Gujaratstartups, SURAT: After Deccan Airlines' failure to begin operations wit-hin Gujarat, people of Surat have now lost all hopes of getting air connectivity from here to different parts of the state and the country. Now for air connectivity, Surat has a single flight operating to New Delhi.

However, the trade organizations have not given up hopes and some of them have made representations to the authorities concerned. South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SGCCI) president Rohit Mehta raised the issue of Surat's air connectivity with the Planning Commission also at a meeting held in Mumbai on June 28.

On the recommendation of the state government, SGCCI representatives were invited to put forth their views and expectations at a meeting on the 12th Five Year Plan for Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Goa. The meeting was chaired by Planning Commission member Arun Maira.

Mehta said, "Surat is bran-ded as India's most progressi-ve city with highest GDP in Gujarat. At least 12,000 businessmen visit Surat daily, then why is the city being victimiz-ed? When we talk of infrastru-cture (air connectivity), why isn't this being applied to Surat?" he asked. Mehta suggested that the government open up the sector and allow private players to operate from Surat.

Surat airport handles at least 20 non-scheduled flights per monthwith a staff of 80 persons. The Airport Authority of India spends about Rs 35 lakh on the salary of its staff here. Surat airport director Y H Kalpe said at present there are no plans for any additional air connectivity from the city.

Source: Times Of India