PANKAJ SHARMA
Amritsar
Navjot Singh Sidhu Member Parliament of BJP from Amritsar announced to start agitation against the withdrawal of Amritsar-London- Toronto, Air India flight by the center Government. He clearly blamed that under some political motives the AI flight from Amritsar to Toronto has been withdrawn. To express the logic about the economical benefits of Amritsar-London-Toronto flight in Parliament, Sidhu urged time from the Prime Minister Of India Dr. Manmohan Singh. He also sent letter about this to Dr Singh . Sidhu addressed the media persons today at his today about the issue. Sidhu also announced if Government not start the flight again, then would also open front against center as well as stare Government with his supporters.
Sidhu said he took the issue to restart flights again with the many central and state level leaders of different political parties, but not any one showed interest about this issue so he has been decided to raise this issue independently. Due to withdrawal of Amritsar -Toronto flight the revenue of Punjab specially Amritsar has been loosing 816 Crore per year. It is a great revenue loss to economy of state. After long struggle International Airport has been established at Amritsar. More than 350 crore has also been spent on this airport, but under some political motives the flights from Amritsar have been withdrawn, I would also expose the hidden motives of some leaders behind the withdrawal of flight during agitation on the issue, added Sidhu.
Sidhu further said, Amritsar Airport is a great way to Northern India beyond Delhi, from where a large numbers of people have travel to different countries. A large number of Punjabi diaspora settled in all parts of the world always nurse a dream to get connected to their roots in Punjab, specially to the holiest Sikh shrine Golden Temple at Amritsar. Amritsar Airport is very helpful for the foreigner Punjabi's to visit Golden Temple. The flights were going from Amritsar on a average load factor more than 90% and during peak season there were massive upgrading and off loading. The fare charged for the flights from Amritsar was always higher than the fare charged from the Delhi on these routes, which were generating maximum revenue than other sector of air India. There has been an excellent growth both both in passenger traffic as well in cargo movement out of Amritsar Airport. On passenger front growth recorded more than 500% in the year 2009 when compared to the year 2004. One of the prime reason of withdrawal of flight operations of both domestic and international by different airlines is the exorbitant Air Turbine Fuel(ATF) charges with 22% service tax at Amritsar when compared to very than 4% at Chandigarh. Average difference of ripees 6000 per kilo liter is a significant reason of flights operation from other places than Amritsar.
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