Bhubaneswar: The hope for return of Biju Patnaik's iconic Dakota DC-3 aircraft is getting thinner with each passing day as the plane is dying a slow death outside Netaji Subash Bose International Airport in Kolkata even as Odisha government continues to chalk out plans to bring the epitome of the former Chief Minister's heroism.
The aircraft in which Biju Patnaik had rescued Indonesia's former vice president and prime minister in his daring act in 1947 is lying neglected in an abandoned corner of NSBIA, Kolkata for the past 15 years. Recently, the cyclonic storm Amphan had caused extensive damage to the aircraft.
The plane was kept in the hangar of NSBIA airport for 50 years. However, it was placed outside the hangar due to lack of space 15 years back. Without proper preservation and years of lying exposed in all weather, the aircraft is now on the verge of ruin.
Former pilot of Indian Air Force, wing commander, Bijay Kumar Prusty, says that bringing the aircraft back would add to the glory of the State.
"It will be fantastic if we can bring the aircraft. We cannot fly it for certain because it is not in a flying condition after being exposed to all types of weather over the past several decades. Just dismantle the aircraft and bring it home where it always belongs. It would add to the glory of Odisha," he said.
Meanwhile, questions are being raised whether it is feasible to bring the plane back given the fact that condition of the aircraft.
"I don't think the aircraft is now in a condition to come back to Odisha. I heard it overturned during cyclone Amphan. It must have gone into pieces. It is not an easy task anymore to bring, restore and preserve it," said Anil Dhir, INTACH member.
Meanwhile, after criticism, Odisha government on November 20 this year, constituted an 11-member techno-commercial purchase committee headed by commerce and transport department principal secretary to finalise vendor for providing service for disassembling, and transporting the plane from NSCBI, Kolkata to Bhubaneswar.
Besides, the vendor would assemble and restore the aircraft and conduct interior/exterior renovation. The committee will recommend suitable offers for approval of the government and all works will be taken up under the supervision of the committee.