New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, an AAP Rajya Sabha MP, asked for an expansion of the airport in the holy city just a day after AAP Rajya Sabha member Vikram Sahney brought up the matter of starting direct flights to Britain and Canada from Amritsar and Chandigarh airports in the Upper House.
In an exclusive chat with the IANS, the former off-spinner with more than 400 Test wickets said, ”We have told the government that airports are being constructed throughout the country. However, Amritsar’s airport is small and needs expansion.
“Currently, it only has domestic flights, with one or two international flights. We want a section for the United States and Canada to be opened there.”
According to Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol, in response to Sahney’s demand in the Upper House on Wednesday, the potential benefits to the Indian aviation sector, the presence of the Indian diaspora in the nation, and the future plans of Indian carriers are the factors that determine whether points of call are granted to designated carriers of foreign countries.
Talking on the issue, Harbhajan said, “The majority of travellers go to Canada or America from Punjab. If a direct flight goes from Punjab to America or Canada, it will save the people of Punjab a lot of expense.
“Now they first come from Punjab to Delhi, and as a result, the cost increases due to extra travel and lodging.
“In such a situation, if the Amritsar airport is expanded and the number of flights is increased, it will be a great convenience for the people of Punjab.”
–IANS
