"We are exploring the possibility of using the greenfield airport at Durgapur for general aviation purpose and we will go ahead with this move if it is commercially viable", a senior official of BAPL told Business Standard.
BAPL's move to use its upcoming greenfield airport for general aviation comes close on the heels of the Centre's plan to come out with a policy for setting up greenfield airports for general aviation within three to four months.
When asked about the plans to set up an MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility, the official said, "BAPL certainly has plans to go for an MRO facility but at present we are not negotiating with any player. The MRO facility will be set up in accordance with the technical inputs given by Changi Airports International and it is likely to come up in the second phase of the aerotropolis project."
BAPL has already entered into a technical services agreement with the Singapore-based Changi Airports International (CAI) according to which CAI would review the master plan of the proposed greenfield airport and also supervise the execution of the project.
The Durgapur aerotropolis which is to be developed on an area of 2,300 acres involves an investment of Rs 10,000 crore out of which Rs 500 crore would be invested on the airport alone.
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The airport would be commissioned 30 months after taking possession of land from the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC).
BAPL has already entered into a joint venture development agreement with WBIDC for the project and WBIDC, which has 10 per cent stake in the project, will acquire the land and hand it over to BAPL.
BAPL is promoted by Pragati Social Infrastructure & Development Limited, Land Lease Company (India) Limited, Citystar Infrastructure Limited and Pragati 47 Development Limited.