Revival of airports in Bengal, beginning with Behala: Chakraborty

Kolkata, July 17 (UNI) West Bengal Transport Minister Subhas Chakraborty today told the assembly that the state government was in the process of floating tender in co-operation with Airports Authority of India (AAI) for revival and modernisation of Behala Flying club.

''The state government has taken an initiative for the modernisation of Behala Flying club for which the Centre has given Rs four crore,'' Mr Chakraborty said.

He said the Centre had asked the state to arrange basic infrastructure like power and water supply.

Mr Chakraborty also said the Ambanis had taken an initiative for revival of an airport near Jalpaiguri-Purilia. Besides this the state government had sought 1000 acres of land near Kona highway from railways for setting up of a cargo airport.

''Many corporate houses were eager for setting up of a cargo airport at this site,'' he said.

The transport minister stressed the need for building up necessary infrastructure for aviation service in the state and said the state though strated late will succeed in this mission.

UNI KDG BA SBA VV1433