Government panel clears three new airports in Andhra Pradesh

NEW DELHI: A government panel today gave its 'in principle' approval for three new airports in Andhra Pradesh that are estimated to cost Rs 2,376 crore.

Besides, the Steering Committee on Greenfield Airports has given site clearance for the proposed aerodrome at Kothagudem in Telengana.

'In principle' nod has been granted for airport projects at Bhogapuram and Dagadarthi, both in Nellore district, and Orvakallu in Kurnool district, an official release said today.

The international airport at Bhogapuram would be developed by the Andhra Pradesh government under Public Private Partnership (PPP) at an estimated cost of Rs 2,200 crore to cater to 6.3 million passengers per annum (mppa) in the initial phase, it said.

The other two would be developed as domestic no-frills airports with an estimated cost of Rs 88 crore each. While Dagadarthi would be developed under PPP mode, Orvakallu would be taken by the state government itself.

Together, these airports would cost Rs 2,376 crore.

The committee, headed by Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey, has recommended 'site clearance' for the greenfield airport project at Kothagudem.

With this project, Telangana would be getting a second greenfield airport after Hyderabad international airport.

"These clearances are expected to enhance the aviation infrastructure facilities in the newly created states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and will also boost the regional connectivity scheme," the release said.

To boost air connectivity, the government has announced regional connectivity scheme under the new civil aviation policy. The scheme would provide various incentives to airlines and airports while the fare would be capped at Rs 2,500 for one-hour flights.