Rs 6,000 cr for 5 new airports

However, government yet to take a decision on the funding and operation of the airports.

The government is considering a proposal to build five greenfield airports in the country. The airports, which will require an investment of over Rs 6,000 crore, are expected to come up in Goa, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Kanpur and Nagpur. The proposed airport in Nagpur is expected to be developed as an international aviation hub.

However, the government is yet to take a decision on the funding and operation of the airports. It is of the view that setting up greenfield airports will give it the flexibility of allowing private and foreign participation, on the lines of the Bangalore and Hyderabad airports. These two airports are being built by private companies in tie-ups with foreign firms.

"We have identified areas that have potential for airports. Subsequent to this, we will have to look at the feasibility of these locations to determine the size of the airports and other parameters," said a civil aviation ministry official. Officials said the government would soon start feasibility studies at these locations. This also forms a part of the government's strategy to improve the aviation infrastructure in the country.

The Nagpur airport, according to the initial model mooted by the civil aviation ministry, will be developed as a hub for Indian carriers, where they will be able to fly in for onward connections across the country.

For the Nagpur project, the government also plans to set up Maharashtra Airport Development Company, under the chairmanship of Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, City and Industrial Development Corporation, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, Airports Authority of India and some financial institutions will pick up equity in the company.