AP govt, AAI in pact for expanding airports

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh government has signed an MoU with the Airports Authority of India for expanding Vijayawada and Rajahmunry airports. While the government is planning to invest over Rs 70 crore for developing Vijayawada airport, Rajahmundry will receive about Rs 53 crore for renovation, according to a state government release.

Spread over 536 acres, the airport in Vijyawada has facilities for night landing and refueling. As per the new agreement, the government is planning to build a new terminal building for handling 300 passengers at an investment of Rs 30 crore. "We are also investing Rs 33 crore for strengthening and extending runway to 7,500 feet initially for A320/321 type aircraft. Eventually, the runway will be made suitable for the operations of wide-bodied aircraft," the release said.

A Doppler very high frequency omni range (DVOR) will also be installed at the airport at an investment of Rs 2 crore besides the Rs 5-crore upgradation planned for constructing a modern fire station.

The government is planning to invest Rs 3 crore at the Rajahmundry airport for introducing night landing facility. "The airport has an area of 365.5 acres. We are also planning to construct a new terminal at a cost of Rs 18 crore and the work will start next financial year," the release said. Plans are also being finalized for runway extension and land expansion at an estimated investment of Rs 30 crore.