Mangalore Airport to be Expanded.

The state government has plans for the expansion of Mangalore International Airport, including a new terminal and extension of the runway by one kilometre, the Legislative Council was informed recently.

Replying to Congress member Ivan D'Souza, Minister for Information and Infrastructure, Roshan Baig, said the government has already earmarked Rs. 33.99 crore to acquire around 396.67 acres for the expansion.

'The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will take up the expansion works once the land is handed over,'| Baig said.

Stating that the directors of Mangalore International Airport and the AAI have submitted an initial technical feasibility report on the proposal, Baig said the expansion is expected to cost over Rs. 1,120 crore.

The report, however, does not mention the financial viability and the cost-sharing pattern, the Minister noted.

Baig said the expansion works involve filling up of a valley and acquisition of three hills around the existing airport.

While the existing concrete runway is 2,450 metre-long, the length of the old tar runway is 1,468 metre.

'Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed to look into the feasibility of taking up the project on PPP mode,' Baig said.

Referring to D’Souza’s concern about a direct flight from Mangalore to Kuwait being stopped, Baig said, 'It was stopped due to the load factor. We will speak to Union Civil Aviation minister G M Siddeshwara and request to resume the flight service'.


THE HINDU