Surat airport: AAI asks govt for 864 ha

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has sought an additional 864 hectare land from the state government for expansion of Surat airport. This was disclosed on Friday by VP Agrawal, the chairman of AAI, in Surat.
"We are committed to development of Surat airport as a world-class airport and have sought 864 hectare land from state government. This land will be required when a second runway is needed at the airport to cater to increased traffic and other future developments," Agrawal said.
Agrawal was speaking during the inauguration of the new terminal building at Surat airport. In the absence of civil aviation minister Praful Patel, who had to cancel his visit due to unavoidable circumstances, the building was inaugurated by union minister of state for petroleum Dinsha Patel.
"We have prepared a Master Plan for the whole area. We will use the allotted land as and when required, and protect the rest for future requirements," the AAI chairman said.
The AAI is investing Rs110 crore for development of Surat airport. This includes extension, strengthening and widening of the runway, construction of terminal building, air traffic control tower, hangars, parking areas, night landing facility, instrumentation landing system, among others.
Union minister Patel said on the occasion that lot of development has taken place under UPA government, and air travel has become affordable for everyone. He assured that demands for better air connectivity for Surat will be fulfilled.
28/02/09 Daily News & Analysis/Topnews.in

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Categories: Airports Mar 2009