Delhi International Airport, UP spar over Noida airport sops

New Delhi: A pressure situation is building over the proposed Greater Noida airport, with the Uttar Pradesh government pushing for its quick clearance and Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which is modernising Delhi airport, keen to see the project put on the back-burner.
A note seeking clearance for the project has been sent to the Union Cabinet (within just four months after Mayawati took charge) and is expected to be taken up for discussion very soon.
The Cabinet has been asked to give 'in-principle' approval to Taj International Aviation Hub in Gautam Buddha Nagar district.
A senior government official said the UP government was keen for clearance from the Union Cabinet prior to the general elections, which might change political equations and impact the fate of the project.
Sources said the state government intended to offer tax breaks for the airport and has explicitly stated this in the note sent to the Cabinet.
Meanwhile, DIAL has indicated it will seek compensation and demand a level-playing field. Cognisant of DIAL's opposition to the venture, the note to the Cabinet points out that the central government has at no stage given any traffic guarantee to DIAL or assured exclusive rights to IGI airport.
11/12/07 Anjuli Bhargava/Business Standard

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Categories: Airports Dec 2007, New Dec 2007