THE STATE Government has decided to hand over 134 acres of land free of cost to Airport Authority of India (AAI) for expansion of City’s Ahilyabai Holkar Airport on the condition that it would give commitment to implement the project within
a fixed timeframe and submit work plan to this effect.
Giving its word, AAI said it would complete the airport expansion within two years. It is expected to submit the work plan in 15 days.
State Chief Secretary Rakesh Sahni issued directives for allotting the land free at a meeting held in Bhopal recently. District Collector Vivek Aggarwal, Indore Airport Director R K Singh and AAI planning member V P Agrawal were present at the meeting.
The district administration has acquired land from 125 farmers of Sinhasa, Nainod and Kodia Bardi village situated near the airport. Administration has to give Rs 4.70 crore as compensation to the farmers of which more than 80 per cent has already been given.
AAI needs additional land to develop facilities to make it an international airport. If AAI keeps it word, the State’s first international airport will come up in Indore.
Talking to Hindustan Times earlier, Singh has said that the project was expected to be completed within 15 months from the day land is handed over to AAI. He said that international air cargo facilities would commence tentatively by January 24.
Talking to Hindustan Times earlier, Singh has said that the project was expected to be completed within 15 months from the day land is handed over to AAI. He said that international air cargo facilities would commence tentatively by January 24.