Rs. 207 crore has been invested in the development of Mangalore international Air port

Rs. 207 crore has been invested in the development of Mangalore international Air port

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Feb 15: M. R. Vasudev, the director of Mangalore Airport, said that, although the airport is celebrating its 60th anniversary, it has not maintained records of its history. He was addressing reporters at a “Meet the Press” programme held at Press Club on Feb 15, Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

Recalling the airport’s earliest days, he said that airport, which began with one wireless system, one control tower, and a communication navigation system for guidance, today has excellent infrastructure. He said that runway development work commenced in 2006 and that there was quite a lot of delay in completing it. Stating that Mangalore Airport has excellent facilities compared to other airports in the country, he said that Airport Authority has done an excellent job in Mangalore and that the airport will be further developed in future, making the dreams of the people of Mangalore come true.

Speaking about the great advantages of Mangalore Airport, Mr. Vasudev said that Mangalore is one of the 35 non metro airports in India, functioning with the purpose of serving people and handling around 8.5 lakh passengers everyday. He said that, although the airport cannot celebrate its 60th birthday on its own, it doesn’t mind celebrating its anniversary in collaboration with the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Assuring that the runway of the Mangalore Airport is perfect, he said that a lot is in the hands of the pilot and that it is up to the pilot to land safely at a given point on the runway. He said that, if the pilot follows the instructions, there is no chance of accidents.

Stating that the city and its airport have great plans for the future, he said that Mangalore is on the way to becoming a top industrial and medical tourist hotspot. Around Rs. 207 crore has already been invested for the development of the Mangalore Airport, he said, adding that the government has sanctioned a further Rs. 22 crore for land acquisition.

Speaking of the great potentials of the Mangalore Airport, he said that the airport is not limited to a certain class of people, but can be used to transport goods too. Stating that the air cargo is in the stage of infancy with the capacity of handling 3 – 4 tons of goods, he said that it needs to be developed. The runway should be extended to meet the standards of Chennai Airport, he added.

Guruvappa T. Balepuni, the general secretary of Dakshina Kannada District Working Journalists’ Association, delivered the welcome address and proposed the vote of thanks.