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(a) whether the Government proposes to set up low-cost small airports in various cities of the country;
(b) if so, the details and the present status thereof along with the locations identified for this purpose, State/UT-wise; and
(c) the details of the expenditure likely to be incurred thereon along with the time by which these airports are likely to be set up?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Mahesh Sharma)
(a) & (b): Government of India has decided to develop small airports in tier II and tier III cities across the country for enhancing regional and remote area connectivity. Earlier, Government of India had identified 50 locations across the country. However, these locations have been reviewed and 5 locations have been identified for the commencement of work during 2014-15. These five locations are: Hubli and Belgaum in Karnataka, Kishangarh in Rajasthan, Jharsuguda in Odisha and Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh. For identification of further locations, certain broad criteria have been drawn such as, minimum population of 10 lakhs, tourism potential, commercial viability, details of the flight movements in the past, social obligations etc.
(c): The construction and upgradation work at five identified locations has already commenced and Airports Authority of India has so far incurred an expenditure of Rs. 24.399 crore and the estimated expenditure during the FY- 2014-15 is Rs. 28.6 crore. Timeline for construction of airport projects depends upon many factors such as land availability, availability of mandatory clearances, financial closure, etc.