Port Blair, Jan 5: The Core Committee Members of Bharatiya Janata Party, A&N Islands led by Shri Ajoy Bairagi, State President including Shri Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member, Shri. L.Moorthy, National Council Member, Smti Sheela Singh, State Vice President, Shri M. Vinod, State Vice President, Shri K. Ram Das, State General Secrertary. Smti Promila Kumari. Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman and Smti Kavita Udhaya Kumar, Chairperson, PBMC met Shri Raj Nath Singh, Hon’ble Defence Minister, Govt. of India today and discussed the following issues concerning the Islanders.

1. Expedite the Ongoing Upgradation Work of Port Blair Runway -

We understand the importance of the upgradation of the runway, we sincerely request you to direct the concerned authorities to get the work completed as early as possible by engaging the workforce in 8X3 Shifts. Kindly ensure that the airport is fully operational for the maximum days with minimum curtailment of air services as it is the life line for the Islanders and also request to make a standby arrangement for one aircraft from defence at the disposal of the civil authority to engage the same for any emergency evacuation of serious patients referred to mainland during the airport closure days.

2. Airfares have also gone very high because of the closure.

3. Extension of Shibpur Airport at Diglipur to be completed in a time-bound manner:

To boost the connectivity of North & Middle Andaman, it is extremely important to extend the runway of the airport at Shibpur in Diglipur. The extension of these runways is important for both the Defence Sector as well as for the Civilian Population. This will help in introduction of much acclaimed Udaan Scheme for the benefit of islanders as well as tourists. It is kindly requested to introduce air connectivity to Diglipur from Port Blair for at least three days in a week by engaging the Defence Aircraft for the residents of Diglipur, as it will help the serious patients referred from Diglipur to Port Blair.

Extension of Campbell Bay Airport at Great Nicobar and Car Nicobar Airport to be completed in a time bound manner:

In order to boost the connectivity to Great Nicobar and Car Nicobar, it is extremely important to extend the runway of Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay Airport at Great Nicobar. The extension of these runways is important for both the Defence Sector as well as for the Civilian Population.

Development of Airport at Campbell Bay will definitely help the people of Nicobar and Campbell Bay.

The Hon’ble Minister has assured the delegation to consider all the issues raised by the party delegation