INDIA. Mumbai: The Spicejet’s first direct flight for Bhavnagar (Gujarat) – Delhi sector was virtually flagged off by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, in presence of Minister of State for Civil Aviation, General (Retd) Dr. V K Singh and Union Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Kharola on Friday. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani virtually embellished the event as the Chief Guest.
On the occasion, Scindia, said, “I feel honoured to flag off the first direct flight operations on the heritage city of Bhavnagar to Delhi route. The city is an important centre for the diamond cutting, polishing, and ship breaking industry not only for India but for the entire world. It is the prominent city where a blend of the symbolic initiatives of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Local to Global’ started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is found. Besides, the vehicle Scrappage policy will also benefit the people of Bhavnagar. These new flights will act as a catalyst for the tourism sector of the region while aiding the trade and commerce sector of Bhavnagar.”
Now the Bhavnagar will get six new flight routes. Due to the non-connectivity of direct flights from Bhavnagar to Delhi and Bhavnagar to Surat, people had to travel to Ahmedabad to board a flight. Now they will be able to travel at ease by opting for the newly inaugurated direct flight services in these sectors. Flights from Bhavnagar to Delhi and Mumbai will be operational on all days except on Tuesdays and Saturdays, flights from Bhavnagar to Surat will operate on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting from August 21.
The flight schedule is: Flight No. SG 3004, Sector-Bhavnagar-Delhi, Departure 15.45, Arrival 17.50 Frequency-Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, Aircraft-Q400. Flight No. SG 3001, Sector- Delhi- Bhavnagar, Departure 06.40, Arrival 08.45 Frequency-Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, Aircraft-Q400.
Flight No. SG 3001, Sector- Bhavnagar-Mumbai, Departure 09.05, Arrival 10.10 Frequency-Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, Aircraft-Q400. Flight No. SG 3004, Sector- Mumbai-Bhavnagar, Departure 14.20, Arrival 15.25 Frequency-Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, Aircraft-Q400. Flight No. SG 3423, Sector- Bhavnagar-Surat, Departure 14.40, Arrival 15.25 Frequency- Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, Aircraft-Q400. Flight No. SG 3422, Sector- Surat-Bhavnagar, Departure 13.35, Arrival 14.20 Frequency- Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, Aircraft-Q400.
A Rs 421 crore scheme for Jabalpur airport
In another development, Scindia approved a Rs 421 crore scheme for the development of Jabalpur airport and also virtually flagged off the IndiGo flight for Jabalpur – Delhi sector on Friday. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan graced the event virtually as the Guest of Honour. Jabalpur is the 69th domestic destination connected by M/s IndiGo airlines.
Scindia, in his address, said, “Democratization of the Indian aviation has been made possible in last 7 years under the leadership of our PM Narendra Modi. The aviation that was a distant dream for the common people is now becoming accessible to all. Now Jabalpur has received additional flight connectivity with Delhi and Mumbai. Furthermore, the city will further get additional connectivity with Indore and Hyderabad from August 28, onwards. In the last 35 days, we have commenced operations on 44 new flights in Madhya Pradesh out of which 26 aircraft movements have been attributed solely to Jabalpur. We are not only reviving the old routes despite the pandemic, but we are also commencing new routes.”
He further added, “Today, we are not only starting new routes and new flights from Jabalpur, but we have also approved a Rs 421 crore scheme for the development of Jabalpur airport. The new developments include construction of a new 10,000 sq ft terminal building, a new ATC tower, and extension of runway from 1950 m to 2750 m to make it feasible for bigger aircraft operations.”
The Jabalpur is one of the developed cities of Madhya Pradesh. Hanumantal Bada Jain Mandir, Jabalpur Madan Mahal, Dhuandhar Falls, Chausta -Yogini, Marble Rocks in Bhedaghat, Balancing rock near Madan Mahal Fort, Shiv Statue at Kachnar City, tiger reserves like Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and Pench National Park attract tourists from all over the world. The city also offers a sneak-peek into India’s heritage.
