Members of a parliamentary committee on Friday sought modernisation of Delhi and Mumbai airports without further delay, even as the civil aviation ministry announced the appointment of a task force, lead arrangers and consultants for the development of 35 non-metro airports in a phased manner at a cost of Rs 5,500 crore (Rs 55 billion).
Participating in a meeting of the consultative committee on civil aviation, chaired by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, the MPs pointed out that the process had been given a go-ahead by Parliament and should thus be given utmost priority, an official spokesperson said.
Regarding the 35 non-metro airports identified by the Airports Authority of India, the members were informed that a Task Force has been constituted under the chairmanship of Member, Planning Commission, for finalisation of the financial model.
The report of the task force is expected this month, the spokesperson said.
CRISIL, which had been appointed for establishing credit rating of AAI, had accorded 'AAA' rating with a stable outlook.
A K Capital Services Limited was appointed as financial advisor-cum-lead arranger to advise AAI on possible debt funding options, timing on reaching the market and structure of the instruments among other issues.
In order to encourage airlines to use airports other than the six busy metro airports, the ministry has slashed by 50 per cent the existing parking charges for all operators at AAI airports from January 1, the spokesperson said.
The MPs expressed concern over issues relating to safety and security, including the use of the instrument landing system during foggy conditions, besides slow pace of infrastructure development and shortage of trained personnel, especially the air traffic controllers.
In a presentation by the AAI, the MPs were informed about the thrust areas of development, including friendly airport terminals, passenger comforts, enhancement of air space and capacity and upgradation of navigation and air traffic management systems.
The presentation also showed that the boom in air traffic was reflected by the 12 per cent surge in aircraft movements, 21.5 per cent increase in passenger traffic and 20 per cent in cargo.
The AAI has drawn up an action plan to meet the urgent needs of Mumbai and Delhi airports, where six and eight additional parking bays have been added. Work is on for 19 more bays in Delhi to be completed by October and 18 more in Mumbai by June.
The AAI also informed the members that the cross-runway operations at Mumbai would be implemented this month and at Delhi by March.
A total of 143 additional bays were being planned or being constructed at 45 airports, the spokesperson quoted the AAI presentation as saying.
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