Mangalore, Aug 5, 2014, DHNS :
Civil Aviation minister suggests PPP model
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation G M Siddeshwar has impressed upon Karnataka Minister Roshan Baig and Mangalore South MLA J R Lobo that the overall development work envisaged at Mangalore International Airport (MIA) would require more than Rs 1,100 crore and hence go for PPP model.
The minister conveyed this when the State minister and MLA called on him in New Delhi on Tuesday. Baig said that if Centre comes with a proper plan to this effect, the same can be included in the forthcoming Global Investor Meet.
Resume Kuwait flight
The Karnataka delegation also urged the Minister to restart the suspended flights from Mangalore to Kuwait directly. The direct flights between Mangalore and Kuwait remain suspended since the last six months.
Chairman and Managing Director of Air India Rohit Nandan who was also present in the meeting promised that action will be initiated to redress the long pending grievances of NRIs residing in Kuwait.
Besides, the delegation convinced the minister on the need to extend Mangalore runway by another 285 metre.
Lobo said that Mangalore International Airport, being the second largest Airport in Karnataka, if it is not developed to its full potential, it will loss passengers and cargo exports to Kannur in neighbouring Kerala, where an International Airport is fast coming up.
The non-extension of the runway will restrict the landing of wide bodied aircraft which will hinder the cargo exports and further losing the international status, he said.
Courtesy: Deccan Herald