Summary:
The meeting was significant in the backdrop of the visit of civil aviation minister Suresh Prabhu in April. Aurangabad: In what could be a shot in the arm for the local tourism and industry, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has hinted at including Aurangabad in the third phase of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) or Udan.A social media post from the ministry about the rollout of the upcoming scheme has a photograph of the world famous Ajanta-Ellora Caves. It states that the scheme will focus on iconic tourist destinations, including the sacred Buddhist circuits.Various associations of industry, trade and tourism in the city, which have been pursuing the Ministry of Civil Aviation for better air connectivity to and from Aurangabad, have welcomed the step.Chamber of Marathwada for Industries and Agriculture (CMIA) has been meeting the civil aviation ministry officials to discuss the issue. During the visit, Prabhu had stated that the tourism of Aurangabad had taken a hit due to poor connectivity.On August 8, CMIA president Ram Bhogale visited Delhi to discuss the issue of air connectivity to Aurangabad.Responding to the post by the civil aviation ministry, former CMIA president Prasad Kokil said, “We are very hopeful of improving air connectivity to Aurangabad. The city will be considered for the Udan scheme for its heritage value..