Gujaratstartups, SURAT: The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SGCCI) and other business associations have not given up on having a fully functional airport in the city with connectivity to major cities in the country. The city`s business community, led by SGCCI, is expected to make a presentation to the new civil aviation minister Valyar Ravi this week.

Talking to TOI, Dr Ajoy Bhattacharya, president of SGCCI said, "This is one last attempt we are making before starting a major agitation." SGCCI officials said they have been promised a meeting with the new minister some time this week. "We will tell him about the would try and impress upon him the injustice done to the city till now and also tell him that Surtis are not willing to wait any longer now," said Bhattacharya and added, "If the minister promises us some action quickly, we will wait, otherwise we have no option but to start an agitation."

Surat has just one flight to Delhi at present. It is not only expensive, it also flies at inconvenient times, and yet gets 80 per cent occupancy on an average. Demand for more flights in peak hours to various sectors like Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore has been ignored by the Union government so far.

Even talk of establishing a cargo terminal is not gaining ground despite a huge potential in sectors like agriculture, floriculture, diamonds and textiles.

A number of private airlines are willing to begin services from the city but are helpless without a clearance from the Airports Authority of India and the civil aviation ministry. "Come what may, we will seek a straight answer from the new minister and chalk out our plan for the future on his reply," said Bhattacharya.

Source: Times Of India