Jamshedpur, May 7: Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA) has devised a way to overcome glitches related to road connectivity, during the Games.

Talks are already on with a couple of private airliners for operating flights between Jamshedpur and Ranchi — cities earmarked to host events of the Games. But the funds for this will indirectly come from the public coffer since the project will drain the government’s resources.

R.K. Anand, president of the JOA, said road connectivity between Jamshedpur and Ranchi is the biggest problem that may mar the efficient conduct of the extravaganza.

“It’s a serious issue. One cannot travel between these two cities in comfort due to the pitiable condition of the roads,” he said.

Anand said JOA was keen to help people watch events of their choice with comfort.

“We want sport lovers to watch events of their choice in cities without any hassles. But this is not possible if the condition of roads is taken into account,” he said, adding that the distance between the two cities is more than a three hour drive.

Anand, who also happens to the vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), said talks are on with some private airliners for facilitating direct flights between Jamshedpur and Ranchi.

“This issue is going to be sorted out shortly,” he said, holding that sports lovers will have the option to travel by air to both the venues, for watching events of their choice.

The former Congress Rajya Sabha member, however evaded answering questions about how people could afford to take the air route to enjoy the Games.

“Doing all this for the common people is nothing but an eye wash. JOA officials are giving shape to this initiative for their own benefit. With no problems in accessing government funds, the JOA officials are draining public wealth,” a sports enthusiast said.

A senior office bearer of a state sports body said: “Who is interested in watching events of the Games, when Jharkhand is not a front-runner on the medals tally. It’s foolish to even think of this option.”

“The initiative is meant to benefit ministers, bureaucrats, JOA and IOA officials. Things are just being done in the name of public, many of whom will be unaware of this novel move,” a sports analyst said.

An executive of a top corporate house said: “Using public name to organise things for their own benefit, is not a wise idea.”