The Airport Authority of India has mega plans to revamp and set up world class airports in the country for which it will be pumping in around Rs 45,000 crore (Rs 450 billion) in next seven years.
"AAI will invest around Rs 45,000 crore in next five to seven years for the development of the airports. At the same time Indian Airlines and Air India, will jointly be investing Rs 43000 crore (Rs 430 billion) in purchase of new aircrafts," said Praful Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister at the inauguration of the new domestic departure terminal at SVP International Airport.
"Civil aviation no road map 'atal' che", said Patel informing how the road map for the integrated development of the civil aviation is set to make the national airports into international ones.
The ministry has identified 35 non-metro airports that will be upgraded, the project will be rolled out by 2006- 2007 and completed by 2009.
Patel had no qualms accepting as to how the aviation sector has realized its potential and now is also facing acute manpower shortage, specially pilots and technicians.
"Civil aviation will be the sector attracting highest investment and generating highest employment opportunities in next five-ten years," said Patel.
Ahmedabad, at present, is among the top five airports in frequency and the ministry now is now focussing on the key cities but also on newer connections.
There are also not enough aircraft's with the country, when in India there are around 200 aircraft's, US boasts of 7500 aircraft's.
The government further also does not intend to interfere in deciding the airfares and let the demand and supply rule the same. The ministry is focussing on integrated development of airports, making travelling by air within the country much more convenient and easier. Integrating the country with rest of the world through air may also boost tourism in the country, expressed Patel.
For Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad, Patel said the runway of the airport will be widened up to accommodate 12 to 14 aircrafts at a time. With expansion of airport would also help accommodate more passengers said Patel.
He anticipated passenger flow at the SP airport to go up to 2 million per annum in next four to five years.