Raipur: Chhattisgarh's aviation network has expanded with night operations starting at Bilaspur airport and new flight services from Ambikapur to Delhi and Kolkata.
Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated night operations at Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport, Bilaspur, on March 29 and boarded the first late-night flight to Raipur.
The airport has been upgraded from Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at a cost of Rs 31 crore, allowing flights to operate in low visibility and after dark. New navigation systems and improved runway and lighting now support all-weather operations.
The immediate benefit, however, will be limited to emergency, medical evacuation, charter and non-scheduled flights, with regular commercial night services expected only after airlines begin operations.
The state govt said the facility would significantly improve time-sensitive services, especially in medical emergencies, while also boosting trade, tourism and investment in the region.
Addressing the inauguration, CM Sai said the shift to IFR capability marks a new phase of reliable air connectivity, adding that night operations would strengthen life-saving services and enhance regional growth.
In Ambikapur, the Alliance Air on Monday launched flight service to Delhi from Maa Mahamaya Airport at Darima, giving the Surguja region direct air access to the national capital.
The Ambikapur-Delhi service will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, using a 72-seater aircraft.
While Monday flights will run direct, Wednesday services will operate via Bilaspur.
The fare has been set at around Rs 6,500, subject to minor fluctuations.
Further expanding connectivity, flights between Ambikapur and Kolkata are scheduled to begin from April 2, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays via Bilaspur. The fare for this route is around Rs 6,000. Bookings have opened through the airline's website and major travel portals.
Officials say the new routes will improve connectivity, cut travel time and benefit patients, students and businesses in the Surguja region.
However, a local aviation group has raised concerns that the effective runway length for night operations in Bilaspur may be insufficient for ATR aircraft, calling for further expansion.
A local aviation advocacy group, 'Air Service Jan Sangharsh Samiti', claimed that the effective runway length has been reduced to around 1,450 metres for night operations, which may not be adequate for safe take-off and landing of ATR aircraft. The group has demanded runway expansion and upgradation to 4C category, raising questions over the practical rollout of full-fledged night services.
Rashmi is a Special Correspondent with The Times of India in Chha...
Read MoreRashmi is a Special Correspondent with The Times of India in Chhattisgarh. She covers Politics, Left Wing Extremism, Crime and Human Rights among other areas of news value.
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