GANGTOK,
August 6: Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista on Tuesday informed that the Bagdogra
Airport has been added to the list of ‘point of call’ airports, joining major
hubs like Kolkata, Guwahati, Gaya, Delhi, and Bhubaneshwar.
This
development follows the Ministry of Civil Aviation signing ‘Bilateral Air
Services Agreements’ with 116 countries, enhancing international flight
operations and boosting global connectivity.
With
Bagdogra now designated as a ‘point of call’, international flights from these
countries can directly operate here, said the Lok Sabha MP.
He added
that the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi has worked constantly to provide better infrastructure, rail, air, and
road transportation across the nation, and particularly in Darjeeling hills,
Terai and Dooars region.
“The
upcoming new terminal at Bagdogra will greatly benefit the Darjeeling hills,
Terai, Dooars, North Bengal, Sikkim, Eastern Bihar, and Western Assam. It will
increase flight availability, boost tourism, and help reach our agricultural
produce to national and international markets promptly,” said Bista.
Given
these developments, Bista urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to reconsider
the recent 12.5% VAT on air fuel at Bagdogra Airport.
“Tourism
is one of the most important and penetrative economic activities for our
region, with its benefits reaching even remote rural villages. Supporting this
sector with favorable policies and tax incentives is necessary to further
enhance tourist arrivals and economic growth,” said Bista, also the BJP
national spokesperson.
