Biju Patnaik’s iconic Dakota aircraft brought back to Odisha; people line up along NH 16 to have a glimpse of it
By Sukant Kumar Mohanty
Bhubaneswar, Jan. 18: Former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik’s iconic Dakota aircraft which was lying in dilapidated condition at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (NSCB) International Airport in Kolkata reached state capital Bhubaneswar on Wednesday evening.
The vintage plane has been dismantled into three parts for convenience of transportation. They were carried to Bhubaneswar in three trailers.
Security personnel escorted the vintage aircraft.
After the dismantled parts of the iconic plane entered the state by crossing the Bengal-Odisha border at Jaleswar in Balasore district, people were seen standing on both sides of National Highway 16 to watch them. Many of the onlookers were seen taking selfies with the trailers carrying organs of the plane.
Biju Babu had once used his favourite Dakota plane to rescue erstwhile Indonesian Vice President Muhammad Hatta and Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir from enemy clutches in July 1947.
The DC-3 aircraft was lying in a neglected corner of NSCB International Airport, Kolkata as a piece of scrap.
“The Dakota aircraft is not only a prize possession of Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik’s father, but also bears importance for the people of the state. Bringing back his favourite craft is surely a fitting tribute to Biju Babu who was well known for his piloting acumen,” historian and researcher Anil Dhir said.
The aircraft was a part of the fleet of 18 Dakota planes of Kalinga Airlines which was formed by Biju Patnaik.
In fact, Biju Patnaik is the father of present Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik.
The aircraft was orginally 64 feet and 8 inches long, with its wings stretching to 95 feet. The dismantled parts will be reassembled in Bhubaneswar after necessary repairs.
Biju Patnaik, besides being a social reformer and politician, was also a highly skilled pilot who flew planes and undertook high-risk missions ahead of the country’s Independence.
The AAI has given its ‘go-ahead’ to build a memorial near the statue of Biju Patnaik outside the Bhubaneswar Airport as a mark of tribute to the iconic leader. The Dakota aircraft will be placed at the memorial for public viewing.
All the planes of Kalinga Airlines were used for ferrying troops to Srinagar and carrying army equipment during the Kashmir Operation in 1947-48, researchers said.
The Dakotas had many affectionate nicknames. The Americans called it the Gooney Bird, Old Fatso, Skytrooper, Placid Plodder, Dizzy Three and Tabby.
While the British airmen called it the “Dak,” the Royal Canadian Air Force called them “The Flying Elephants.” The French called it, “The Beast.”
Biju Patnaik, like many other pilots, used the term “Gooney Bird.”
