DIRECT FLIGHT FROM BHUBANESWAR TO JAIPUR LAUNCHED

Bureau,Odishabarta

Bhubaneswar: A direct flight from temple city Bhubaneswar to Pink City Jaipur in Rajasthan was launched on Tuesday. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia flagged off the Indigo Airlines flight between the two cities in the presence of Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw and State ministers Padmanabha Behera and Ashok Chandra Panda virtually.

Speaking on the occasion, Scindia said, “Bhubaneswar is the city of temples. It is the religious hub for Hindu, Buddhist and Jain communities. Moreover, apart from being a religious hub, the city finds its mention in the list of smart cities of the country.” Bhubaneswar is one of the major IT and education hubs of the country. At present, Bhubaneswar city is connected to 19 cities by 38 aircraft movements, he said.

The Minister highlighted that investment in aviation always has a multiplier effect. Every Rs 100 invested adds Rs 325 to the GDP of the country. It brings immense employment opportunities making aviation a gateway of employment, he added.

As mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India aims to achieve the ambitious target of Net Zero Emissions by 2070, he said, adding, “We aim to implement sustainable energy resources to make all our airports green airports.”

“I am proud to mention that Bhubaneswar airport is 80 per cent powered by solar energy, making it a stellar example for the country. Moreover, UDAN airports such as Jharsuguda are a success on their own. The airport recorded 1 lakh+ passengers in a month,” the Minister added.

IndiGo Airlines will be operating flights between Bhubaneswar and Jaipur thrice a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, on the occasion, said tourists in Rajasthan will also get an opportunity to visit Odisha. The direct flight will boost the tourism prospects of both the States, he said.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on September 17 had written to Scindia seeking his intervention for the commencement of flight services between the two cities. “I thank Scindia Ji and all staff of his ministry for making this (direct flight services) happen. I also thank the authorities of Indigo,” Pradhan said.

Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, who was at the airport during the inauguration, said she has further urged the Civil Aviation Minister to provide direct flight services from Bhubaneswar to Jammu, Shirdi and Guwahati.
IndiGo’s Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer Sanjay Kumar, on his part, said the new domestic flight will strengthen regional connectivity and promote trade, commerce as well as tourism.

“We are pleased to initiate direct connectivity between the temple city of Bhubaneswar and the pink city of Jaipur. We are committed to providing an affordable, on-time, safe and hassle-free travel experience,” he added.

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