MANGALORE: With the Airports Authority of India (AAI) introducing 24-hour air traffic services to overflying aircraft at Bajpe airport six days ago, it is all the more necessary to upgrade the airport to international standards.

This has come at a time when, according to media reports, Kerala is making efforts to have an airport of international standards at Kannur, which is only 155 km away from Mangalore. At present Bajpe airport is located between Panaji (Goa) airport, which is approximately 350 km from Mangalore in the north; and Calicut airport, which is around 300 km from Mangalore in the south.

However, sources in the AAI say there is enough scope for the State Government to make Bajpe airport more viable.

As work on the acquisition of 130.55 acres of land for expansion of Bajpe airport is under progress, the Government has to urge the Centre to have a railway station at Porkodi, which is three km away from the proposed new passenger terminal of the airport.

Railway line

If a railway station comes up at Porkodi, it will make transportation of goods to the airport easier. It will also make it convenient for people from the south and north coasts to reach the airport. When the Hassan-Mangalore broad-gauge line is complete (possibly in another six months), the airport will be connected to the hinterland through the railway line.

New runway

The work on the new runway at the airport, which will enable landing of larger aircrafts, is expected to be completed in another six months.

The Government can persuade airline operators to operate international flights, especially to the Gulf region, from Mangalore.

Expedite processes

The Government has to speed up processes to have immigration, customs and related services at the airport.

Since Mangalore has a port, and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has planned to invest Rs. 21,000 crores through power and petrochemical projects, Bajpe airport will assume significance.

Besides, a few more business process outsourcing and information technology companies are exploring the possibilities of having their units in Mangalore. Now the onus is on people's representatives in the region and the State Government to speed up efforts to place Bajpe airport on the national map, sources in the AAI said.

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