Rajasthan Pioneers in Outstanding Intrastate Air Connectivity in CM Raje’s Regime.
Being the largest state in India, Rajasthan’s competitive strength is anchored in tourism, industries and business. Since intrastate connectivity plays a key role in boosting growth, employment and investment opportunities, Raje understood its significance. When, she took over Rajasthan in 2013, she aimed to establish a firm, efficient and incessant intra/interstate-international network so that incoming travellers can easily commute throughout the state. To fulfil this vision she had announced the commencement of first intrastate flight services in budget 2014.
Imperceptive Congress Leaders Did Not Work in This Direction
Rajasthan’s multi-cultural heritage has always lured travellers from across the globe. A majority of them prefer time-savvy air routes for travel. When Raje commenced her first term in 2003, many cities were connected via air route. However, when state Congress leader Gehlot assumed office in 2008, these services were discontinued. An imperceptive, disinterested Gehlot, regardless of having full support from the Centre, where Congress was in power, didn’t make an effort to improve intrastate transportation network. His apathetic attitude had put state economy under pressure since limited income was generated through travel and tourism in his command.
With Raje back in power now, Rajasthan enjoys 32 airfields (the highest number for a state) including 18-state owned strips, 6 belonging to Indian Air Force, 4 belonging to private sectors and 4 coming under Airport Authority of India.
Raje’s Farsightedness Creates Favourable Opportunities for Tourism
CM introduced Tourism 3.0, an innovative campaign for marketing Rajasthan as the leading leisure and investment capital of India. The main highlights of the plan include:
- Restoration of old monuments,
- Digital promotion of Rajasthani folkart,
- Launching of new video campaigns and success stories,
- Improvement of crippled transport system,
- Construction of new railroads and highways,
- Organizing seasonal cultural investments.
First Intrastate Flight Took Off From Jaipur, A Dream Come True For Raje
On behalf of Rajasthan government, RCA (Rajasthan Civil Aviation Department) and STOPL (Supreme Transport Organisation Private Limited) signed an agreement under Regional Connectivity to connect major tier-II and tier-III cities of Rajasthan.
Due to Raje’s relentless efforts, the first phase of RAFC (Regional Air Flight Connectivity Scheme) was successfully accomplished. CM inaugurated the first regional flight connecting Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaipur-Udaipur. In the second phase, attempts will be made to connect other tourist hotspots like Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Kota to promote in-house tourism and businesses. It’s an important milestone in the history of Rajasthan.
- To lure more travellers, Rajasthan government trimmed down luxury tax to 8% as opposed to 10% earlier. Consequently, Rajasthan occupies fifth position on the foreign tourism map.
- A new investor office was set up in New Delhi and a dedicated SPE (Special Economic Zone) was established in Jaipur with the intention to attract domestic investors.
- Significant improvements in accommodation, infrastructure and quality transport in last two years have channelized the influx of travellers from around the globe.
- The government signed major MOUs under Regional Connectivity Scheme 2016 to connect 15 metropolises of Rajasthan in a close-knit system.
- Rajasthan Government is in the process of developing a common airstrip for domestic and international flights, backed by a concrete system of national highways to generate stable traffic. Proposed land of 11,000 feet has been allotted to Airport Authority for extension of the existing feet to make it adaptable for large aircrafts that carry more passengers.
- Air taxi operations were announced in 2014, with state’s fleet of 2-fixed wing aircraft.
Because of Raje’s promising efforts and triumphant collaboration with foreign futurists, Rajasthan enjoys a strong position in the international market. After 2 successful years of Raje’s tenure, it is estimated that every tourist accommodation in Rajasthan shall provide direct employment to 3 and indirect employment to 8. Also, every single rupee spent by a passenger would go through 13 hands. Another glory to Rajasthan!
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