic...If progress has to be made in this sector (aviation) or even industries are to be set up, land is required,” he said.
Good compensation to the farmers would be ensured in which the Ministry will also have to assist, he said, adding that the method of land acquisition by the government needs to be changed.
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr Akhilesh Yadav, assured of all possible help, and said the state would be connected with international destinations as well as other cities.
On proposal to set up a National Aviation University in Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister said that the state had already said that it will give cooperation to whatever scheme the Centre brings.