Jaipur, March 7 (NationPress) A significant initiative to enhance civil aviation infrastructure in Rajasthan was propelled forward during a pivotal meeting at the State Hangar in Jaipur on Saturday.

The gathering included prominent figures such as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Minister of State for Civil Aviation (Independent Charge) Gautam Kumar Dak.

Key discussions revolved around the expansion of air services throughout Rajasthan, the upgrade of current airstrips, the development of airport facilities, the improvement of flight connectivity, and the potential establishment of new greenfield airports in the state.

Om Birla emphasized that the extensive geographical area of Rajasthan necessitates enhanced air connectivity to vital religious, tourism, educational, and commercial sites. He highlighted the importance of evaluating the feasibility of new airstrips and domestic airports to facilitate better access across the state.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu proposed creating an independent directorate to enhance the management and regulation of air services in Rajasthan, a step he believes would expedite the advancement of the civil aviation sector in the region.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stated that the government is adhering to a structured strategy aimed at improving air connectivity and modernizing aviation facilities in Rajasthan.

He added that under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) initiative, efforts should focus on expanding air services between districts and launching new flights from significant airports.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister instructed officials to devise a roadmap for establishing a civil enclave in Suratgarh and to initiate development projects at the Lalgarh airstrip.

Sharma also directed authorities to investigate the feasibility of new greenfield airports in Deeg-Kumher, Sirohi, Sikar, and Bhiwadi.

He asserted that the establishment of new aviation infrastructure would foster regional growth, offer alternative airport solutions during emergencies, enhance tourism and trade, and provide benefits to Non-Resident Rajasthanis.

Additionally, he urged officials to accelerate the development of a new civil enclave and access road at Uttarlai Airport.

High-ranking officials present at the meeting included Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Akhil Arora, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India Vipin Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Civil Aviation Department Naveen Jain, along with members from the Chief Minister’s Office and other departments.