Aviation infra policy likely March-end: Praful Patel

The government is likely to announce its aviation infrastructure policy by the end of March, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said today.

The policy, which aims to expedite private investment in the aviation sector, is being given final touches by a group comprising Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the civil aviation minister.

"The new policy for investment in the aviation infrastructure is likely to be announced by the end of March. Once the policy comes, it will make the process of licensing and approval much more easier," Patel told media persons during the signing of an agreement between Changi Airports International and Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd for setting up India's first Aerotropolis project at Andal in West Bengal.

The civil aviation minister said a steering committee would be set up under the guidelines of the policy comprising representatives of home, defence and other ministries for "single window clearance" of projects.

"The civil aviation ministry will act as the nodal agency, while the steering committee will act as a sort of a single-window clearance for approving investments in airports and related infrastructure," Patel said.

On modernisation of Kolkata airport, Patel said he has Tuesday cleared a file for floating a tender inviting bids for the Kolkata airport project. In a month, the aviation ministry will draw up a list of airports to be revived.

"There are about 45 airports which are not being used. A list of airports that can be revived with private participation would be drawn up in a month," Patel said.