Inauguration of Rengeilunda Air Service
Biju Babu’s Dakota to Carry the Legacy of Courage and Bravery for Generations
Bhubaneswar – Inauguration of Rengeilunda Air Service
Tribute to Biju Babu in the State Assembly
Bhubaneswar, March 5, 2023
Today marks the birth anniversary of the legendary leader Biju Patnaik. On this special occasion, Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik dedicated Biju Babu’s historic Dakota aircraft (Dakota DC-3, VT-AUI) to the nation. The aircraft has been stationed at Biju Patnaik International Airport and is now open for public viewing, especially for the people of Odisha and the entire nation.
It is noteworthy that this aircraft had been abandoned for years at Kolkata Airport. With efforts from the state government, it was brought to Bhubaneswar, restored, and displayed in a completely renovated form.
This aircraft holds the incredible legacy of Biju Babu — a fearless and heroic Odia youth. In a widely known historical episode, Biju Babu flew this aircraft along with his wife Gyan Patnaik to Indonesia, where he rescued freedom fighters from Dutch captivity and brought them back to India.
Now, for the first time, the people of Odisha and the country will be able to witness a living relic of that historic event.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that this aircraft will forever stand as a symbol of courage, valor, and dedication to the nation for the Odia people. It will elevate the pride and status of Odisha in front of the world.
Additionally, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the non-scheduled Bhubaneswar–Rengeilunda flight service.
He began the day by paying tribute to Biju Babu in the State Assembly.।
