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K.V. Kurmanath

Hyderabad, Jan. 24With the launch date of the Rs 2,478-crore Rajiv Gandhi International Airport fast approaching, the joint action forum of employees of Begumpet Airport has decided to build political and public opinion against its closing down.

Though the Airports Authority of India (AAI) remains mute on the issue of closure, the employees have decided to organise a convention on January 29 here, inviting leaders of the Congress, Telugu Desam Party, CPI (M), CPI, MIM, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the BJP.

“We will seek their support to block the move to close down the airport. We will also invite representatives of all unions representing various public sector undertakings in the city,” Mr S.R. Santhanam, President of Airports Authority Employees’ Union (AAEU), told Business Line.

The concession agreement between the developer and the Union Government mandates the closure of the current airport and shifting all aircraft movements to the greenfield airport coming up at Shamshabad.

The new airport is scheduled to commence commercial operations on March 16. According to the agreement, the present airport should stop operations from zero hours that day.

The concession agreement, however, allows for continuation of the airport for defence and VIP aircraft movements. A few weeks ago, the AAEU had written to all the Parliament members representing the State, explaining to them the disadvantages of shutting down the airport. Reiterating his stand, Mr Santhanam said the joint forum would also invite intellectuals, retired judges and advocates to the January 29 convention.

“Why should the airport that is very convenient to the public be closed down to benefit a private airport,” he wondered.

On suggestions that the current airport could be converted into shopping malls, he said it was not proper to treat national assets as just real-estate assets.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Andhra Pradesh | Airlines

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