Ranchi-Patna flight in March

The Telegraph Writes

RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Feb. 20: Union civil aviation minister Praful Patel said today said that a Patna-Ranchi flight service would be launched from next month.
In the capital to lay the foundation stone of a new integrated terminal building at Birsa Munda Airport, Patel said that a new cargo complex would be built once the new terminal was commissioned.
Talking to Governor Syed Sibtey Razi, the Union minister also suggested introduction of an intra-state air service.
Razi was present on the occasion as the chief guest along with wife Chand Farhana. Union minister of state for food processing Subodh Kant Sahay also attended the programme.
Patel said that starting an inter-district air services was not difficult. All the state government needs to do is provide a subsidy of Rs 15 to 20 crore per annum.
He added that his department was ready with the blueprints of the project.
Elaborating on the plan, the Union civil aviation minister said that the facility can start with only two aircraft. Some minor repairing work is required at the airfields lying unused in different parts of the state.
He added that an open tender could be invited for the project, which would bring development in the state.
The governor appreciated the suggestion and assured to take steps to make the idea a reality in the near future.
“We will allot funds for an intra-state air service in the next fiscal. The project will start in places where there are aerodromes, airfields or airports,” Razi said.
As for the new terminal building, it will be spread over 18,700sqm and will be made up of glass and steel.
The building will have all modern facilities such as central air conditioning, online X-ray baggage inspection system, conveyor system for inspection and carriage of luggage, close circuit television camera, check-in counter and car parking lots.
Besides, the terminal building will have natural lighting system and have the capacity to handle 500 domestic and 200 international passengers. The total cost of the project is Rs 140 crore.
The present terminal building can hold up to 200 passengers. The Airport Authority of India, which is developing the facilities at the Birsa Munda Airport, has also come up with an apron area for three more aircraft in addition to the space for two. Five aircraft can now be accommodated in the area.
Construction of the new terminal building is slated to be completed by the end of this financial year.