Private sector chips in to revive unused airstrips

New Delhi: After greenfield airports, the private sector is showing keen interest in reviving unused airstrips across the country. Aviation ministry has recently begun identifying old, unused airstrips that have a potential to be revived and be used for improving connectivity. Private sectors have started coming forward with mine owners of Orissa approaching the government for reviving an airfield at Jharasgura.
India has 125 airports of which only 80 are operational currently. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is studying the unused ones. "There are about 15 airstrips like Shaila in Meghalaya that don't seem to have the potential for being revived. But a good 25 to 30 airports can be easily revived. The AAI will do the job and if some private players come forward, that can be considered," said a senior official. Among the ones that are likely to be revived are Kamalpur in Tripura, Teju and Passighat in Andhra and Pondicherry. The AAI is also looking at unused defence airports that can be revived. The private sector is learnt to be closely watching this area very closely to take up commercially viable projects.
Already big private players like Adanis, Sahara India and big hospitals have already filed applications for as many as 16 airstrips.
31/05/08 Times of India

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Categories: Airports May 2008, Merchant Airports May 2008, New May 2008