Resuming commercial operations at the Kandla airport in Kutch district would help in the economic development of the region, a state industry body said today.
In this regard, the Federation of Kutch Industries Association (FOKIA) submitted a memorandum to Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju yesterday in New Delhi, seeking restoration of air connectivity at the airport.
"We have brought to the minister's notice the importance of Kutch district. Restoring air connectivity at Kandla will be in the interest of industries and locals in the area," Leader of the FOKIA delegation Nimish Phadke told PTI here.
The minister was also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was keen on development of Kutch when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, he added.
Industrialisation in Kutch has grown exponentially and focus remains on the Anjar town and the surrounding areas. Several industries were established here. The expansion of Kandla Sea Port and Mundra Sea Port provided a major gateway for Indian maritime trade. So, restoring the air-connectivity at Kandla airport is the need of hour, he said.
"Operations at the Kandla airport started in 1960 and this airport was under commercial operation till 2012. However this airport is not operational since last four years despite having all the facilities," he said.
Closure of commercial operations at the Kandla airport have resulted into loss of an opportunity for the region's development and travellers are using the nearby Bhuj airport, the body said.
"We have also requested Raju to ask Air India to operate on the Kandla-Bhuj and Kandla-Delhi route," he added.
