Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 26: Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner (DC), Sasikanth Senthil, said that as of now, there is no immediate proposal for the construction of another airport in coastal Karnataka. He was speaking at a symposium on air service and introduction to air cargo held at the auditorium of Kanara Chamber of Chamber and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday, August 25.

Senthil explained that the current airport in the city is capable handle the demand for the next 50 years and hence, there is no proposal on hand at present for any new airport. Noting that agricultural products from Kasargod and Kodagu are being exported to the Gulf countries through this airport, he said that the issue relating to the construction of separate cargo terminal in the coming days will be jointly discussed by airport authority, KCCI and district administration.

The DC stated that 33 acres of land required for expansion of facilities at the airport here has been acquired. "We have received complaints about the highway leading from the city to the airport having been dotted by potholes. But highways are under the purview of central government. Therefore, National Highways Authority of India has to take action. The district administration too will do the needful to get the same repaired, he informed.

He said that Dakshina Kannada district has the potential to rise to the top spot in the entire state. "Our district is the highway to opportunities and there is no dearth of infrastructure and human resources here," he pointed out.

Senthil said he will take up the issue of unilateral upward revision of air fares by airlines and other systems of transport, taking advantage of the natural calamity affecting road connectivity, with the government. He explained that in the recent past, directorate of civil aviation had taken action about the unprecedented hike in the air fare from here to Bengaluru, taking advantage of the demand resulting out of damaged roads.

KCCI president, Vathika Pai, airline service and airport sub-committee former president, Capt John Prasad Menezes, Reena Shetty, Prashanth and students of various colleges were present.

Director of the local airport, V V Rao, who took part in the valedictory function in the evening as chief guest, said that air cargo is an area that has been progressing fast and felt that workshops like these are relevant in the backdrop of this development.