Bhubaneswar, Dec 26: Denizens of the steel city facing difficulties in travelling to Kolkata and other cities in the country have now a reason to be happy as direct flight operations are likely to begin from Rourkela to Kolkata soon. 

Direct flight services will be available between the two cities three days a week. The State government has provided VGF for 35 seats. Now, passengers from Rourkela can reach Kolkata in just 1 hour 30 minutes. 

Sources said Alliance Air would fly planes between the two cities for three days- Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday- every week. The fair has been set at Rs 1999. 

In a statement, the government hoped that flight services would help bring growth in the industry and tourism sectors in the Sundargarh district.