http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1540178.cms
Greenfield airport plans taxi in TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2006 12:35:52 AM] NEW DELHI: Kolkata may have a greenfield airport with up to 100% foreign investment, instead of modernising the existing airport under joint venture (JV) route. It is understood that West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are keen to have world-class airports in Kolkata and Chennai at the earliest and they would soon initiate the process of finalising the two projects with the Centre. "West Bengal has indicated its desire to have a new world class international airport. Technically, 100% FDI is allowed in greenfield airport projects. Now, it is up to the West Bengal government to take a final decision," a senior government official said. The Centre has made it clear that it would not invest any money in the development of greenfield airports in metros. "The Centre will invest in only those new airport projects which are not attractive enough for private parties, for example North East and Sikkim," he said. In these circumstances, depending on the state government's decision, foreign investors may have up to 100% equity stake for the development of greenfield airports in metros. Sources in Civil Aviation Ministry said that development of airports in Kolkata and Chennai would depend on the state support guarantee by the respective government. "Before finalising on issues like FDI, states are expected to ensure infrastructural facilities such as land, roads and water connectivity, electricity supply etc," he said. Earlier, speaking at a Conference on Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Infrastructure, Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said that the policy is very clear on greenfield airport developments. **"Existing airports (owned by Airports Authority of India) are valuable assets and the issue of their modernisation would be tackled on case-to-case basis," he said. ** The government restricted FDI limit up to 49% in the modernisation of Mumbai and Delhi airports, even as 74% FDI is allowed in restructuring and modernisation of existing airports. -------------------- Then why was Dabolim written off in 2000 when and if a greenfield airport was built in Goa? This silly resolution must be revoked forthwith and Mopa should be re-designed to function in tandem with Dabolim for the long haul. _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list ([email protected])
