MANGALORE AS AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Thanks to those hearts, hands and minds who put in best of their efforts to see this day so soon, though it is well delayed one, in comparison to its needs and eligibility.

The efforts of ‘Daiji World’ being at the lead and very effective in building up public opinion over the last couple of years and most importantly keeping all of us updated on a daily basis, must be congratulated. If one find time to look at the archives of the various articles related to this mission, will better understand the keen ness and sincerity in its attitudes.

People blame politics and it deservedly so, both for making, many a times breaking and most of the times delaying most of the developmental projects in our place. The perfect example is Barkur Bridge, am I right…!?

Leave that aside, here the odd man is the present Union Civil Aviation Minister – Mr.Praful Patel, a thorough gentleman and one who understand business better, his keen ness in the realization of this dream played a decisive role together with few others…. and rest of the lot, as usual, contributed in talks and speeches.

The gates of progress of the Western Coast in general and Udupi, Mangalore in particular opened wide with the advent of NH 17, in 60’s, followed by New Mangalore Port in 70’s and thereafter Konkan Railway in 90’s and now Bajpe International Airport. Well knitted communication, and Roads, trains are the one gives boost to the all-round growth of the place and urbanization and this is well proved in our districts. Moreover Coast has that edge over other inland cities like Bangalore by having proximity to cheap sea transport.

Since independent years, there are numerous employed in Gulf earning their living and supporting their dependents back home and the number increased in many folds…. moreover now a days many Mangaloreans are migrating to Europe, US and other countries…..unlike olden days, today the desire…. rather frequency of travel of these people to see the loved ones back home, has felt the need of a convenient Air port at Mangalore. Over and above saving of time, money and conveniences prompt people to travel more and more, in coming days.

Till other day, one has to travel up to Bombay or Bangalore and next day to catch a Bus or in these days Train and haves to a connecting domestic flight following day. When the Jet Air started it has offered best of the services. But one full day while coming and one more while returning got wasted with other related inconveniences. Now it is a great sigh of relief to Gulf bound passengers economically.  After day’s duty of a week end if one catches mid night flight he will be with family for Breakfast as it hardly takes 3.15 hours journey from Dubai and less than 3 hours from Muscat.

To begin with Air India Express flights operate from Dubai – Mangalore thrice a week from Oct. 06. Once Indian Airlines get its consignment of new Air Buses, Mumbai – Mangalore – Muscat and Muscat – Mangalore – Mumbai flight will start operating hopefully by mid November 2006. Apart from our own, Air Arabia from Sharjah, Oman Air via Muscat, Gulf Air, Qatar Air, Kuwait Air authorities planning to fly directly to Mangalore very soon once the permission granted.

For us Barkurians, the journey from Mangalore to Udupi by road via Kateel – Kinnigoli also much better while re-collecting those days some 15 – 18 years back. The Road to Mangalore city is excellent. Other infra structure directly related once in place, the full utilization of the Airport is expected soon. Concerned must pay special attention to provide security not only at the Airport but also outside, like street lights, reliable prepaid taxis and well maintained restaurants to be developed……..as most of the Gulf bound flights arrive and depart at night.

Conclusion:

Though very few people come out and participate in the debate, organize meetings, write letters, acknowledge the progress in public, I am very sure each and every NRI Mangalorean is the happiest person to see all these happening. Yes some people took extra pain, spent time and money. All of us, as usual all are there to derive the benefits of this International Airport!

On this historical and glorious moment, on behalf of ‘Barkur on line Team’ we too stand up and say a Big Thank You to all who made this possible and expect better things will take shape in your hands in days to come.

On behalf of Barkur on line Team.

P.Archibald Furtado, Muscat,29/09/2006