To bring Karnataka in the forefront on the aviation map, the State government has allocated ₹89.29 crore in its annual Plan 2017-18 for development of airport related works under Infrastructure Development Department.

“The money is mainly for upgradation and providing additional infrastructure at Hubbali, Belagavi, Mangaluru, and Bidar airports,” RV Deshpande, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development told BusinessLine .

“The government has extended all necessary support to take up development of airstrips at Chikkamagaluru, Madikeri and Karwar. Land has been already acquired for Chikkamagalur airstrip. Land has been identified for Madikeri and Kumta (North Kanara District) airstrips,” he added.

Under the Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), the State has provided all necessary support for the implementation under two routes – Chennai-Mysuru-Chennai and Hyderabad – Vidyanagara (Ballari) – Hyderabad.

“Operationalisation of both these routes have been achieved with the joint efforts of Karnataka’s Infrastructure Development Department and Union Ministry of Civil Aviation,” said Deshpande. “I hope introduction of these new routes will help in all-round development of the State, particularly industry, tourism, trade and commerce and transportation sectors and also it will benefit the people to fly at affordable prices,” he added.

MoU signed

As pert the MoU signed by the Karnataka government and the Centre, the following support is being provided for the implementation of RCS:

Required land; Contribution of 20 per cent share of VGF to Regional Connectivity Fund for States. VAT to 1 per cent or less on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) at RCS Airports located within the State for a period of 10 years. Security and fire services free of costs at RCS airports;

Electricity, water & other utility services at concessional rates; coordinating with oil companies for provision of infrastructure.

Under the RCS, in the first round of bidding for airline operators, four airports, such as Mysuru, Bidar, Bengaluru, Vidyanagar (Ballari) have been selected.

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