DP World (formerly known as Dubai Ports) is keen on setting up a greenfield airport in West Bengal near Kolkata, which is a long standing demand of the ruling Left Front government.

The global port giant, which operates 19 terminals worldwide, could invest  up to Rs 12,000 crore (Rs 120 billion) in the greenfield airport. The firm of Consulting Engineering Services is now doing the feasibility study of a second airport near Kolkata and is likely to submit its report soon.

It may be noted Dubai Ports took over UK-based port operator P&O Ports last year in a global deal. However, the deal later created furore in United States as P&O operates a few terminals in the US also.

A few US Senators also demanded cancellation of licence of P&O terminals following the change in ownership.

Sources close to the development said that a high level team of DP World, led by the Sultan of Dubai, is likely to visit Kolkata on January 7 to discuss the details about the greenfield airport and Kulpi Port.

The West Bengal government is very interested in the proposal as the Left parties have already made it clear that they are not averse to foreign direct investment in greenfield airports.