Haryana Showcases Aviation Progress at Dehradun Conference
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana's Civil Aviation, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Vipul Goel represented the state in the Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference held in Dehradun.
Speaking on this occasion, he said due to the efficient leadership and foresight of PM Narendra Modi and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, today the state's civil aviation department is touching new heights. Due to their clear vision and strong will, Haryana is now making its strong presence felt on the national stage in the aviation sector.
The objective of this two-day seminar was to strengthen the dialogue and coordination between the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, Airport Authority of India (AAI), DGCA and other related organizations along with the civil aviation departments of all the states. In this, important discussions were held to share the needs and proposals of the states and to take policy making to the practical level.
The Cabinet Minister expressed his gratitude to Union Civil Aviation Minister Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu and Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi for this innovative event and said, "The number of new airports built in the country under the UDAN scheme and other initiatives is historic. This is a change which is now visible on the ground." He also thanked Uttarakhand Chief Minister Sh. Pushkar Singh Dhami for hosting the programme.
Hisar Airport: A step towards becoming the aviation hub of North India
Goel said the Hisar Airport was inaugurated in the month of April and regular flights have started from there, which is a historic achievement for the state. He said the presence of the Prime Minister added dignity to the occasion. “I request Union Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu to visit Hisar soon and support the state in airport expansion plans," he said. He also said that Hisar is the third airport in the country which has immense possibilities of expansion. Spread over 7200 acres, this airport has a 4000 meter long runway, excellent road and rail connectivity, and modern infrastructure which can establish it as a major aviation hub of North India.
He said the work of MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) facility is in progress in Hisar, for which he expected full cooperation from the Central Government. He also proposed that "wherever expressways and highways are being built in the country, it should be made mandatory to develop strips for air ambulance services along with the road. This will give new impetus to emergency services." Helicopter manufacturing work has been started by the Haryana Government in Gurugram and Faridabad. Also, Vipul Goel requested the Chandigarh Administration to provide land for helipad to the state so that helicopter connectivity can be provided from Chandigarh to various districts of Haryana.
Coordination of sports and training with aviation
He also informed that the Civil Aviation Department is not limited to only passenger flights, but recreational aviation and sports activities are also being promoted in the state. “International level sports complexes are being built in Bhiwani and Mahendragarh. Also, we are setting up flying training institutes so that pilots can be prepared for the country and Haryana can play a leading role in this,” he added.
At the conclusion of the programme, Vipul Goel reiterated that the Haryana Government and the Civil Aviation Department of the state under the leadership of the Chief Minister are working with full dedication to realize the vision of 'Viksit Bharat’. He said, "We need the continued support of the Central Government and we are ready to give our full contribution on behalf of the state."