Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:33 PM IST

Vayalar Ravi in pilot’s seat

Last Updated : 20 Jan 2011 10:17:41 AM IST

THIRUVANATHAPURAM: The Kerala Government, which has been in an embarrassing situation for delaying the commissioning of the new terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram Airport, is now caught up in a further embarrassing position as Vayalar Ravi has clinched the Civil Aviation portfolio at the Centre.

The V S Achuthanandan Government in the State had indeed snubbed the Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi recently by objecting to the inauguration of the new terminal building by him. With Vayalar Ravi becoming the Civil Aviation Minister, the LDF Government will now have to seek his support not only for the commissioning of the new terminal, but also for other civil aviation-related needs of the State.

The appointment of Vayalar Ravi also comes close on the heels of the Centre deciding to shift the headquarters of Air India Express to the State.

Vayalar Ravi was scheduled to inaugurate the new terminal building on July 14, 2010. But the State Government had communicated its strong objection to the plan and insisted that the new terminal should be inaugurated by none less than the Prime Minister himself. Since then, the inauguration or even an informal commissioning of the new terminal was being delayed indefinitely and the terminal constructed at a cost of Rs 300 crore had been remaining unutilised.

Sources said that the State Government wanted to highlight the new terminal project as one of its major achievements and wanted to make it a major event. Hence, the Government was waiting indefinitely for the convenience of the Prime Minister. Though there have been reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may commission the new terminal by next month, in the changed scenario, the blessings of Vayalar Ravi are inevitable.

trivandrum@expressbuzz.com

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Comments

I am very Happy for Hon.Vayalar Ravi. I believe he will give permission to Start Direct flight services from Europe to Trivandrum(Kerala)

By vimal
2/1/2011 6:45:00 AM

Thank god praful patel is gone,he ruined air India. Now that Ravi is here it is good and we hope that he can solve the problems with Air India. Hopefully he will launch Birmingham to Amritsar direct flight which was very popular with the midlands asian community.

By Jas Kachla
1/22/2011 11:13:00 PM

Good to hear Vayalar Ravi given additional charge of Civil Aviation and all the best for him. People expect him to speed up development of Trivandrum and Kozhikode airports which are under Airports authority of India. He should immediately place these airports under a new region with HQ in Kerala and thus end the long neglect being under Chennai region

By Bobby
1/20/2011 5:19:00 PM

There was nothing wrong if the LDF Govt had wished that the PM himself inaugurate the new airport building at Trivandrum.It was an expression of honour to the Prime Minister because of the City's pre-eminence in the State which the PM appeared unwilling to reciprocate.It is regretable that MMS felt the ceremonial opening of a far flung and inconsequential airport building was not in keeping with his high office although he had time on hand for other assignments. It therefore behoves the CM should officially declare open the new premises himself and take control of its functioning from the AAI. No alien Govt or its hirelings should be in charge of state facilities.

By john
1/20/2011 4:17:00 PM

VAYALAR RAVI was born on June 4,1937.His lucky nimbers are 1 and 4. Jan 19(representing 1) is lucky.His present age 73(representing 1) is also lucky. Ravi has been given additional charge of Civil Aviation.No Minister has ever been entrusted with Overseas Affairs and Civil aviation!The year 2011 represents 4. The name VAYALAR RAVI starts with "V"-the 22nd (2+2=4) letter.

By MK DAMODARAN
1/20/2011 12:43:00 PM

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