Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Operate International Flights At Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. on 18 July, 2019
Seventeenth Loksabha > Title: Need to operate international flights at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
SHRI BALLI DURGA PRASAD RAO (TIRUPATI): Hon. Chairman, Sir, I am thankful to you for giving me this opportunity to raise a very important matter.
While inaugurating the International Airport at Tirupati, the Airport Authorities had promised to ensure direct flight from national Capital, New Delhi to Tirupati. The Airport Authorities also promised flights for international destinations like USA, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle- East countries.
We are all aware of the importance of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. A large number of pilgrims from all over the world visit the sacred place of Seven Hills of Tirupati /Tirumala. Also, VVIPs, VIPs use to come for darshan of Shri Lord Venkateswara / Balaji in Tirumala, at least, once a year.
Moreover many students, business persons, professional workers from places like Prakasam District, Kadapa District, Nellore District and Chittoor District are frequently flying to America, Malaysia and Dubai. But due to non-operation of international flights at Tirupati, these skilled workers have to go to Mumbai for international destinations.
Since Air India is running in losses, I would demand that the private airlines may be instructed to operate on these routes. The space has already been allocated for them.
HON. CHAIRPERSON : Please conclude, now.
SHRI BALLI DURGA PRASAD RAO : Sir, there was an assurance given by the Government. But so far, no international flight has started on these routes.
HON. CHAIRPRESON: Your demand has already come.