Waiting in wings

The principal objective, sources say, is to boost non-aeronautical revenue generated by these airports. At present, over half the revenue from Indian airports comes from aviation-related charges that are collected from airlines and passengers. In better developed airports across the world, the majority income comes from commercial complexes, malls, food and entertainment outlets located in the airport area.

With increasing number of airlines keen on operating to non-metro destinations such as Amritsar, Lucknow and Goa, officials feel there is a need to give an international flavour to such airports.

The first step will be to appoint a reputed financial advisor to carry out a survey of all these sites and submit detailed feasibility reports for further action. The AAI has also suggested simultaneous appointment of a global technical advisor to follow up the financial exercise with a study of issues like design and architecture.

Civil Aviation Secretary Ajay Prasad is overseeing the task through a committee comprising senior Ministry and AAI officials. Discussions are also under way with the Planning Commission.

While the project estimate is yet to be prepared, sources said a large amount of funds would be needed over and above what AAI can spare. This could be close to another Rs 2,500 crore.

One of the options, official sources say, is to borrow from the market. However, this may not be enough and indications are that the AAI may end up issuing government bonds to raise the balance amount.

A lot of hope is being pinned on the Infrastructure Development Fund promised in the Budget by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.

AIRPORTS SHORTLISTED
• Ahmedabad • Lucknow • Guwahati • Mangalore • Port Blair • Agati • Madurai • Jaipur • Amritsar • Goa • Bhopal