Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Nov 21 : Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel today said the Indian aviation industry is growing at a rapid pace, as more and more small places are being connected by air service.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Integrated Terminal Building, Control Tower and Fire Station at Aurangabad Airport, Mr Patel said there are eight airports in the state and work of Akola Airport is in progress, while feasibility of starting flights for Baramati and Gondia next year is being ascertained. He said air service will soon be launched for Solapur.
''Earlier, Haj pilgrims had to go to Jeddah via Napur or Mumbai, but, now they will go through the local airport with a direct flight, which is a step ahead in the development of Marathwada region,'' he said.
On the issue of acquiring land for the expansion of the airport in near future, he said, ''no one will be shelterless.'' Mr Patel said the runway of the district airport will also be expanded in the near future to increase the number of flights from here.
''Besides passengers, farmers would be able to send their produce to international markets with speed,'' Mr Patel said. He pointed out that the country's first Cargo Complex is coming up in Nagpur.
Prominent among those on the dais were Union minister of State for Rural Development and Parliamentary Affairs Suryakant Patil, State Minister for Rural Development and Tourism Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, Co-operative and Rehabilitation and Relief Works Minister Dr Patangrao Kadam, State Finance Minister Jayant Patil and State Industries Minister Ashok Chavan.
--- UNI
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