Question : New Airports

(a) whether any vision document/blueprint has been prepared/being prepared by the Government for setting up new domestic and international airports or for the expansion of the services of existing airports in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the required financial projection in this regard indicating physical progress made so far thereon during the
last three years and the current year, year and State/UT wise including for the State of Uttar Pradesh;

(c) the details of proposals received from various State Governments for setting up of new/modernization/expansion of existing airports during the above period, State/UT-wise indicating the current status of each project;

(d) whether certain airport projects in the country are running behind schedule resulting in cost overrun; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)

(a) & (b): Yes Madam. Government of India (GoI) has formulated a policy namely, Greenfield Airport Policy, 2008 for setting up of new domestic and international Airports across the country by Government or private entities. As per this Policy, the promoter seeking to develop an airport has to submit the proposal to the Central Government for consideration by the Steering Committee. Applications for setting up of Greenfield airport are considered by the Steering Committee/competent authority for grant of ''in principle'' approval, after they have completed all necessary formalities of obtaining pre-feasibility study report, site
clearance, clearances from regulatory agencies, etc. GoI has so far granted ''in-principle'' approval for setting up of 15 Greenfield airports. The present status is at Annexure-I.

(c): Expansion of airports is a continuous process and is undertaken in a phased manner based on the improvement in service levels, conveniences desired, operational requirement, traffic triggers, availability of land, viability etc. Works undertaken by the Airports Authority of India towards upgradation and expension of airports during the last three years
is at Annexure-II.

(d) & (e): The timeline for construction of airport projects depends upon many factors such as land acquisition, availability of mandatory clearances, financial closure, etc. by the individual operator. Necessary action for approval from various departments, project development, including financing of the airport project is taken by the respective
airport promoter.