Bhubaneswar: In a bid to boost intra-state air connectivity, the state government has decided to complete the Phase I work by August this year.
A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting held under the chairmship of Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi here Wednesday. Padhi directed the officials concerned to make Jharsuguda airstrip ready for flight operations by September 1, 2017.
According to official sources, five airstrips of the state have been selected for inclusion in UDAN (Ude Desh Ke Aam Naagarik) scheme. Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) would work as the mentor airport for the four other airstrips located at Rourkela, Berhampur, Jharsuguda, Utkela (Kalahandi) and Jeypore (Koraput).
As part of regional network of air connectivity Bhubaneswar – Utkela, Utklela – Raipur, Bhubaneswar – Jeypore, Bhubaneswar-Jharsuguda, Jharsuguda-Ranchi and Bhubaneswar – Rourkela routes were suggested.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed among Ministry of Civil Aviation, state government and Airports Authority of India (AAI) in March, 2017 for implementation of the UDAN scheme in the state.
Meanwhile, the state government has decided to reduce VAT on aviation turbine fuel from 5 per cent to 1 per cent and provide 20 per cent of the Viable Gap Fund.
The state government has also decided to provide sops and financial aid to kick-start the flight operations and make passenger fares affordable.
As per initial calculations, the average price of a subsidised ticket for the flights would be as much as `2,500.
The state government would also provide land, security and fire services free of cost. Electricity and water would be provided at minimum cost, official sources said.
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