Mangalore: NRI forum seeks international status for airport

Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 01 February 2011: The NRI forum is seeking the perfect birthday gift for Mangalore airport that is in the midst of its diamond jubilee year from both the central and state governments -- the tag of an international airport. The Mangalore Airport having completed 59 years of fruitful existence entered into the 60th -- diamond jubilee year on December 21 last. The diamond jubilee celebration will be held here on February 27 under the aegis of KCCI.

 

K Thejomaya, former chairman of MUDA, told reporters here on Saturday that the forum feels that the international status is imperative. The respective governments must take steps to extend the existing runway to 11,000 feet in order to accommodate wide-bodied jets. The state government must acquire land required for the purpose and hand it over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), he said.

 

AAI should pay more attention towards providing various facilities for the convenience of the passengers at Mangalore airport. While extending the runway of the airport will give it a distinct place, Thejomaya said proper lighting; safety and security system will make it the safest airport. The air cargo complex system should be handled at the old terminal building of Mangalore airport for the convenience of international passengers.

 

 

There is a need for a railway station to be set up at Jokatte close to the airport, since the Konkan Railway track passes through Kenjar adjacent to the airport. A direct, separate road from NH 17 at Kulur to the airport will be of great help to the passengers. The governments should prevail on international private airlines to operate to Mangalore to give greater visibility to the airport and bolster its international airport status.

 

Thejomaya said the Forum would urge the Union Civil Aviation Minister Vyalar Ravi and Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily who would attend the diamond jubilee celebration along with CM B S Yeddyurappa to take forward the case for declaring Mangalore airport as an international airport. The Forum would also urge the ministers to name the airport after U Srinivas Mallya in recognition of his contribution to the region.

- TNN