Bhopal parliamentarian Alok Sharma chaired the inaugural meeting of the Raja Bhoj Airport Advisory Committee on Friday. The conclave was addressed by several prominent citizens, including Abdul Tahir of the Sapphire Group.

Addressing members of the committee, Tahir sought the removal of encroachments from the vicinity of the airport and advised the management to undertake landscaping to give the aviation facility a facelift.

Committee member Manoj Meek suggested that a direct flight to Prayagraj be launched to facilitate the travel of pilgrims attending the ongoing Mahakumbh festival in the river city.

Sunil Jain said that, considering the large number of people travelling between Bhopal and Surat, a direct flight should be started between the two cities.

Krishna Mohan Soni suggested improvements to the airport's infrastructure, while Champa Keswani also made suggestions.

Setting the tone for the meeting, Airport Director Ramji Awasthi briefed attendees on passenger facilities and development activities at the airport.

MP Alok Sharma instructed the representatives of airline companies to prepare proposals to initiate flight services from Bhopal to Prayagraj and Surat.

Seeking a greater role for the advisory committee, Sharma said that the committee should strive to ensure the implementation of its suggestions.

He said that he would meet with the Union Aviation Minister in Delhi to ensure the suggestions put forth by the members are actualised.

The meeting was attended by Municipal Commissioner Harendra Narayan, ADM Siddharth Jain, DCP Jitendra Singh Pawar, Airport Director Ramji Awasthi, advisory committee members Abdul Tahir, Krishna Mohan Soni, Manoj Meek, Sunil Jain, Champa Keswani, as well as officials from Air India, Indigo, and Flybing Airlines, and security officials.