A P seeks low cost international travel for Hyderabadis

New Delhi, Jan 11 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh today made out a strong case for Air India to improve its connectivity to the workers from the state to travel to West and South East Asia by allowing international budget air link with Hyderabad.

A demand to this effect was put forward by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajashekhara Reddy, who met Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel. He said there were about 10 lakh NRIs in A P working in West Asia and Bangkok in east.

After Kerala, AP had biggest number of NRIs working in Gulf countries but with low income levels, they deserved to be provided with better connectivity with destinations like Riyadh, Kuwait and Bangkok, the Minister said.

Besides, the state was a home for several tourist spots like Nagarjuna Konda, Amaravati capable of attracting Budhist tourists from South East Asian countries. The Kala-Chakara event in Amaravati attracted Budhists from various destinations from abroad, he added.

The CM also sought upgradation of Visakhapatnam Tirupathi and Rajamuhdry airports with provisions for night landing and expedite upgradation of Kadapa and Warangal airports.

Dr Reddy also called on Congress President Sonia Gandhi to apprise her about the progress made by the state government in making several developmental projects a reality and he was happy about the meeting which went off very well, he said.

UNI