>From rediff.com dated Dec 7, 2004: Govt to revamp aviation sector
BS corporate bureau in New Delhi | December 07, 2004 11:26 IST .. .... .... .. .... .... The government is also considering a proposal to build five green-field airports in the country. The proposed airports are expected to come up in Goa, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Kannur and the multi-modal international aviation hub in Nagpur. The government will soon start feasibility studies in these locations. This also forms a part of the government's strategy to improve the aviation infrastructure in the country. He also said that the government expects the modernisation of the major metro airports to be completed by 2007-08. The Airports Authority of India will be raising funds from the market using various instruments including bonds finance the modernisation plan. ---------------- Note that in place of Bangalore and Hyderabad, the greenfield sites for airports mentioned in this report include one in Navi Mumbai and one in Kerala (Kannur). Thus Maharashtra is coming in for heavy airport investment. Mumbai is up for privatisation (along with Delhi) and three greenfield airports seem to be on the drawing boards viz Pune, Nagpur and Navi Mumbai. Many (myopically, in my view) believe that Mopa (Goa) will mainly benefit (new) Mahrashtra beach resorts. So that would make it four Maharashtra-centric airports (besides the upgradation of Mumbai airport itself). Kannur airport would mean that Kerala would have four international airports too. Bangalore and Hyderabad are apparently already on their way and have passed from the "greenfield airport" category to the "in-process" one! Meanwhile, Goa netas doze like the proverbial hare in airport matters! :(