The Andhra Pradesh Government today stated that it would come up with a policy for development of regional greenfield airports in the State by June.
Answering questions in the Assembly, Mr Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Airports and Natural Gas, said that the State Government was keen to develop infrastructure in the State.
Replying to a query raised by Telugu Desam members, Mr Tummala Nageswara Rao and others, the Minister, who was recently inducted into the State Cabinet, said at the request of the State Government and after evaluation by the Airports Authority of India, Kurnool, Nellore, Tadepalligudem, Ongole, Nizamabad and Ramagundam were assessed as feasible for regional airports by the Airports Authority of India.
He further mentioned that there were some objections raised by the Union Defence Ministry with regard to sites at Nizamabad and Ramgundam.
The TDP member felt that there was a need to facilitate connectivity between regional airports and international airports in the country.
Responding to this, the Minister stated that the policy would deal with single window clearance, connectivity-both rail and road, incentives for development and issues relating to land allocation for the new projects.
Since the aviation sector has been passing through a recessionary phase, these proposals for new regional airports need to be revaluated, he said.
Denying that there was negligence, the Minister said the Vizag airport now handles 40 flights per day and international operations are likely to start there by March 25. The Rs 40-crore terminal building at Rajahmundry is ready for commissioning and 465 acres allocated for expansion of Vijayawada airport. The Tirupati airport is also being expanded.