Three greenfield airports get 'in principle' approval

The Civil Aviation Ministry has recommended 'in principle' approval to three new greenfield projects in the state of Andhra Pradesh.The committee recommended Bhogapuram, Dagadarthi (Nellore) and Orvakallu (Kurnool) and also 'site clearance' to the project of Kothagudem in Telangana.

According to the ministry, the Steering Committee on Greenfield Airports, headed by Civil Aviation Secretary R.N. Choubey, met here on Monday and considered the proposals for four new airport projects.

The ministry said that the new international airport at Bhogapuram will be developed by the state government under PPP (Public Private Partnership) mode at an estimated cost of Rs 2,200 crore to cater to 6.3 million passengers per annum (mppa) in the initial phase and other two airports in Andhra Pradesh will be developed as domestic no-frills airports with an estimated cost of Rs 88 crore each.

Telangana is getting a second greenfield airport besides Hyderabad international airport.

"These clearances are expected to enhance the aviation infrastructure facilities in newly created states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and will also boost the regional connectivity scheme announced recently by the Government of India."