Kolkata airport to get new wings

Kolkata: After a prolonged delay over the execution of the Kolkata airport modernisation project, Civil Aviation minister Praful Patel will visit Kolkata to lay the foundation of the project on December 29.
“The project is finally on track after a few delays,” said SPS Bakshi, Executive Director (Project), Airports Authority of India (AAI). CPM sources said the project had been witnessing hurdles after the party withdrew its support to the UPA government. Bhoomi pujan of the project was supposed to take place during Durga Puja but got delayed.
Dum Dum MP Amitava Nandi had met AAI member (planning) V K Agarwal earlier this week to discuss the project and upgrade the infrastructure of the surrounding areas. Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had also taken initiative for early implementation of the project.
Earlier, the civil aviation minister had said the project was delayed due to constant objections from the Planning Commission.
Developer of the project, an Italian-Thai infrastructure development company, has already begun mobilising equipment at the airport. The project includes construction of a 1,80,000 sq m integrated terminal to accommodate 24 million passengers by 2010, extension of the secondary runway, construction of rapid exit taxiways and aprons etc.
27/12/08 Indian Express

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Categories: Airports Dec 2008