Port Blair, June 26: Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Former State President of BJP ANI, has written a letter urging the expeditious completion of Shibpur Airport in Diglipur. The airport, currently under construction as part of the UDAN Scheme, requires speedy operationalization, according to Mr. Jolly.
In his letter, Mr. Jolly emphasized the vital need for Shibpur Airport and highlighted several key reasons supporting its urgent completion. Firstly, geographically, Diglipur is situated in the northern part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, approximately 300 kilometers away from the capital city, Port Blair.
Mr. Jolly drew attention to the inadequate health infrastructure in the entire North and Middle Andaman District. The district lacks sufficient medical facilities to handle emergent medical interventions, particularly trauma care and gynecological issues. As a result, residents of the district must rush to Port Blair via roadways or rely on helicopter services, which have limited capacity and are subject to weather conditions.
The existing modes of transportation, such as roadways and shipways, are time-consuming and not suitable for efficient handling of medical emergencies. This further emphasizes the need for Shibpur Airport’s completion, as it would provide a faster and more reliable transportation option for critical health situations.
Another significant aspect emphasized by Mr. Jolly is the tourism potential of the North and Middle Andaman District. The region boasts numerous scenic spots, enchanting sea shores, and beautiful beaches in areas such as Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur. However, the lack of airway connectivity to these remote tourist destinations discourages visitors from exploring the area. Currently, the only available air transport is limited to helicopter services, primarily utilized by government officials and patients. By introducing an operational airport, tourism in the region could flourish, generating employment opportunities for tour operators and improving the livelihoods of the local population.
In addition to the benefits for health and tourism, Mr. Jolly highlighted the positive impact on the fisheries industry. The airport’s aircraft would have the capacity to transport a significant quantity of air cargo, including packed raw seafood. This development would facilitate the growth of the fisheries industry and enhance economic opportunities in the region.
It is worth noting that the construction of Shibpur Airport in Diglipur was previously announced and scheduled for completion, with operations set to commence soon. Mr. Jolly urged the Lt. Governor and Chief Secretary to direct the concerned authorities to expedite the completion work and initiate operations at the earliest. By doing so, Shibpur Airport would be able to operate small and medium aircraft carriers, benefiting the people of the entire North and Middle Andaman District, as well as supporting the growth of the tourism and fisheries industries.
