Budget 2016-17: Centre to partner with state govts to boost regional connectivity
Finance minister Arun Jaitley said in his budget speech that the government was drawing up an action plan for unserved and under-served airports
Mumbai: The central government plans to partner with states to revamp at least 160 non-functional airports and airstrips to boost regional connectivity.
Finance minister Arun Jaitley said in his budget speech that the government was drawing up an action plan for unserved and under-served airports.
Jaitley said these can be developed at a cost of ₹ 50 to ₹ 100 crore each.
In December, the ministry of civil aviation said the centre had formulated a Draft National Civil Aviation Policy to promote regional connectivity.
The policy encourages revival of unserved and under-served aerodromes and airstrips as no-frills airports to provide connectivity to Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
The draft National Civil Aviation Policy provides for the revival of air strips, depending on demand, as no-frills airports mostly through the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
AAI has taken up related work at five locations, Hubli and Belgaum in Karnataka, Kishangarh in Rajasthan, Jharsuguda in Odisha and Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh.
It has also undertaken development and modernization of airports at Bathinda, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Gondia, Jalgaon, Kadappa, Puducherry and Mysore. Out of these airports, scheduled operations have started at Kadappa, Puducherry and Mysore.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!