Small destinations in the country will have air
connectivity with a network of more than 100 airports planned to meet
the expected passenger load capacity of 30 crore by 2020, Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh on Saturday said.
The first such
airport will come up in Kishangarh town in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district,
he said after laying the foundation stone for the development of the
airport which is scheduled to get operational by 2016.
“An
ambitious scheme to develop a network of 100 smaller airports in the
country is being implemented.Focus earlier was on developing airports in
metro cities and now more than 100 airports will be set up in small
towns and cities,” Dr. Singh said.
“This will enhance
air connectivity in the country. Kishangarh airport will be the first
project under this scheme,” he said, adding that it will also meet
requirement of increasing passenger load which is expected to be around
30 crores by 2020.
The prime minister said the
Kishangarh airport, to be set up at an estimated cost of 161 crore in
first phase, will accelerate economic activities and growth in the area.
“Ajmer
is a noted tourist destination having famous dargah of Sufi saint
Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti and Brahma temple in Pushkar town. Besides, the
region is known for industries including that of marble and the new
project of airport will push economic growth,” he said.
Dr. Singh said that passenger load has increased significantly and the trend would continue.
“The
number of air passengers was 16 crore last year and it is estimated to
be increased by 30 crore by the end of 2020.We will have to put more
efforts to meet the requirement and both the government and private
sectors need to make heavy investment for this,” he said.
Speaking
on the occasion, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh highlighted the
importance of air connectivity in smaller destinations and said that his
ministry was now working in this direction.
“There
are small airports in several cities but lack services. We now plan to
start services at such airports in order to enhance connectivity,” the
Minister said.
Kishangarh town, famous for marble industry, is located on NH-8 near Ajmer city.
The civil airport, to be set by AAI, in the town will have 2000 meter long runway and a capacity to handle 150 passengers.
Terminal
building has been planned on modular concept with modern facilities.
There will be 6 check-in counters, one security check unit and parking
capacity for 125 cars.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Union MoS for Corporate affairs Sachin Pilot were among others present on the occasion.
Source : The Hindu
Source : The Hindu
