Punjab wants air service to Nanded

The Punjab government has urged the Centre to start direct domestic flights at the earliest from the state capital of Chandigarh and western border city of Amritsar and Chandigarh to Nanded in Maharashtra so as to facilitate the pilgrims to pay obeisance at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal put forth the demand to Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh at a meeting in Delhi past weekend, a spokesperson in the CMO said on Sunday. Taking up another issue, the Badal also impressed upon Singh to start international flights from the upcoming international airport at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali). Such a service would give fillip to ensure better air connectivity for the Punjabi diaspora settled abroad to visit the state far more comfortably, the official said, quoting the chief minister.

Badal also told Singh that now since the domestic terminal at Bhisiana was ready, flights must commence service from there, given that the nearest city of Bathinda was coming up as petrochemical hub due to the operationalisation of Rs 19,000-crore Guru Gobind Singh Oil Refinery.

Responding to the various issues raised by Badal, the civil aviation minister assured him of a positive response. The chief minister was informed about the Centre's plan to soon convene a meeting.