International travel is now going to become easier for the people of Bihar. The state government has completed preparations to start direct air services from Patna and Gaya to many countries. The process of selection of airline companies will be completed by the end of April and there is a possibility that people will be able to fly abroad from Bihar during the summer holidays. This initiative will not only boost tourism but will also provide convenience to the people of Bihar living in other countries in commuting home.
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Will flights start on these routes and how much grant will be given?
Bihar government has prepared a special policy to increase international connectivity. Under this, the government will provide financial assistance (VGF) to the airline companies so that they can start air services on these routes. The committee headed by the Chief Secretary has approved issuing tender for this. The Civil Aviation Department has already invited applications.
Departure Destination Destination Country Subsidy Amount (per round trip) Patna Kathmandu (Nepal) Up to Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh Kathmandu (Nepal) Up to Rs 5 lakh Bangkok, Singapore, Colombo, Sharjah Up to Rs 10 lakh
What are the rules for companies and when will the facility be available?
According to Nilesh Ramchandra Devre, Special Secretary, Civil Aviation Department, only Indian airlines can participate in this tender process. Major companies like Indigo, Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa Air will be included in this. The government has also laid down some conditions which the companies will have to follow:
The selected companies will have to provide their services on these routes at least two days a week. The capacity of the aircraft should primarily be 150 passengers, although 72 seaters are allowed for the Patna route. The help provided by the government will be initially for 6 months, which can later be extended for another 6 months. The limit of annual grant per route has been fixed at approximately Rs 36.5 crore. The Buddhist circuit of Gaya and the migrants from Bihar working abroad will benefit greatly from this initiative.