Tourists travelling on flights to India could well be surprised by the level of modernisation of the country’s airports in the next decade as Indian government has plans to invest $30 billion in the airport sector.
Passengers taking flights to India in future might be able to enjoy much better facilities and services at Indian airports.
Government of Indian is planning to invest big in the airport sector in the coming years. Reports floating in media indicate that the Indian government will pump in $30 billion in next 10 years with several existing airports being opened up for refurbishment.
A top official says that the Indian government is buoyed by the success of implementation of public private partnership (PPP) model in airport development and has been motivated to go ahead with this investment plan.
Civil Aviation Secretary SNA Zaidi, while addressing the third International Aviation Economics Conference on Tuesday said: “In 10th and 11th five-year plans, the government has invested $10 billion. The airports developed under the public-private-partnership model are at present handling 60 per cent of the passenger traffic in the country.”
“The government has planned to invest $30 billion in next 10 years,” he was further quoted in Indian dailies.
Mr Zaidi also stressed upon the need for more airports in India.
“At present, there are around 127 airports in the country, but in the second phase of sectoral growth, the existing airports would be developed. Some new airports may come and if needed, a second airport would also come up in those cities where there is a need,” he stated.
He also added that Delhi has developed as a hub airport and by next year Mumbai will have a second airport. In the same ay, Kolkata and Chennai airports would also operate as hubs for airlines in their respective regions.
The development of new airports and the renovation of the existing ones is indeed good news for business and holiday travellers. New airports will not only offer newer connections but may also allow passengers to net cheap flights to India, provided they make some smart adjustments in their travel itinerary.