Nagpur airport goes to JV company for upgrade

The Union Cabinet also gave its ‘in-principle’ approval for transfer of Dr Ambedkar International Airport...

The Union Cabinet also gave its ‘in-principle’ approval for transfer of Dr Ambedkar International Airport at Nagpur to the Joint Venture Company comprising Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd to upgrade the airport to a world-class Multi Modal International Passenger and Cargo Hub. The Cabinet also approved AAI investing Rs 4.90 crore in the form of equity in the JVC.

The total project cost has been estimated at Rs 2,581 crore over a 30-year period. The move to develop Nagpur airport into Multi Modal International Passenger and Cargo Hub is expected to help improve tourism and international trade in the region as well as enable optimum utilisation of the airport. It is also aimed at fulfilling the long cherished demand of the people of Vidarbha region.

The proposed hub will be backed up by many economic value additions like an inland container terminal, truck terminal, financial institutions within an international environment, repackaging and similar activities, convention and exhibition centres. All these activities, including the airport, will be covered under a Special Economic Zone spread over 2,453 hectares.

Kannur greenfield airport cleared

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The Government on Thursday gave an ‘in-principle’ approval to the Kerala Government to set up a greenfield international airport through Public Private Partnership at Kannur in relaxation of the Policy on Airport Infrastructure relating to greenfield airports.

The airport would cost Rs 929.5 crore, excluding costs pertaining to land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation, which would be borne by the state Government. The proposed airport is located in Kannur district and falls outside the municipal limits of Kannur. The site is at about 80 km aerial distance from Calicut airport, 229 km from Cochin airport and 125 km from the Mangalore airport.

The Kerala Government had recommended the project saying it would promote tourism and trade in northern Kerala. The proposed airport is also expected to act as a cargo hub for perishable items like cut flowers, vegetables, fruits and sea food.

Meanwhile, a proposal to increase the FDI limit in aviation sector has been deferred.