Biju Patnaik’s Dakota aircraft begins its journey to Bhubaneswar

The iconic Dakota aircraft flown by former Odisha Chief Minister late Biju Patnaik is on its way to Bhubaneswar from Subhash Bose International Airport in Kolkata.

In 1947, the former chief minister had used this plane to rescue the then prime minister of Indonesia Sutan Sjahrir.

As per reports, the aircraft has been dismantled into three parts and is being carried by as many trailer trucks to Bhubaneswar.

The trailers will be taking the Kolkata-Chennai National Highway to reach Bhubaneswar.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already allotted 1.1 acres of land to the State government where the Dakota plane will be displayed for public viewing.

Besides being a social reformer and politician, Biju Patnaik was a skilled pilot who undertook high-risk missions. He clandestinely flew Indian freedom fighters from one location to another.

A grateful Indonesia had twice decorated Biju Patnaik with its highest civilian honour 'Bhumiputra' for his role in rescuing Sutan Sjahrir.

(Reported By Ajeet Das, OTV)