Surat needs 300 flights, has only 30: BJP MP Dholakia

Surat: BJP Rajya Sabha MP and leading diamond manufacturer Govind Dholakia claimed that the Diamond City was facing injustice in terms of air connectivity and airport development at the muhurat by several shops at the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB). Dholakia, chairman of SDB core committee that is working to make the world’s largest office building fully operational, said he is trying for better air connectivity and airport infrastructure.
Dholakia said, “I am witness to the injustice being done to Surat regarding airport and air connectivity for the past 30 years. I used to think that 10 years ago, the population of Brussels was 20 lakh while its airport had 300 airplane movements every day. Surat’s population was 40 lakh and did not have proper air connectivity?”
“Surat is now ninth in terms of population in India, while it ranks 37th in air passenger numbers. This is a major injustice to Surat,” he added.
Dholakia made a request on the occasion, “I urge govt airport authorities and airline companies to focus on growth here.”
Comparing Surat to other growing cities, Dholakia said, “Indore’s population is around 32 lakh while its airport has around 100 flight movements. Surat’s estimated population is 82 lakh going by which there should be 300 flight movements. It is only 30 now. Justice should be done to Surat.”
He further said, “As MP I am trying to address the issue and can hopefully play an important role in resolving it.”
Claiming that attempts are on to improve air connectivity, Arvind Shah, president, SDB committee said, “Talks are on to improve air connectivity between Surat and Mumbai. More flights are being demanded and it will be done soon.”
Shah added, “In terms of current international connectivity, we have flights to Dubai and Sharjah. Govt has assured of connectivity to Hong Kong and other destinations,” Shah said.