Kolhapur: District guardian minister Chandrakant Patil has said the state government is keen on spending Rs 3.5 crore for the commencement of Kolhapur airport. He said a proposal in this regard has already been submitted to the Airport Authority of India (AAI).
Speaking to newsmen on Thursday evening, Patil said necessary funds could be arranged as the state government has expressed its willingness to spend, even as the airport is technically under the administration of AAI. The minister said the airport's expansion can take place later, but starting the facility with small capacity aircraft is necessary to boost the district's confidence.
"The funds will be utilised for developing night landing facility, and some services at rest room among other purposes. The night landing facility is necessary so that flights from Mumbai can fly to Kolhapur after sunset as well," Patil said.
"The priority is to start using the airport so that people can get work-related benefits. Once the number of passengers is high, the aviation companies would also show more interest in improving their services from Kolhapur to Mumbai," he added.
15/04/16 Times of India
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Speaking to newsmen on Thursday evening, Patil said necessary funds could be arranged as the state government has expressed its willingness to spend, even as the airport is technically under the administration of AAI. The minister said the airport's expansion can take place later, but starting the facility with small capacity aircraft is necessary to boost the district's confidence.
"The funds will be utilised for developing night landing facility, and some services at rest room among other purposes. The night landing facility is necessary so that flights from Mumbai can fly to Kolhapur after sunset as well," Patil said.
"The priority is to start using the airport so that people can get work-related benefits. Once the number of passengers is high, the aviation companies would also show more interest in improving their services from Kolhapur to Mumbai," he added.
15/04/16 Times of India
