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Our Bureau

New Delhi , March 21

THE empowered Group of Ministers (e-GoM) has given its "in-principle" approval for the Request for Proposal (RFP) for restructuring the Delhi and Mumbai airports, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Praful Patel, said here on Monday.

"Overall, the e-GoM has completed its work. The minutes have been signed by the e-GoM. Now the RFP has to be whetted by the Ministries concerned," the Minister added. The e-GoM includes the Ministers for Defence and Finance apart from Mr Patel.

Asked about the reported differences between various Ministries on some critical issues, the Minister said that there are bound to be many views in any Government. He, however, added that the process is still on track and the restructuring process would be completed as planned.

The RFP will be given to the nine successful short-listed bidders who willsubmit their bids for restructuring the airports. The bidders short-listed include Reliance, DLF, GMR group and Bharti. The Minister said that the successful bidder would be given the airport for a period of 30 years, which could be extended for another 30 years.

Initially, the Government would look at capping 10-15 per cent of any increase in airport charges that the new investor may propose, Mr Patel said. "Such a rise will ensure that the charges do not go out of control. Besides, we will also have in place a regulator for the sector," Mr Patel said.

While the long-awaited civil policy is being circulated among the various Ministries for their comments, a note is being prepared for the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs to take a view on the 43-aircraft fleet acquisition plan of Indian Airlines.

The Government is considering the construction of multi-layered parking facilities at the airports, Mr Patel said.

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In-principle nod to restructure metro airports: Patel

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