Complete runway work of Chipi airport in Sindhudurg soon, directs CM Uddhav Thackeray

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday, March 31, directed the DGCA to complete the runway work on time after he sent a report about the pending works at Chipi Airport in the Sindhudurg district. He also said that the airport should be made operational soon for air traffic.

Thackeray was speaking at the 74th meeting of the Board of Directors of Maharashtra Airport Development Company and it was held at Varsha Government House.

The meeting reviewed the development work of various airports in the state in the last year as well as the services and facilities there.

In the meeting, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that Chipi Airport will provide more tourism and employment opportunities in the Sindhudurg district. Therefore, this airport needs to be operational as soon as possible. Moreover, he also directed the Airport Development Company, MIDC to make concerted efforts to complete the work within the stipulated time frame.

Last year, the CM had directed officials to conduct necessary trials and make the Chipi airport functional from May 1, which was the state's 60th foundation day. Though, it got delayed due to the lockdown in view of the spread of coronavirus infections across the nation.

Deepak Kapoor, Managing Director of the company, presented a detailed report on the work of various airports in the state.

He said that the launch of the cargo facility from Shirdi airport was generating good revenue. Due to this facility, the goods like rose, vegetable and grapes can be exported across the country. Besides, a night landing facility will be also started soon.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Ashish Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary to the Industries Department Baldev Singh, Vice President and Managing Director of Maharashtra Airport Development Company Deepak Kapoor, Principal Secretary to the Aviation Department Valsa Nair Singh, Chief Executive Officer of MIDC Dr. P. Anbalgan, Vice President and Managing Director of CIDCO Sanjay Mukherjee, Managing Director of SICOM Parag Jain Nainutia, Chief Minister's Secretary Abasaheb Jarhad, Chief Financial Officer of the company Sanjay Kangane, Company Secretary Pranita Bhise were present.