Indian Airbus on Mumbai-Bhopal-Delhi route

Bhopal, June 1 (UNI) An Indian Airbus began daily flights along the Mumbai-Bhopal-Delhi route this morning in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Pachauri.

Mr Pachauri flagged off the plane at the local airport. Among those present were state Industry Minister Babulal Gaur, Mayor Sunil Sood and Indian Managing Director Vishwapati Trivedi.

''Until now, Madhya Pradesh was lagging behind in air services.

The Airbus will not only facilitate faster movement between Delhi and Mumbai for this state's denizens but also further attract industrialists keen on investment,'' said Mr Chouhan.

Work was progressing on making Bhopal and Indore airports attain international standards.

''I hope private airlines will also expand their facilities along the lines of Indian,'' the chief minister added.

Pointing out that the Madhya Pradesh government had taken the initiative for lengthening the runway here, Mr Pachauri expressed confidence that Mr Chouhan would continue to cooperate towards enhancing aviation facilities.

''Indian's 73 aircraft, including 48 Airbuses, link various places to one another. Besides satellite TV in these planes, every seat will have a visual screen from next year,'' said Mr Trivedi.

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