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| Now News Network || 29th September 2018 || Ananda Bhavan, Biju Patnaik Square |
Odisha
government is planning to bring an abandoned ‘Dakota’ aircraft, flown by former
Chief Minister Biju Patnaik to rescue Indonesian former vice president, prime
minister and freedom fighters in his famous heroic act in 1947 would make its
way to the state very soon. The Indonesia Government acknowledged his contribution by Honoring Biju Patnaik with ‘Bhumi Putra’ title for his chivalry.
The
Dakota one of the sturdiest aircraft has gone to seed and has been lying
neglected as a piece of scrap in an abandoned corner of Netaji Subhas Bose
International Airport, Kolkata. The talks are underway with airport authorities
for the purpose to bring the aircraft to Odisha.
Dakota
aircraft, which is the most prized possession of former Chief Minister Biju
Patnaik and also has importance for the people of Odisha. The aircraft will be
parked near Biju Patnaik Museum at Anand Bhawan in Cuttack, sources said.
Former
CM Biju Patnaik, who was known for his daredevilry act as a pilot, had formed
the Kalinga Airline used in 1947-48 ferrying troops to Srinagar and carrying
medical assistance and other supplied. The airline had 15 Dakota planes parked
in its headquarters Kolkata. The aircrafts were chiefly used by the army for
transport of Jawans deployed in Kashmir. Kalinga Airline’s DC-3s were also used
to drop supplies at north-eastern area of the country and providing services to
the army personnel in north-east area of the country.
The
abandoned Dakota DC-3 is now parked at Kolkata airport since 1947.
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