The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday directed Air India to file a reply on a petition challenging suspension of flights from the airport in the state capital since September 2012.
A division bench of Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan passed the order on a petition filed by Paras Dhaulta, who contended that the government has been spending a lot of money on the upkeep and maintenance of the airport but no flight is operating to and from there.
The petitioner said the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has prepared a preliminary report suggesting that the site identified near Kandaghat in Solan district was feasible for the construction of a bigger airport.
The high court, in its earlier orders, had constituted a committee of the ministry of civil aviation, the AAI, Air India and the state government to suggest ways and make the airport functional as early as possible.
The state chief secretary informed the court that the Air India chairman has informed the state that ATR 42-320 aircraft could be plied if operational facilities for smooth and safe operations are provided.
The court listed the matter for next hearing on March 30.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app