By Nishan Pattanaik
JEYPORE/KORAPUT: The much awaited flight service from capital city Bhubaneswar to the mountain city Jeypore in Koraput, IndiaOne Air flight took off on Wednesday from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Bhubaneswar as part of the first trial flight from the city to Jeypore under Udaan scheme. The trial run was conducted ahead of the commencement of the commercial flight services between the two cities.
The flight took off from the Capital city with only the aircraft staffers onboard at 10.15am. It is expected to land at Jeypore in 45 minutes and again the flight will then return from Jeypore to Bhubaneswar at 12 noon, informed BPIA Director Prasanna Pradhan.
Chairman SR Mall Subash Rout said its a welcome step by the state government and central government to take jeypore Airport under Udaan scheme as it will boost the business of the oldest city and also it will fill the gap between jeypore to the capital city. Rout also demanded a larger plane so that tickets can be easily available and a good no of people will travell to the temple city.
The Jeypore Airstrip will be the third to get the civil aviation airport tag in the State after Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda.
Traveller Shakti Patnaik said as we are mostly depended on the capital city for most of our work this flight will help us to reach in a short time and also it will help the govt officials to regular visit the area and see the development of ongoing works of undivided koraput district. Patnaik also said it will benifit emergency patient’s to travell the cities for better medical treatment.
Earlier, IndiaOne Air Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arun Kumar Singh had said, “The first flight will fly directly from Bhubaneswar to Jeypore and Jeypore to Vishakhapatnam. After stabilisation of operations, we will commence services from Utkela. ‘The rates will be like the AC 2nd-tier or will be lower than that. Initially, we will come up with some promotional schemes and the passengers can enjoy air travel within Rs 2000. However, the ticket rates depend on inflation, so I can’t’ quote the price right now. But, the price will be affordable for all,” Singh added.
