The government has drawn up a master plan on the proposal to involve private participation in development of auxiliary facilities in airports, said Praful Patel, the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation. While the functioning of the airports would still remain under the control of the Airports Authority of India, Public-Private Participation is envisaged in the development of other subsidiary facilities. “Land that is not meant for aeronautical use will be identified for airports development through private parties and we are working at it,” Mr.Patel said.
On the modernisation proposal for non-metro airports like Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy, the Minister of State stated that modernisation works are already under way in Trichy and will be completed soon. Mr. Patel said the southern region has a number of airports and hoped that with their modernisation, domestic and international air traffic will be on the increase.
Similarly, the proposal for up-gradation of Puducherry airport is on. Consultations on land identification are under progress with both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments as the proposed land for the runway touches into Tamil Nadu, Mr.Patel said.
As for the proposed merchant airport in Karaikal, the minister stated that the Government of India would provide all necessary support in the form of clearances. “We are aware of the private interest in developing an airport here. Considering its religious tourism and infrastructure in the form of port and power stations, an airport in Karaikal would accentuate the development of the entire region,” he said.
Mr. Patel was here on a private visit to the Thirunallar temple, a week ahead of the celebrated Sanipeyarchi .
