The Hindu Business Line : Cabinet to consider Delhi, Mumbai airports upgrade

THE Union Cabinet, which is to meet here on Thursday (September 11), is scheduled to take up the issue of modernising and bringing to international standards the two metro airports in Delhi and Mumbai.

The Government has already expressed its intention to modernise the two airports and develop them into world-class entities. In an effort to expedite the process, the Parliament recently passed the Airports Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2003 which for the first time clearly defines a private sector airport. Besides, the Bill also gives powers to the Government to remove encroachments at the airports.

While key facilities such as security and air traffic control (ATC) are to remain with the Government, the private sector partner is likely to be allowed to make use of the runway, buildings and land around the airports.

For several years now, the Government has been looking at restructuring and modernising the airports in the country so as to make them world-class entities. However, it was only during the presentation of the Budget that the Union Finance Minister, Mr Jaswant Singh, clearly indicated the Government's resolve to modernise Delhi and Mumbai airports. Two separate companies will be formed with initial equity participation from AAI to facilitate modernising the two airports.

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