Non-metro airports to get facelift by ’08, says Patel

Mumbai: The upgradation of 35 non-metro airports in the country is likely to be completed by 2008, said civil aviation minister Praful Patel. “Technical advisors and global design consultants have already been appointed to create world class airports in true aesthetic sense. The upgrading of these airports is expected to be completed by 2008,” the minister said on the sidelines of second annual India & Middle East Aviation & Tourism Investor Summit on Thursday.
The Planning Commission had given its approval to the modernisation proposal of 10 non-metro airports earlier, while the approval for the remaining 25 non-metro airports is expected shortly. The ministry of civil aviation had earlier given the final nod for Rs 8,000 crore modernisation plan for 35 non-metro airports .
The roadmap for civil aviation is to combine over 400 airports, including those which are used by air force, state and Centre . This new initiative will create an aviation grid in the country, similar to the ones in countries like the US.
Mr. Patel said the carriers which gain a first mover advantage would be given incentives in the form of waivers in landing charges, aeronautical and parking charges.
28/04/06 Financial Express

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline