Surat is all set to get a modern airport in the next 18 months with the Union Finance Minister Jaswant Singh laying the foundation stone for the project on Tuesday.
The airport will be developed in a phased manner at a cost of Rs 70 crore (Rs 700 million). While the first phase of the project has already been completed by the Gujarat government, the Airports Authority of India, which has taken over the airport, will start the phase two with a capital outlay of Rs 35 crore (Rs 350 million).
AAI chairman S K Narula said under a memorandum of understanding signed between the Gujarat government and the AAI, the state would transfer 312 acres of the airport land to the AAI.
The government would also transfer an additional 500 acres acquired around the airport for extending the runway.
Narula and Gujarat industries secretary Amarjeet Singh signed the MoU during the inaugural function of the Gartex Mart and the Jewel Mart in Surat.
Under phase II, work will be undertaken on strengthening and extension of the runway, construction of a terminal building with modern facilities for accommodating 150 passengers at a time and a parking lot.
It is also proposed to construct a fire station and a control tower. The runway will have night landing facilities.
The work will also include installation of modern navigation facilities. Under phase-III, the runway will be extended for operation of B-737 type aircraft.
The existing runway will be extended by another 1,000 feet and broadened from 30 metre to 45 metres with a provision for shoulders on both the sides.
Air traffic services will be enhanced and fire fighting and safety services will be strengthened. Upgradation of the airport to handle large aircraft will be taken up with the participation of the private sector.
At present, the airport is suitable for operation of 50-seater class of aircraft. The present airport building and runways were constructed and maintained by the roads and buildings department of the state government.
Laying the foundation stone, the finance minister underlined the need for a full-fledged seaport at Surat along with the airport. "Surat should have a port as it has a very good natural harbour," he said.
Referring to the outbreak of plague in Surat about ten years back, Singh said Surat had left behind those bitter memories and became synonymous with development, prosperity and cleanliness.
