BHUMI PUJAN CEREMONY HELD FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW GREEN FIELD AIRPORT AT PAKYONG, SIKKIM

Gangtok 28 Feb:Bhumi Pujan ceremony was held today at Pakyong, East district of Sikkim which was attended by the Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri B P Singh, Union Minister of State ( Independent Charge) for Civil Aviation Shri Praful Patel and Chief Minister of Sikkim Dr Pawan Kumar Chamling.

Airport Authority of India has taken up this project at Pakyong in Sikkim, which is 30 km from the capital Gangtok, for operation of ATR 72 type of aircraft. The development works include construction of New Terminal Building, runaway and apron with link taxi-track, fire station, technical block-cum-control tower and other associated works at an estimated cost of Rs 310 crores.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State ( Independent Charge) for Civil Aviation, Shri Praful Patel said that after the airport at Pakyong is operative, it is expected that the number of tourists in Sikkim will grow further. He also said, not only that, this airport can be used for sending its perishable products which requires urgent transportation to other parts of the country as well as abroad. He also assured that constant monitoring will be done to complete this project with the time frame.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Kumar Chamling hoped that this will solve the issue of road blockade due to landslide during rainy season and other causes. With the construction of airport at Pakyong, sector like tourism and floriculture will get a major boost. He assured full co-operation from State Government in this matter.

The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim Shri B P Singh speaking on the occasion said the State with three international frontiers is connected to the nearest railroad and airport in West Bengal by a single lane National Highway 31 A which is often closed by landslides during the monsoons and frequent political disturbances in the neighbouring areas outside Sikkim. Now with the construction of a Green Field Airport at Pakyong people from Gangtok especially for those who are going and coming for education, medical treatment, pilgrimage etc will be benefited. He also said that tourism which is crucial for employment and revenue generation in Sikkim will get a boost.

Among others, the Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Shri D N Thakarpa, Minister for Water Security and Public Health Engineering and Transport, Shri Menlom Lepcha and officials from Central and State Government were also present on the occasion. (PIB)