look news india
News India Live, Digital Desk: The long -standing demand for direct air flights between two major cities of Patna in Bihar and Gujarat – Surat and Ahmedabad – is now seen moving towards the fulfillment of the fulfillment. It is a matter of great relief for millions of Biharis who work in Gujarat or are associated with business and they have to return home again and again. There has been a positive indication from the Central Government on this much awaited demand, which has raised hopes of improvement of air connectivity. The matter came to light when Bharatiya Janata Party MP and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad raised the issue of increasing air services from Patna Sahib. He demanded new direct flights from various states of the country, especially from cities like Surat and Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The main reason behind this demand was that a large number of people of Bihar live and work in Gujarat, and they either face connectivity problems or air travel becomes expensive and inconvenient due to non -availability of direct flights. Ravi Shankar Prasad emphasized the need to call the air service as ‘Lifeline’. This demand of Ravishankar Prasad was replied by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh in the Lok Sabha. He assured that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will soon meet with the airlines and consider this demand. The minister also clarified in the House that the airlines do not require prior permission of the Central Government to start flights within the country. Airlines companies themselves are free to take flights on the basis of their commercial policies and market demands, however, the Civil Aviation Ministry also stated in its reply that 23 routes have been sanctioned in Bihar so far under the regional connectivity scheme like ‘Udaan’ scheme, 13 of which are still in services. This means that the work of strengthening air connectivity at the regional level is going on. The minister’s answer gives a clear indication to the airlines that new flights are the real need from Bihar to Gujarat. If airlines companies find their commercial feasibility on this route and passenger number is sufficient, they may soon announce new flights. This step will not only make the journey easier between the two states, but will also strengthen economic relations.