India has potential to become global aviation hub : Naidu

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu on December 4, 2018, said that India has the potential to become global aviation hub for MRO (Maintenance Repair and Overhaul) in view of the growing aviation business, huge pool of engineering talent and low labour costs. He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the first international flight from Vijayawada to Singapore and laying foundation stone for the Integrated Passenger Terminal Building at Vijayawada Airport, at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha, Minister for Finance, Andhra Pradesh, Y Ramakrishnudu, Minister for Law, Andhra Pradesh, Kollu Ravindra were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that the international flight from Vijayawada to Singapore would further enhance the connectivity as well as Andhra Pradesh’s business and tourism potential. He said that the state of the art new terminal spread over 35,000 Sqm is being developed with Rs 611 crore budget to handle 1,200 passengers per day with 24 Check-in counters and 8 gates. The terminal would also accommodate parking facility for 1,250 four wheelers, he said. A total of 14 immigration counters, 3 customs counters, 5 baggage belts would be installed for the convenience of international and domestic passengers, he added.

The Vice President said that the new air connectivity between Andhra Pradesh and Singapore would increase India’s reach in South East Asia. Andhra Pradesh would become aviation gateway between the two prospering regions and it will boost tourism, he added. The Vice President tasked the state government to actively promote tourism especially the Budhist Circuit along with other tourist attractions in the state. Naidu appreciated the efforts of the State and Central governments in facilitating the state of Andhra Pradesh with Air Connectivity under UDAAN scheme. He said that the scheme would enable greater connectivity between Vijayawada, Hyderabad and Chennai.

The Vice President said that the recent aviation initiatives such as development of Vizag Airport at a cost of Rs 90 crore, extension of runway at Rajahmundry Airport at a cost of Rs 125 crore and extension of runway at Tirupati Airport at a cost of Rs 114 crore would give philip to the growth prospects of the state. Naidu also appreciated the authorities for adopting an eco friendly infrastructure in constructing the new integrated terminal at Vijayawada Airport. He said that the features such as Rain Water Harvesting, double insulated roofing, LED lighting would conserve energy and reduce wastage of water.

The Vice President called upon State Governments to partner with the Centre in a true ‘Team India’ spirit for building a new prosperous, inclusive New India by creating the right ecosystem for the growth of various sectors. The political differences between parties must end with elections and focus should be given to governance after assuming power, he added.