Travelers from Ranchi can look forward to easier access to some of India's top hill stations and pilgrimage sites. Authorities at Birsa Munda Airport are actively working on plans to significantly expand its network by adding direct flights to six new cities.
Advisory Committee Greenlights Connectivity Push
The major decision was taken during a meeting of the airport advisory committee held on Wednesday. The committee is chaired by Ranchi MP and Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth. The proposals discussed focus on connecting Ranchi with Raipur, Ayodhya, Guwahati, Varanasi, Jaipur, and Bagdogra.
These destinations are renowned for their natural beauty and religious significance, making them prime targets for enhanced air links. The move is designed to provide more convenient travel options for passengers while simultaneously boosting tourism, trade, and the overall economy of Jharkhand.
Direct Flights to Benefit Tourists and Business Travelers
Birsa Munda Airport Director Vinod Kumar explained the rationale behind the expansion on Friday. He stated that the initiative aims to enhance direct flight options from the state capital. During the meeting, committee members emphasized the need for better connectivity with cities in eastern, northeastern, and central India.
"The chairman has also given his assent to the proposal and assured us that he will raise the matter with the civil aviation ministry for necessary assistance," Kumar said. He added that passengers in Jharkhand have been requesting flights to these destinations for a long time, and discussions with airlines operating at the airport will now be advanced to launch the new services.
Addressing Infrastructure and Passenger Facility Upgrades
The advisory committee meeting also covered other critical development issues for the airport. A key topic was the installation of a CAT-II lighting system, which is essential for safe flight operations during low visibility conditions, such as winter fog.
Director Kumar revealed that while 90% of the work on the lighting system is complete, the remaining installation is stalled due to land allocation problems. This obstacle has led to numerous flight cancellations and delays since the onset of winter. The committee reviewed the situation, and authorities are hopeful of resolving the land issue soon to finish this crucial safety upgrade.
Beyond new routes and safety systems, the meeting involved talks on various measures to enhance overall passenger facilities at Birsa Munda Airport, signaling a comprehensive approach to improving the travel experience from Ranchi.
