BJP MP from Jamshedpur Bidyut Baran Mahato has demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi set up an airport in the vicinity of the steel city to ensure rapid development of the mineral-rich Kolhan region.
"During a meeting with Modi in the midst of the current session of Parliament, I had taken up the issue with him and demanded for setting up an airport in the mineral-rich East Singhbhum distirct," Mahato said.
Mahato told a press conference development of an airport would boost the growth of region by a whopping three to four times in view of the availability of minerals including iron-ore, gold, copper and uranium.
Mahato, who expressed dissatisfaction over the poor condition of National Highway 33, said the airport issue was discussed a couple of times with the concerned Union Aviation Minister, who had assured to give his nod if land was available for it.
He was referring to the proposal for setting up an International Airport by Tatas in Gamariah in adjoining Seraikela-Kharswan distirct.
As acquisiton of land was a major issue, Mahato said he had urged the Prime Minister to develop the abandoned airport in Chakulia (East Singhbhum district), about 60 km from here.
Developed in 1942 during the World War II, the abandoned airport has a 13 km-long run way which needed small investment to improve.
