Govt pushes Rs.4,500-cr airport projects

In order to boost air traffic connectivity across the country, the Cabinet recently cleared a proposal to revive 50 unserved and under-served airports and airstrips at an estimated cost of Rs. 4,500cr. The move has been aimed at enhancing air connectivity to small cities and towns while the revival of such airports and airstrips would be based on the demand of such facilities in these regions. Sources claimed that 15 airports and airstrips each would be revived during 2017-18 and 2018-19, while 20 airports/airstrips would be revived during 2019-20. As many as 50 un-served and under-served airports and airstrips of state governments, Airport Authority of India (AAI) and civil enclaves would be covered. Small cities and towns shall be connected on commencement of operation of flights to underserved/un-served airports and the move will further boost the economic development in these as well as surrounding areas in terms of job creation and related infrastructure development.