SHIMLA: It was on April 27 this year when Prime Minister Narendra had inaugurated the flight connectivity to between New Delhi and Shimla with much fanfare but it seems that passengers taking the flight service are not happy with facilities as they are complaining that aircraft being used is of old model. Besides the on board air-conditioner is working intermittently and cabin noise is high. They are also claiming that passenger comfort is not adequate during the flight.This issue was discussed in the meeting of Airport Advisory Committee held at Shimla airport on Tuesday. Meeting also discussed that passengers are suggesting inducting new version of Aircraft- ATR 42-600- which can operate on available runaway of Shimla airport.Meeting was chaired by Shimla MP of BJP, Virender Kashyap who is also the chairman of committee. Shimla Airport Director S S Maggirwar before the start of meeting had also briefed the members about the airport configuration, flight history, and startup of flight services.In the meeting members decided that frequency of present aircraft has to be increased by twice per day to accommodate more number of passengers. They said that present given timings by Alliance Air are uncomfortable for the passengers of Shimla and New Delhi and it has to changed.They suggested that timings has to be changed that is departure from Delhi 9 am - arrival at Shimla 10 am, departure from Shimla at 10.20 am and arrival at Delhi 11.20 am.Considering the heavy winter at Shimla and irregular weather conditions in the morning hours members felt that above timings should be maintained throughout the year in the interest of air travel and passenger convenience.Members also suggested that there is an urgent need to follow up the matter of proposed flight that is Deccan Airlines at Shimla Airport which was to commence flight operations from August this year as per regional connectivity scheme UDAN but has not started yet. It was decided that matter has to be taken at the level of suitable higher competent authority.Committee also suggested for the extension of Apron to accommodate more number of Aircrafts at Shimla Airport due to only one bay at Shimla Airport other Aircraft cannot land simultaneously and also cannot avail of night halting at Shimla Airport. It said that regularization of temporary helipad for parking of small aircrafts and helicopters simultaneously during emergency and coming assembly elections. It was informed that necessary procedure is being done by AAI Shimla Airport.During his recent visit to Shimla, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had pointed out towards the poor condition of road connecting Jubbar Hatti Airport with Shimla town. "Poor condition of road between airport and Shimla is a matter of concern" he said.During the meeting it was decided for the re-carpeting of present airport road from Taradevi to Shimla airport and from Totu to Shimla airport with street light illumination (from Shimla airport to Kainchi Mod with proper signage). Virender Kashyap assured the members to look into the matter at concerned level.Members said there is a need of alternate road from main gate of Shimla airport to Nalagarh road (as proposal is pending with SDO Shimla) to avoid any mishappening at Jubberhatti village by speedy vehicles during flight movement. On this, SDM (Rural) Bhupender Attri assured to look into the matter.Shimla, SP, Soumya Sambasivan who was present in the meeting necessary instruction for compliance after committee felt there is requirement of state traffic police personnel at Shimla airport during flight movement.Requirement of small luxury 18 seater Volvo bus instead of present normal bus from Shimla Airport to Old Bus Stand, Shimla for all days of week and also same bus shall travel upto Chandigarh Airport in case of cancellation of flight with suitable fare.Virender Kashyap said that passenger convenience is necessary for the growth of tourism and air travel in the state. He said that all related matter would be taken up with Union Ministry of Civil Aviation New Delhi besides to raise the issue during the parliament session.

Stay updated with all the Latest Shimla headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.