Manav Kedia Writes to Centre, State, and Tata Steel Leadership
Key Points:
- SCCI seeks airport and regular flights for Jamshedpur
- Kedia proposes Sonari Airport as interim solution
- Dhalbhumgarh airport project stalled since 2019
JAMSHEDPUR – Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry has sought immediate airport and flight services for the city.
Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Manav Kedia wrote detailed letters to authorities. The letters were sent to the Union civil aviation minister and state leadership.
However, the letter highlighted Jamshedpur as a major industrial and steel hub. The city has remained without a commercial airport for decades.
Meanwhile, Kedia described the city as Jharkhand’s financial and industrial capital. Lack of air connectivity forces residents to travel via Ranchi or Kolkata.
In contrast, he said this situation contradicts national development and ease of business goals. The letter stressed inconvenience to industries, officials, students, and citizens.
Moreover, the letter recalled the 2019 Dhalbhumgarh airport foundation ceremony. It was laid during the tenure of Raghubar Das as chief minister.
However, the project stalled due to forest and environmental objections. The delay has continued for nearly six years.
On the other hand, Kedia proposed an interim operational solution. He suggested modifying Sonari Airport for regional flights.
Moreover, small turboprop aircraft could operate using the existing runway. Daily flights to Kolkata and other cities were proposed.
Meanwhile, the letter noted possible runway expansion with institutional support. It mentioned potential involvement from Tata Steel and town administration.
In addition, Kedia said airport services would boost trade and employment. He added it would improve road safety and government revenue.
Finally, he urged prompt decisions from governments. The appeal was addressed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren and central authorities.
The demand aligns with earlier reports like airport demand appeal. Similar concerns were raised in project delay reports.
Further advocacy appeared in MP statements. Previous coverage also included national appeals.
