Air Deccan begins operations on Kullu-Delhi segment

Kullu, Oct 16 (UNI) Air Deccan today began its operations in Himachal Pradesh with its inaugural flight taking off from Bhuntar Airport in Kullu district for New Delhi, signalling air connectivity between the two places.

State Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who was present on the occasion, flagged off the flight from here.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the State Government had constructed Kullu-Manali and Kangra airports through its own funds to facilitate the landing of passenger aircraft.

The airport runways were being expanded to accommodate the landing of bigger aircraft, he said while assuring his government's support in the endeavour.

Mr Singh said all airports in the state would be equipped with navigation aids to regulate flights in all weather conditions.

The navigation aids were the need of the hour, especially in small town airports where the weather condition were at times unfavourable, he said, adding that these would help in maintaining regular flights between the places.

The state government was considering a proposal to construct an international airport in Belh valley of Mandi district for which land acquisition process had already began, he informed.

The chief minister said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had assured construction of more railway networks in the state since it had not been given its due share in the railway expansion network.

Irrigation and Public Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur, who was also present on the occasion, advised the airline to start heli-taxi service in the state to give tourism a boost.

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