Patel, panel in airport duel

New Delhi: The Planning Commission’s “constant objections” have delayed the modernisation of Calcutta and Chennai airports, civil aviation minister Praful Patel said today.
Patel’s allegation came in a letter to plan panel deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who had recently blamed the delays in modernising Delhi airport on the ministry and the airport operator, GMR.
“The modernisation of Calcutta and Chennai airports is being delayed due to constant objections being raised by (the) Planning Commission about the scale and size of these airports,” the letter said.
“(This) despite the fact that the committee on infrastructure, headed by the Prime Minister, has categorically approved the projects.”
The committee on infrastructure has cleared the first phase of Calcutta and Chennai airports. Calcutta’s first phase is expected to cost about Rs 1,542 crore, including about Rs 1,300 crore for a new terminal, Rs 100 crore for a runway and cargo complex and Rs 100 crore for a communication and navigation system.
13/05/08 The Telegraph

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Categories: Airports May 2008