(a) whether the ambitious plan of the Government to upgrade airports at four metros has been badly affected;
(b) if so, the factors responsible for delay in upgradation of airports, and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to remove hurdles and to upgrade airports in a time bound period?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK )
(a)& (b):- In order to improve the standard of services, management culture, efficiency and overall productivity and to unlock the potential for economic benefits arising out of well managed airports and to attract private investment required for achieving the above objectives it has been decided to restructure the airports located at the four metros through long term leasing route. There has been delay in getting the legal framework in place for the proposed leasing as there has been a review to take into consideration the recommendations of the Standing Committee of Parliament on Transport, Tourism & Culture, on Airports Authority of India (Amendment ) Bill, 2000 which was introduced in Parliament during November, 2000.
(c):- In the Union Budget for the year 2003-04 it has been announced that the two airports at Delhi and Mumbai will be renovated/modernized. The exact modalities of implementation including requirement of budgetary support are being worked out. Efforts to introduce the modified legislative proposals are also under way.