(a) whether the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has made an agreement with the Government of Andhra Pradesh for expansion of Vijayawada, Rajahmundry and Tirupati airports in the State;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the total estimated cost of the proposed expansion of the airports; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) & (b): Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with State Government of Andhra Pradesh on 14th February 2007 for expansion and development of Vijayawada & Rajahmundry Airports. As per the MOU, AAI will develop these airports subject to acquiring and handing over of the required additional land by the State Government to AAI, free of cost and free from all encumbrances alongwith other concessions.
MOU does not cover Tirupati Airport.
(c) & (d): Subsequent to the signing of MOU, the requirement of additional land is being projected to State Government of Andhra Pradesh in respect of Vijayawada and Rajahmundary Airports following which the expansion plans will be firmed up and estimates will be finalised for taking up the works.