Centre Grants 'In-Principle' Approval for 21 Greenfield Airports, Boosting Connectivity Across India

Government's Push for Enhanced Connectivity through Greenfield Airports

The government of India has taken a significant step towards improving air travel accessibility by granting 'in-principle' approval for 21 new Greenfield Airports.

These airports will be strategically located in various regions of the country, contributing to enhanced connectivity and fostering economic development.

Approved Locations for Greenfield Airports

The 21 approved locations for Greenfield Airports are spread across several states, aiming to bolster air travel infrastructure in these regions.

The selected sites include Mopa in Goa, Navi Mumbai, Shirdi, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Hassan, and Shivamogga in Karnataka, Dabra (Gwalior) in Madhya Pradesh, Kushinagar, and Noida (Jewar) in Uttar Pradesh, Dholera, and Hirasar in Gujarat, Karaikal in Puducherry, Dagadarthi, Bhogapuram, and Orvakal (Kurnool) in Andhra Pradesh, Durgapur in West Bengal, Pakyong in Sikkim, Kannur in Kerala, and Hollongi (Itanagar) in Arunachal Pradesh.

Operational Status of Greenfield Airports

Among the 21 approved Greenfield Airports, 11 have already been made operational, reflecting the government's commitment to expediting infrastructure development.

The operational airports include Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Orvakal (Kurnool), Sindhudurg, Kushinagar, Itanagar, Mopa, and Shivamogga, providing improved air connectivity to these regions.

Progress and Review for Proposed Greenfield Airport

The state government of Tamil Nadu has applied for the first stage clearance, known as 'site-clearance,' to develop a Greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram District.

The proposal is currently under review by key stakeholders, including the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Ministry of Defence (MoD), to gather feedback and recommendations.

The final decision on awarding site clearance will be made by the Steering Committee on Greenfield Airports after considering inputs from all concerned parties.

Implementation Process for Greenfield Airports

The successful implementation of the 21 Greenfield airport projects involves several critical steps. Airport developers, including the state government if they are the project proponents, are responsible for handling funding, land acquisition, and rehabilitation & resettlement efforts.

The construction timelines depend on various factors, such as obtaining necessary clearances, overcoming obstacles, achieving financial closure, and other related aspects, all of which are meticulously managed by the respective airport developers.

Conclusion:

The government's 'in-principle' approval for 21 new Greenfield Airports marks a significant milestone in bolstering air travel infrastructure and connectivity across India.

The operational airports demonstrate the government's dedication to expediting infrastructure development, while the ongoing review process for proposed airports reflects a comprehensive approach to ensure smooth implementation.

These projects hold the promise of fostering economic growth and improving accessibility for air travelers across different regions of the country.