Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has initiated steps to bring back the iconic Dakota aircraft, which was used by late Chief Minister and legendary freedom fighter Biju Patnaik.
The State Government has written a letter to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) urging the latter to hand over the aircraft to state.
The letter addressed to the chairman of the AAI mentioned the State Transport department’s decision to bring back the historic aircraft and put it on display at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar as a tribute to the legendary Biju Patnaik.
“The Odisha Government is pleased to take over the Dakota (VT-AUI) aircraft belonging to the erstwhile Kalinga Airlines, which was founded by late Biju Patnaik”, the Commerce & Transport Department stated in the letter.
Former Odisha CM and daredevil pilot of India Biju Patnaik had used the iconic Dakota DC-3 aircraft to rescue Indonesia’s former vice president and prime minister in his famous heroic act in 1947.
The aircraft was a part of the fleet of 18 Dakota planes of Kalinga Airlines used in the Kashmir operation in 1947-48 ferrying troops to Srinagar and carrying medical assistance and other supplies.
Biju Patnaik came to limelight after he rescued former Indonesian Vice President Muhammad Hatta and Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir from their enemies on July 22, 1947. He was credited with making the landing at Srinagar on Oct 27 in the year.
The Indonesia Government had acknowledged his contribution by honouring Biju Babu with ‘Bhumi Putra’ title for his chivalry.
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