CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government has decided to setup an international cargo airport, possibly near Bathinda. A US firm has already been asked to prepare a feasibility study and shortlist possible sites for the construction of this airport.

A sum of Rs four crore has been earmarked for this exercise and is likely to be sponsored by the US Government. It may be recalled that the setting up of an airport in Punjab was once of the topics of discussion when the US Ambassador called on the chief minister during a visit to the state in October last year.

‘The state government is very keen to push up exports from the region especially that of agricultural produce. But, in the absence of an international cargo facility, export of agro products, especially perishables, is not deemed to be practical. According to highly placed official sources, with the completion of the Hazira Bathinda Jagdishpur (HBJ) pipeline expected in a few months, the choice of Bathinda as a prospective site for the airport would gain more ground, The area near Bathinda, the so called Malwa belt, has hitherto remained rather backward and the government is now keen to promote industries in this region, The setting up of an international cargo base in this area thus holds favor with the present high command in the state.

Already the government, two days ago, has set up an Export Promotion Board under the chairmanship of the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Harcharan Singh Brar, and with representatives from the focal industry as well as government officials to suggest ways and means to provide a quantum jump to exports from the region. The setting up of the airport, it is understood, would be among the first items on the Board’s agenda.

 

Meanwhile, earlier this week, the government also leased a twin engine helicopter from the public sector “Pawan Hans’ for the chief minister’s use, the helicopter has been taken on a one year lease. It is also currently keenly interviewing pilots for the C 90 aircraft. The aircraft has been grounded since the two pilots had perished when the other aircraft owned by the Punjab Government, Super king. Beechcraft B 200, crashed near Kulu, killing the then Governor, Mr. Surendra Nath, and his family.

 

Article extracted from this publication >>  January 10, 1996