'Aviation to attract Rs 2 trillion in 5 years'

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has said that up to Rs 2 lakh crore investment is expected in the country's civil aviation sector in the next five years, higher than any other sector.

Speaking after laying the foundation of a new integrated terminal, control tower and fire station, to be built at Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) at the Aurangabad, he said India has placed world's biggest order for Boeing and Airbus planes in 2005.

"The growth rate of civil aviation is 50 per cent, the world's highest. If a plane is bought, it provides job to 10,000

people," he said.

Patel said decentralisation was necessary as the airports in metros had insufficient plane 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 this city's airport began on Wednesday and Rs 100 crore will be spent for this purpose," the minister said.

"New airports will be started in Mumbai and Pune to avoid traffic problems. Also, cargo and customs facilities will be made available soon at Aurangabad airport," he said.