Regional air connectivity to get a boost

Airports and airstrips in tier II cities to be connected

LUCKNOW: The state government came out with its new civil aviation policy 2017 on Sunday.

The policy is aimed at promoting overall development of the civil aviation sector in UP and generate greater business and employment opportunities, said a government spokesperson.

The central government has reportedly assured all help to the UP government to promote integrated development of underserved and unserved airports and airstrips with regular flights.

Under the ‘regional connectivity scheme’, airports and airstrips in tier II cities will be connected with each other.

In this regard, a memorandum of understanding was signed by the centre, the state government and the Airports Authority of India, said a government press release.

The spokesperson said the government was committed to promoting regional flights and infrastructure, and investments would be invited to develop the new routes.

“Sufficient incentives will be given for the development of strong civil aviation infrastructure by the government or the private sector. This will create a favourable business environment too in the field of civil aviation.”

The tourism hubs of Uttar Pradesh will also be connected with other airports of the country to attract visitors from different parts of India as well as employment opportunities in the sector.

According to the government press note, opportunities for developing an air-cargo hub would also be explored.

This would promote agricultural exports, especially of fastperishing products, which would ultimately benefit farmers, it said.

The new policy, said the release, was also aimed at giving a boost to e-commerce.