While plans are underway to expand communication facilities in Nashik in the backdrop of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, it has come to light that there is a delay in getting approval for the 'Immigration Checkpoint' required for international travel at Nashik airport. It has been revealed that the Union Home Ministry has not yet given permission for the immigration checkpoint, as there is not enough facility at the airport for the planned international flights.
Continuous follow-up is being made to start international services from Nashik airport. MP Rajabhau Waje had raised a question in the Lok Sabha regarding this. After the inspection by the Immigration Department, he had asked whether the government has approved the proposal to set up an immigration centre (checkpoint), system and staff for international passengers, whether this facility will be operational before the Simhastha Kumbh Mela and what steps are being taken for inter-ministerial coordination. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar gave a written reply to this.
Clarification of the Home Ministry:
The Home Ministry has clarified that the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) has assessed the infrastructure at Nashik Airport, and as per its recommendations, the space available for immigration clearance at Nashik Airport is inadequate for the operation of regular international passenger flights. At present, this space is sufficient only for the crew and passengers of cargo (freight) and chartered flights. The airport has the necessary infrastructure and immigration system for domestic and international cargo. In addition, the Home Department informed that some police officers have been given necessary training to conduct immigration checks. However, no concrete position has been taken on starting regular international services.
Nashik is an important hub from the perspectives of industry, spirituality, trade, agriculture and tourism. If international air services are started from Nashik, it will benefit thousands of passengers and reduce the additional burden on Mumbai, MP Rajabhau Waje has pointed out.
Emphasis on the need ahead of Kumbh Mela:
Based on the experience of Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, there is a demand for setting up a new passenger terminal at Nashik Airport. If the immigration centre for foreign travel is approved, Nashik Airport can be used for international passenger traffic during the Kumbh Mela. To increase flight capacity, HAL has also approved a new runway parallel to the existing runway. This may increase the availability of infrastructure to put Nashik on the international aviation map, but for this, an immigration checkpoint is urgently required.
