Help UDAN projects take off faster in State, CM urges Aviation Minister

Seeks to expedite the execution of airport projects in Hosur, Neyveli and Ramanathapuram to commence air operations

Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Saturday sought Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu’s intervention to expedite airport projects in Hosur, Neyveli and Ramanathapuram, which were selected for the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, which aims to improve regional air connectivity.

“I would like to thank you for the efforts made by your Ministry to promote air connectivity between regions under the UDAN scheme in Tamil Nadu. People in and around Salem district have welcomed the scheme and have benefitted from the flight services to Salem airport,” Mr. Palaniswami said in a letter to Mr. Prabhu.

Wait for NOC

The Chief Minister noted that Hosur, an important industrial hub in Krishnagiri district, was selected under the first phase of the UDAN scheme, but flight operations were yet to begin for want of a No Objection Certificate from Bengaluru international airport.

“The Hosur airport will be an engine of growth for the industrial hub of Krishnagiri and neighbouring districts, and will also develop the Chennai–Bengaluru industrial corridor. I therefore request you to kindly instruct the civil aviation authorities to make the Hosur airport operational immediately,” he said.

Noting that Neyveli was also selected under Phase I of the UDAN scheme and that the bidding process with airline operators had been completed, he requested the Union Minister to take necessary steps to bring flight operations to Neyveli as soon as possible.

“I would also like to point out that Ramanathapuram has been included in Phase II of the UDAN scheme. Rameswaram is an important pilgrimage and tourism centre, attracting tourists from all over the country. Therefore, I request you to take necessary steps to start air operations to Ramanathapuram as expeditiously as possible by starting the bidding process,” Mr. Palaniswami said.

The Chief Minister’s letter to the Aviation Minister comes just a few days after his meeting with Mr. Prabhu in Chennai, during which various infrastructure projects for the State were discussed, including a second airport for the capital city.