Amritsar, Sep 3 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The FlyAmritsar Initiative (FAI), a global advocacy campaign for direct flights and development of Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport Amritsar, along with Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM), a local NGO dedicated to the overall development of Amritsar, has formally requested the urgent intervention of the Minister of Civil Aviation, Sh. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, and the Chairman of the Airport Authority of India, Sh. M. Suresh.
The request, led by AVM Patrons Kulwant Singh Ankhi and Manmohan Singh Brar and FAI leaders Sameep Singh Gumtala (Global Convener), Yogesh Kamra (Convener India), calls for the immediate replacement of a non-functional X-ray machine that is essential for the resumption of export cargo services to the UK and European Union from Amritsar Airport.
Earlier this year, Amritsar Airport was granted the RA3 license to export cargo to the UK and EU, which significantly boosted the airport’s cargo volume to 380 tons per month.
This growth facilitated the establishment of international customs clearance companies and expanded cargo services to regions such as Ludhiana, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
However, a recent inspection by a UK team identified a malfunctioning X-ray machine and insufficient staffing, leading to the suspension of the RA3 license and a subsequent sharp decline in cargo volume to just a quarter of its previous levels.
Call for Urgent Replacement of X-Ray Machine
Despite assurances from airport authorities that a replacement X-ray machine has been ordered from Aurangabad Airport and that the tender process is underway, there has been no concrete action in over two months to resolve the issue.
This prolonged delay is severely affecting local businesses and the airport’s operations, which are heavily reliant on robust export capabilities.
“The delay in addressing the X-ray machine issue reflects a concerning lack of urgency from the relevant authorities,” stated Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of the FAI.
“This not only hampers the growth of Amritsar Airport but also impacts airlines that rely on increased cargo volumes to offset operational losses. We urge the authorities to expedite the replacement process to restore the RA3 license and resume full cargo operations.”
Appeal to Government and Authorities
The FlyAmritsar Initiative and Amritsar Vikas Manch have appealed to the Government of India, emphasizing the critical need to upgrade airport infrastructure to support economic growth.
While efforts are being made nationwide under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to enhance cargo capabilities at airports, the situation at Amritsar Airport requires immediate attention to align with national objectives of boosting trade and economic prosperity.
“We request the immediate replacement of the non-functional X-ray machine at Amritsar Airport,” added Manmohan Singh Brar, Patron AVM.
“Prompt action will not only support regional economic growth but also attract more airlines, increase passenger traffic, and contribute to the overall prosperity of Amritsar.”
