(a) the total number of international airports in the country;
(b) whether this number is inadequate in view of the size of the country and the increasing number of air passengers;
(c) if so, the number of international airports required in the country alongwith the number of international airports for which the construction plans are being formulated; and
(d) the progress made in this regard so far?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY)
(a), (b), (c) and (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No.281 ANSWERED ON 22.12.2003 REGARDING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS.
(a): There are 12 international airports in the country.
(b): The existing 12 international airports coupled with 9 other domestic airports which have facility of customs and immigration for handling limited international flights is considered adequate to handle the increasing passenger traffic.
(c): Airports Authority of India (AAI) is taking action to enhance the terminal capacities wherever necessary. In addition, new Greenfield airports of international standards are being planned at Bangalore and Hyderabad with private sector participation. Facilities at Srinagar Airport are also being upgraded for operation of international flights. Government has approved a proposal to construct an international airport at Mopa in Goa.
(d): In the case of Bangalore a consortium led by Siemens, Germany has been chosen as strategic joint venture partner. A joint venture company namely Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has been incorporated in January, 2001. Share Holders Agreement was signed on 23.1.2002. Other crucial agreements such as Concession, CNS/ATM, State Support and Land Lease Agreements are currently in very advanced stages of finalization. Financial closure is expected by Decenber 2003 and actual construction will commence immediately afterwards. For Hyderabad M/s GMR-MAHB has been selected as preferred bidder. A company under the name of Hyderabad International Airport Limited has been incorporated. The Share Holders Agreement, land lease agreement and State Support Agreement have been executed on 30.9.2003. Financial closure is likely to be achieved by 1st September, 2004. In the case of Mopa, Goa, the State Government is getting the feasibility study done through International Civil Aviation Organization.