Land is required for second runway, says AAI chairman

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has sought an additional 864 hectare land from the state government for expansion of Surat airport. This was disclosed on Friday by VP Agrawal, the chairman of AAI, in Surat.

"We are committed to development of Surat airport as a world-class airport and have sought 864 hectare land from state government. This land will be required when a second runway is needed at the airport to cater to increased traffic and other future developments," Agrawal said.

Agrawal was speaking during the inauguration of the new terminal building at Surat airport. In the absence of civil aviation minister Praful Patel, who had to cancel his visit due to unavoidable circumstances, the building was inaugurated by union minister of state for petroleum Dinsha Patel.

"We have prepared a Master Plan for the whole area. We will use the allotted land as and when required, and protect the rest for future requirements," the AAI chairman said.

The AAI is investing Rs110 crore for development of Surat airport. This includes extension, strengthening and widening of the runway, construction of terminal building, air traffic control tower, hangars, parking areas, night landing facility, instrumentation landing system, among others.

While welcoming development of Surat airport, Tushar Chaudhary, Congress MP from Mandvi seat, demanded better connectivity for the city.

"The afternoon timing of Surat-Delhi-Surat flight is not convenient for passengers. The flight to Delhi should be in the morning and the return flight in the evening. Flight connectivity with Bhavnagar for the people from Saurashtra, settled in Surat, and flights to Kolkata and Amritsar for the textile fraternity should also be launched at the earliest," Chaudhary said.

During his address, Surat MP Kashiram Rana criticised the operation of the sole flight from Surat saying it was regularly irregular, and demanded better connectivity for Surat.

"The Delhi flight alone is not enough for Surat. It requires air connectivity with all major cities, and international flights in five years from now. This is a must to ensure Surat's continued growth," Rana said.

The local MP also rubbished the notion that there is lack of air traffic from the city and the flight operations are not commercially viable, saying that any airline which runs flights from Surat will get adequate business. BJP leader further said that the process for allotting 650 hectare land to AAI has been initiated by state government, and praised chief minister Narendra Modi for quick allotment of land to AAI in the past.

Union minister Patel said on the occasion that lot of development has taken place under UPA government, and air travel has become affordable for everyone. He assured that demands for better air connectivity for Surat will be fulfilled.

Patel announced that work on the Rs600 crore Dandi Yatra route, which is being developed as a heritage route, will kick-off on March 2. He also assured steps to address the gas supply concerns of industries in south Gujarat.

DNA Correspondent/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication