Pakyong airport slope restoration should be expedited, MP Indra Hang urges Civil Aviation minister

GANGTOK, : Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on Thursday urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu to expedite the permanent restoration of the slope failure below the runway at Pakyong Airport, saying the delay has affected air connectivity and caused hardship to people.

During a meeting with the minister at the latter’s official residence in New Delhi, Subba said the slope failure has triggered a landslide that has also severely affected National Highway 717A, causing immense hardship to commuters and residents of Pakyong. He stressed the need for a permanent engineering solution to ensure the safety of the airport and the surrounding area, informs a press release

The MP said preliminary studies required for permanent slope stabilisation and restoration have remained pending for several months, delaying the start of the project.

He expressed concern that despite the passage of two monsoon seasons, restoration work has not commenced, resulting in further deterioration of the affected slopes and increasing rehabilitation risks and costs.

Subba urged the ministry to complete all surveys, investigations, planning and statutory approvals before the end of the current monsoon so that restoration work can begin during the next working season.

He also informed the minister that no scheduled flights are currently operating from Pakyong Airport, the State’s only airport, and said the prolonged disruption has adversely impacted tourism, trade, healthcare access and overall economy of the State.

The Civil Aviation Minister assured the MP that the issues raised would be examined on priority and that the ministry would take necessary steps to facilitate the restoration process, the release adds.