Air link for Bokaro soon

BOKARO: The Steel City is all set to figure in the commercial flight map soon, with Air Deccan initiating the process to launch its flights between Bokaro and Kolkata. Bokaro Steel Limited has expressed its readiness to allow the use of its airport for the purpose.
Recently, a team of Air Deccan officials visited the city and surveyed the market potential.They also assessed the airport and its air strip, situated on National Highway-23 (Bokaro-Chas road).
Introduction of commercial flights to the city has been a long-cherished demand of its residents, as at present travellers have to go to Ranchi or Kolkata to catch flights. The city has got a large number of prospective air travellers. However, with the city developing fast and companies like ArcelorMittal, POSCO, Electrosteel Steel etc proposing to set up their plants in the district, the demand for commercial flights has gained momentum.
BSL, which owns the airport, has responded positively to the idea of providing its facilities for introduction of commercial flights. At present, only BSL s plane and private planes orchoppers of VIPs operate here.
Following the BSL management s positive response, Air Deccan sent two officers here who held meetings with BSL s general manager (technical) Robin Das, vice-chairman of Bokaro Chamber of Commerce and Industries Sanjay Vaid and other authorities of Electrosteel Steel Limited, Rotary Club and Lions Club. The meeting was described as fruitful as everyone representing Bokaro welcomed the Air Deccan s move to launch its services, said sources.
Vaid said the officers of Air Deccan had discussed issues related to launching of its flight. To make the airport appropriate in every possible way, Air Deccan felt the need to strengthen its boundary walls, air traffic control facilities and enhance security system with deployment of CISF.