(a) whether the Government has any proposal to start international airport in Ayodhya and other religious places;
(b) if so, the details of funds allocated and used therein, State-wise;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the details about the concerned officials, mechanism and nodal officials involved therein, State-wise?
The Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Hardeep Singh Puri)
(a) to (c): At present, the State Government of Uttar Pradesh has requested Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop the Ayodhya Airport for operation of 180-200 seater aircraft in phase - I and for wide body aircraft in Phase II. For the purpose of acquiring the land for the Ayodhya airport, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh has earmarked Rs.525.92 Cr. Declaration of an airport as an International airport depends upon the traffic potential and the demand from airlines for operation of international flights besides provision of Ground Lighting Facilities, Instrument Landing System, adequate runway length, Immigration, Health and Animal & Plant Quarantine services. Kushinagar airport in Uttar Pradesh has been recently declared as International Airport to cater the requirement of Buddhist pilgrims.
(d): The acquisition of land for development of Ayodhya airport is being carried out by the District Magistrate, Ayodhya and AAI is expected to construct, develop and operate the airport.