AP gets Rs. 2,376-cr airport projects

A government panel set-up to boost air connectivity across the country has recently gave 'in principle' approval for three new airports in Andhra Pradesh at an estimated to cost of Rs. 2,376cr. Besides, the Steering Committee on Greenfield Airports has given site clearance for the proposed aerodrome at Kothagudem in Telengana. 'In principle' nod has been granted for airport projects at Bhogapuram and Dagadarthi, both in Nellore District, and Orvakallu in Kurnool District, an official release said. The international airport at Bhogapuram would be developed by the Andhra Pradesh government under Public Private Partnership (PPP) at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,200-cr to cater to 6.3 million passengers per annum (mppa) in the initial phase. The other two would be developed as domestic no-frills airports with an estimated cost of Rs. 88-cr each. While Dagadarthi would be developed under PPP mode, Orvakallu would be taken up by the state government itself. The committee, spearheaded by Civil Aviation Secretary, R N Choubey, has recommended 'site clearance' for the Greenfield Airport Project at Kothagudem. With this project, Telangana would be getting a second Greenfield Airport after Hyderabad International Airport.