Building new airports is just one part of the big picture. Probably realising the multiplier effect of the aviation sector on the economy, the Manmohan Singh Government had also decided to modernise the airports in Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

The process began in September last, with the Government inviting pre-qualification bids from private parties. There were high expectations that the process would start by January and names announced before the general elections. But due to differences between the bureaucracy and politicians, the process kept getting deferred.

There were differences over the revenue streams of the airports and over how much of the profit would be shared with the Government. The Civil Aviation Ministry was in favour of the Government getting revenue from both city-side development and the airports. The Planning Commission was for a formula where the revenues from the hotels near the airports would not be shared with the Government.

While the Ministry was keen to give the airports to private players for 30 years after which there would be a review to decide on whether there should be an extension for another 30 years, the Planning Commission was keen that the award be for 60 years.

Finally, on the advice of the Election Commission, the process was put off until after the Lok Sabha polls.

Many in Government feel that one way of moving ahead with the modernisation process would be to follow the method adopted by the Civil Aviation Ministry to push through the modernisation of Delhi and Mumbai airports despite stiff opposition from various quarters, including the Left parties, which were then supporting the UPA.

The Government got the documents ready after holding consultations with the shortlisted bidders. This ensured a quick bidding process. Today, these two airports have world-class facilities.

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