Question : AIRPORTS IN MADHYA PRADESH

(a) whether the Government proposes to upgrade the airports in Madhya Pradesh including the one falling under National Airports Authority of India (NAAI) to international airports;

(b) whether the Government has handed over the Satna and Khandwa airstrips to the State Government for making them operational;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor alongwith the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for making them fit for operation;

(e) whether the Government also proposes to provide air services to South India from Madhya Pradesh;

(f) if so, the details thereof alongwith the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and

(g) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS & MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)

(a) There are seven airports managed by Airports Authority of India (AAI) in Madhya Pradesh namely Indore, Bhopal, Khajuraho, Jabalpur, Satna, Khandwa, Panna. In addition and one civil enclave in Gwalior managed by AAI. Upgradation of airports into International airports in the country including those in Madhya Pradesh is contingent on various factors such as requirement of airline operators, traffic demand, availability of land etc.

(b), (c) & (d) Approval has been accorded for transfer of airports at Satna and Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh on lease basis to the State Government of Madhya Pradesh subject to signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the State Government.

(e), (f) & (g) Government has laid down route dispersal guidelines with a view to achieve better regulation of air transport services taking into account the need for air transport services of different regions of the country including North-East region. It is however, up to the airlines to provide air services to specific places including airports in Madhya Pradesh depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability. As such airlines are free to operate anywhere in the country subject to compliance of route dispersal guidelines issued by the Government.