SIMA and CITI fraternity lauded Pollachi MP Shanmugasundaram for continually raising his voice in Parliament on various issues, including that of the Coimbatore International Airport.
Coimbatore: Even as Coimbatore International Airport continues to cater to people and industries in seven districts under the Kongu region, an announcement was made in 2010 to implement the expansion plan for the airport spanning 627 acres with the aim of developing the airport. After the DMK Government took over, the land acquisition work has been expedited and is nearing completion.
On the assistance to be provided by the Central Government for the development of the Kongu Region, including the development of the airport, it was recommended to increase the international air traffic at Coimbatore airport. Pollachi MP Shanmugasundaram has been consistently raising his voice in Parliament and meeting Union Ministers in the Department to take up the cause which has now borne fruition.
Ravi Sam, President of the Southern Indian Mills Association (SIMA) and Rajkumar, President of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) said, "Kongu region plays an important role in the industrial development of Tamil Nadu. The Pollachi MP has been consistently raising his voice in Parliament on the steps required for the development of the industry, including the airport and increasing train services and this is very welcome."
Similarly, Vanita Mohan, Vice President, Kongu Global Forum and D Nandakumar, Director, Kongu Global Forum said, "If international air traffic in Coimbatore increases, it will be very beneficial. The Pollachi MP has been speaking in Parliament on the need to increase the airport and railway services in the Kongu region and has been helping in solving various issues. His concern for the development of the Kongu region is very welcome."
Meanwhile, Pollachi MP Shanmugasundaram spoke to reporters stating, "The land acquisition work of the Coimbatore International Airport expansion project is in the final stages. Only 87.5 acres of land is left. That too was lost in the deed. It has been hampered due to reasons including asking for higher compensation. The Government of Tamil Nadu has taken swift action to find a solution to this problem. The land acquisition work will be completed within two months.
I spoke to the Minister of Civil Aviation directly on the need for the development of Coimbatore airport in Parliament. I have requested that steps should be taken to operate the narrow body type aircraft on the existing runway between Coimbatore and Dubai for four days a week. This will commence soon," he added.