Govt recognizes 35-non metro airports of AAI for expansion, upgradation

Taking into account, factors like potential for traffic, tourism potential, non-aeronautical revenues boosted by exploitation of surplus land and connectivity with state capital, the government has identified 35-non metro airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) for expansion and also upgradation.

A Task Force was formed by the Committee on Infrastructure for the need for expansion and upgradation of the airport infrastructure in India. The Task Force identified 35 airports, based on the traffic demand and operational needs; work has been taken up for the expansion of air/terminal side infrastructure at 27 other non-metro airports of AAI.

Moreover, the airports at Bhopal and Indore have been modernized already and also put into operation. AAI is considering extending the runway and also other associated facilities at Tuticorin airport in Tamil Nadu, subject to 586 acres of land to be made available by the government of Tamil Nadu. Funds allocated for Tuticorin in the Budget Estimates 2012-13 is Rs 10 lakh. Allocation in response of airports in Madhya Pradesh is Rs 6.34 crore.

Further, the Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh stated that work on expansion and modernization of Srinagar Airport was complete in April 2009 at a cost of Rs 101.33 crore.  By adding further he said, the work on expansion of its apron (phase II) had also been completed in March 2011 at a cost of Rs 28 crore. In addition, the work on construction of new terminal building was also completed way back in April 2008 at a cost of Rs 77.44 crore, while extension and strengthening of runway and allied works were completed in May 2009 at a cost of Rs 44.31 crore.