Mangalore Airport is safe, says M.R. Vasudeva

The Hindu

Mangalore, 23 July 2011: Mangalore Airport currently has all facilities of an international airport, said M.R. Vasudeva, Director, Mangalore Airport, speaking at an event to mark the diamond jubilee of the airport here on Friday.

 

He said that today’s facilities at the airport would last for 10 years and if there were plans to introduce larger aircraft, then the runway at the airport had to be extended. Otherwise, the airport was “well-equipped” and there was no compromise on safety, he said.

 

M.Narendra, Chairman, Indian Overseas Bank distributing the prizes in Samskritika Kalotsava held at town hall in Mangalore on Friday, July 22, 2011

 

On the new cargo terminal, he said a team from the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had visited Mangalore and its final decision was expected “any time now”.

 

The team had sought details of space of the cargo terminal, and the route from the old terminal to the new and the information had been provided, he said.

 

“Medical tourism would not have developed in Mangalore without the airport,” he said. It had changed real estate prices and would connect the city if the MSEZ started. The airport activity could increase trade and commerce, Mr. Vasudeva said.

 

Indian Overseas Bank Chairman and Managing Director M. Narendra said the government and the private sector had to work together in public-private initiatives for economic development. Much more improvement and employment opportunities had to be provided in the city, he said.

 

Mr. Narendra said 21 new branches of the bank would be opened in the Mangalore region.

 

Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, Mangalore, said that Volvo buses to the airport from the city had started at his initiation.

 

He said that while he did not oppose the MSEZ, he opposed its effects. “We need a SAZ (Special Agricultural Zone), not SEZ,” he said.

 

Says final decision is expected from the DGCA anytime on the cargo terminal.