(a) whether the construction work at Cooch Behar airport has been completed;
(b) if so, the time by which it is likely to be made operational for the public;
(c) whether inordinate delay in completion of the work caused loss to the exchequer;and
(d) if so, the details of the persons / agencies held responsible for the delay?
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) Yes, Madam. The work of upgradation of Cooch Behar Airport in West Bengal was completed in June 2009.
(b) This airport is already an operational airport for ATR-72 type of aircraft. At present, no scheduled
operations take place from this airport. However, occasional flights by non-scheduled operators take place.
(c) Though, there was delay in completion of the upgradation work at this airport, the completion cost
of the project was within the sanctioned amount, and no loss was caused to the exchequer.
(d) The Agency namely Tantia Construction Ltd., involved in the delay has been penalized by Airports
Authority of India (AAI).