kataria-meets-min-to-discuss-connectivity-at-chandigarh-airport

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu on Friday. He requested him to improve flight connectivity from Chandigarh airport.

 

According to the official release, the Governor stressed the need to increase both domestic and international flights from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh. He said is important due to the rising demand from the people of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh (UT).

 

Governor Kataria said Chandigarh Airport plays a key role in connecting the northern region and is especially important for Punjab and nearby areas. He added that more direct international flights would help boost tourism, make business travel easier, and support the economic growth of the region.

 

In response, the Union Minister assured that the Civil Aviation Ministry would look into the matter seriously. He said the ministry would work closely with airlines and airport authorities to improve connectivity and upgrade facilities at the airport.

 

The meeting is seen as a positive step towards improving the aviation infrastructure and expanding Chandigarh's global and domestic reach.
Earlier this week, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann sought the intervention of Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi for the release of the state's pending share of over Rs 9,000 crore related to the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Fees.

 

According to a Punjab government release, during a meeting at the Minister's residence, the Chief Minister raised the issue of non-allowance of RDF since Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2021-22 and insufficient allowance of Market Fees since Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2022-23.

 

The Chief Minister highlighted that RDF is meant to improve agriculture and rural infrastructure—like building roads, setting up storage and marketing facilities in mandis, and helping with automation and mechanisation of mandis.

 

He said that despite amending the Rural Development Act, 1987, in accordance with the Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) guidelines, the RDF has not been released since KMS 2021-22.

 

He stated that Rs 7,737.27 crore under RDF and Rs 1,836.62 crore under Market Fees are still pending from the Union Government.