Aviation to attract Rs 2 trillion in 5 yrs: Patel

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said that up to Rs 2 lakh crore is expected to be invested in the civil aviation sector in the next five years.

Speaking after laying the foundation of a new integrated terminal, control tower and fire station to be built at the airport here yesterday, Patel said India has placed the world's biggest order for Boeing and Airbus planes in 2005.

"The growth rate of civil aviation is 50%. If a plane is bought, it provides jobs to 10,000 people," he said.

Patel said decentralisation was necessary as the airports in metros had insufficient parking space. He said a plan was made three months back to develop airports of the country's 35 non-metro cities including the one in Aurangabad. "Development of the city's airport began today, and Rs 100 crore will be spent for the purpose," the minister said.