Kolkata, Oct 5 (IANS) Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Monday said that his Ministry would shortly begin discussions with different airline companies to facilitate the introduction of direct flights connecting Kolkata with various European cities.

Naidu was in Kolkata on Monday for the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the West Bengal government for the development of four new airports in the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari requested Naidu to initiate the process for starting direct flights connecting Kolkata with various European cities, including London.

Naidu assured the Chief Minister that the Ministry would shortly begin talks with different airline companies on the matter.

Speaking on the occasion, Naidu also said that the Ministry’s target was to establish a total of eight new airports in West Bengal, for four of which the MoUs were signed on Monday.

“The Union government will fully cooperate with the state government in this matter. The work of new airport development will be carried out in coordination between the Centre and the state. Attention will be paid to runway renovation and terminal buildings. The Central Government will look after the technical aspects of the airports,” Naidu said.

The four new regional airports for which the MoUs were signed on Monday will be located at Chharra in Purulia district, Balurghat in South Dinajpur district, Hasimara Civil Enclave in Alipurduar district, and Kalaikunda in West Midnapore district.

Hasimara and Kalaikunda are also important bases of the Indian Air Force.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the development of the four new airports would further improve air connectivity infrastructure in the state.

It is learnt that, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme of the Union government, the state government will be responsible for providing the necessary land, connecting roads, power supply, water supply and basic security as per the agreement.

The Union government, on the other hand, will create the core airport infrastructure.

On the occasion of signing the MoUs, CM Adhikari also requested Naidu to establish a pilot training institute in West Bengal.

–IANS

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