Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Vayalar Ravi today inaugurated the new terminal of the Raja Bhoj International Airport here, making Bhopal one of the few cities in the country to start operating international flights.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravi said that with the new airport terminal at the Raja Bhoj airport, the industrial development in Madhya Pradesh could go up as it will operate international flights, after Indore in the state.
He also said that with the airport getting the facility for international flights, citizens of Bhopal would find it easy to travel abroad.
After opening the Rs 135 crore worth Integrated Terminal Building (ITB), the minister also assured that he would speak to the concerned departments for the opening of excise and customs counters in ITB.
Ravi also urged the Madhya Pradesh government to reduce the tax on fuel used by aircraft and also said that there was a need to have an air-connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and other states.
The Minister said that he would also ask the national carrier, Air India to increase the number of flights in Madhya Pradesh.
Union Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath, who was also present on the occasion, said that the new international airport in Bhopal would help increase the employment opportunities.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the state government had given 400 acres of land for the international terminal.
