The Inter-Ministerial Group for modernising Delhi and Mumbai airports would shortlist the preferred bidders for the airport revamp joint ventures within the next few days, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said on Wednesday.

The shortlisted bidders would then be invited for technical and financial bids and a final recommendation would be forwarded to the empowered group of ministers, Patel told newspersons at the sidelines of Confederation of Indian Industry's marketing summit on 'Challenging the Value of Marketing'.

Ten consortia, including Reliance, Videocon and DLF, had expressed interest to bid for the 74 per cent stake in the JVs, in which the Airports Authority of India will hold a 26 per cent stake.

The IMG is evaluating the expressions of interest and would take a decision within the next few days, he said.

Final partners for the two JV companies will be selected by the year-end.

The minister said a new policy, allowing domestic air carriers to fly to ASEAN countries, is in the offing.

Private domestic airlines are currently allowed to operate to SAARC countries and the ministry is preparing a policy paper to allow them mount services to ASEAN as well.

The ministry has already asked the ASEAN members to accord multiple designated carrier status to India, which will help airlines like Jet and Sahara to start services to these destinations.

About the revamp of Chennai airport, Patel said Communication Minister Dayanidhi Maran had met him for the upgradation of the airport.

"After Delhi and Mumbai airports, Chennai airport is very important. We are evaluating various options for revamping it. We will see whether to follow the Delhi and Mumbai airports model or adopt a new strategy," he said.