BJP MP Dharamsheela Gupta Demands Patna-Surat, Ahmedabad Flights

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – In a move welcomed by lakhs of migrant workers and businesspersons, BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar, Dharamsheela Gupta, raised a crucial demand in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, urging the Central Government to start direct flights between Patna and Surat, as well as increase flight frequency to Ahmedabad.

Speaking on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Gupta said, “Lakhs of people from Bihar live and work in cities like Ahmedabad and Surat. They travel regularly for jobs, education, and business. Yet, there is either no direct air service or extremely limited connectivity.”

At present, Patna has only one flight to Ahmedabad and none to Surat, despite high demand. Gupta demanded at least two daily flights to Ahmedabad and urgent commencement of a direct Patna-Surat service.

The demand triggered strong support in the House, especially from members representing constituencies with large Bihari populations in Gujarat.

In response, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjrapu Ram Mohan Naidu assured the House that the proposal would be examined. “We will send this request to the concerned airlines and see how the demand can be accommodated. With the new terminal operational at Patna Airport, the scope for additional flights has increased,” he said.

The assurance has sparked optimism among frequent fliers between the two states. “A direct flight from Patna to Surat would save us 10 to 12 hours of travel. This is much needed,” said Anil Sharma, a textile trader from Surat originally hailing from Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

The demand also aligns with the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which aims to improve regional air connectivity.

With economic ties between Bihar and Gujarat growing stronger and the Bihari diaspora playing a significant role in Gujarat’s workforce, improved air connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity.