PM promises better air connectivity to Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 1: Promising better air connectivity and dispelling anxiety over the plantation sector in Kerala, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today laid foundation stones for a new terminal at the international airport here and the Rs 50 crore Air India Maintenance Base.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister said apart from migration of people, Kerala's improved connectivity was encouraging tourism into the state.

''This 'God's Own Country' has become a magnet for seekers of peace, relaxation and rejuvenation.'' The Centre would assist the state in its plans for developing better connectivity, he added.

Taking note of the concerns of the plantation sector in Kerala, he said his government would not do anything that would hurt the interests of the people. But, the farmers should be prepared to deal with competition from some of the friendly countries like Sri Lanka and Vietnam with whom India had long historical and fraternal relations.

''We need to make effective use of modern science and technology to improve the productivity of the plantation sector in Kerala,'' he said adding the Centre was committed to improve the agricultural and the plantation economies of Kerala, especially in areas like Wayanad and Alappuzha.

For the development of the fisheries sector, the Azhekkal Port had been included in the National Maritime Development Programme.

The Centre would also render all possible assistance for the development of Vizhinjam Harbour.

In the infrastructure development, Dr Singh hoped both Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi would take advantage of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission to upgrade the urban infrastructure facilities.

In the past 50 years, Kerala had been a symbol of highly impressive human development, education and health care. The state had given many lessons for the rest of the country. However, it lacked in developing modern industries and knowledge economy.

''I am sure Kerala can catch up and will catch up,'' Dr Singh said adding Kerala had always been a proud symbol of India's composite culture.

Every one took great pride in the common linguistic and cultural heritage, irrespective of religion and caste. ''You must strengthen these bonds and not fall prey to divisive and sectarian ideologies that can only harm Kerala and our great nation,'' he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said in view of the tremendous surge in air traffic in domestic and international sector in Kerala, the Centre would accord importance to the projects here. Thiruvananthapuram was one of first 35 non-metro airports in the country that was being taken up for development and the work would be completed in a time bound manner.

The new international passenger terminal building was being built in two phases at an estimated cost of Rs 245.58 crore. A total of 55 acre of land would be utilised by the Airport Authority of India for the purpose.

At par with passenger terminals in advanced countries, the fully air-conditioned terminal would be capable of handling two AB 300 and one B 747 aircraft load corresponding to a peak hour of 800 departing and 800 arriving passengers at a time.

He said the Air India's maintenance base would be useful as most of the newly-inducted Boeing 737s operated from the state to the Gulf regions. Air India Express, the budget Airline, has presently 55 flights out of Kerala to various destinations in the gulf.

Besides this, Air India as a full service carrier, also operates 32 flights out of Kerala with its fleet of 747-400s and A310s.

Referring to the competition from the private sector, the Minister said the staff of the national carrier must perform and live upto expectations. ''If they fail to deliver, things will not be good.'' Addressing the gathering, Defence Minister A K Antony urged the authorities to complete the construction work on a war-footing. Union Overseas Indians Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said there was a long standing demand for low airfare travel to Gulf destinations.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said the first phase of the new terminal would be completed within 18 months as the existing one built to handle a passenger capacity of 365,000 was now handling 1.2 million passengers.

He also promised the Air India to hand over five more acres to it for the maintenance base.

The Chief Minister said the projects would certainly give a major impetus to the tourism, Information Technology and Industrial growth of Kerala.

UNI

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