Question : Expansion-Upgradation of Airports

(a) whether the Government has undertaken any analytical study on the cityby city air traffic projects and worked out a plan to double the airport capacity in the next few years;

(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof and the estimated funds required for the purpose in addition to the money spent on land acquisition;

(c) whether the Government has taken any measures to complete the runway strengthening and resurfacing work at the Calicut International Airport at the earliest, if so, the details of the works done till date;

(d) whether Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has conducted any inspection at the runway at Calicut Airport, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether the Government has taken any exclusive measures to commence the operation of wide-body aircraft services from the airport and if so, the details thereof?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. An analytical study has been carried out for preparation of traffic forecast on the basis of traffic growth at the existing airports and prepared a plan for capacity enhancement at various airports in the country by upgradation of infrastructure at operational airports, revival of non-operational airports, strengthening of Air Navigation Services (ANS) infrastructure, installation of solar power plants, etc. at an estimated cost of Rs.17500 crore. The land required for airport expansion projects are provided free of cost by the concerned State Governments.;
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(c): Yes, Madam. Airports Authority of India (AAI) has taken measures to complete the work for strengthening and resurfacing of runway at Calicut Airport by the end of February, 2017. 94.5% of the work has been completed so far.;
;
(d): Yes, Madam. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had carried out surveillance inspection at Calicut Airport from 17th to 20th May, 2016 under Safety Oversight Programme-2016. A joint inspection was also carried out by DGCA and AAI on 9-10 January, 2017 to assess the possibility of wide-bodied aircraft operations at Calicut Airport.;
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(e): AAI has projected additional land requirements of 248.3 acres to the State Government of Kerala for runway extension, construction of parallel taxi track, isolation bay, runway end safety area and other upgradation work at Calicut Airport so as to make it suitable for operations of wide-bodied aircraft.