Now efforts begin to start cargo flights from Prayagraj

PRAYAGRAJ: Entrepreneurs along with guava or vegetable growers of the Prayagraj region can look forward to exporting their produce to different parts of the country and even abroad now.

The Airport Authority of India (Prayagraj region) has sought permission from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to start the cargo flights from Prayagraj airport.

A proposal for starting cargo flight connectivity between Prayagraj and other cities in the country has been sent to BCAS. After getting the green signal from the security bureau, the freight air service could start following which entrepreneurs and traders will be able to order or ship goods from different parts of the country, said officials.

UP minister for civil aviation, Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ said, “A proposal for starting cargo flights from Sangam the city is very much on the cards and once the same is introduced, it would be of immense benefit for providing new markets, both nationally and internationally, to the products of the region very much on the lines of Varanasi, wherein veggies and fruits of Kashi have found new markets in the western countries as well.”

Regional director of AAI (Prayagraj) Anchal Prakash said, “After the approval from the security bureau, the cargo flights would be introduced. However, the timing of these cargo flights, from arrival-departure and loading-unloading, would be kept separated from the passenger aircraft”. Recently, the Prayagraj civil enclave was surveyed by the station manager (terminal) of Varanasi airport so that cargo aircraft facility can be introduced here too. The station manager was satisfied with the amenities following which the letter has been sent to BCAS for their approval. The airport authority also plans to build a separate terminal at Prayagraj’s civil enclave by next year to start regular cargo carrier. The terminal would have all the facilities needed for handling cargo facility including a warehouse, entryexit, parking etc. to keep the handle goods coming and going from the city. The entrepreneurs of Prayagraj have been demanding to start cargo carriers for years. Vinay Aggarwal, president of Eastern UP Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said that they have been demanding for starting cargo facility from Prayagraj which would help in the overall economic growth of the city and its traders, be it in the business of various goods or the guava growers.