30 new airports to come up in 15 mths, country's 100th coming up in Sikkim

AAI to develop airports jointly with state govts under UDAN scheme at a cost of up to Rs 800 mn each, 31 helipads also on cards

As many as 30 new airports are likely to come up in the country in next 15 months as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the country's 100th airport at Pakyong Airport in Sikkim later this month. 

"The new airports will be in addition to 100 airports already operational. Airports Authority of India (AAI) will develop the airports jointly with the state governments under UDAN scheme. The investment at each airport will come around Rs 300 million to Rs 800 million," said AK Pathak, member (planning), AAI. 

In addition, about 31 new helipads will be developed as the