Bengal keen to make the state a air taxi hub

Kolkata, July 6 (UNI) The West Bengal government has decided to make the state a hub for air taxi operation to reap in the benefits of modernisation of the international airport here.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee met senior Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials led by AAI's officiating regional executive director S P S Bakshi recently to discuss the matter.

''With modernisation of the international airport here getting underway, Air taxi operation from the airport would ensure better connectivity with different growth centres and help promote tourism in West Bengal,''Mr Bakshi said.

''The Coochbehar airport will be made operational by next month to enhance connectivity with north Bengal,'' Mr Bakshi said.

''The Chief Minister also suggested that the airport at Malda in north Bengal and Behala in the metropolis be reopened for air taxi operations,'' he said.

AAI Chairman K Ramalingam will arrive here on July nine for a two-day visit to give final shape to the modernisation of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport after discussions with the Chief Minister.

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