Defence Ministry to decide fate of ‘modern’ city airport

The Airport Authority of India (AAI),on behalf of the Chandigarh Airport,had requested the UT Administration to transfer a total of 5.1 acres of Army and Air force land for the expansion of the tarmac area,cargo terminal operations and extension of the connecting road to the airport.

Officials of the UT Administration now blame the delayon part of the defence authorities. “The proposal is still pending with the Ministry of Defence. The Administration has received no communication from the authorities,” said Finance Secretary Sanjay Kumar,who is dealing with the case.

According to airport officials,nearly an acre of land has been requested from the

Air Force for the expansion of the parking area. In lieu of these 5.1 acres,land has been offered in Hallomajra,Chandigarh.

The modern airport boasting of latest facilities is likely to be declared open to the public by August this year.

“Even after pushing the matter hard for months,there has been no response from the defence authorities as yet. Operations at the airport will be affected if the land is not transferred for the expansion process.

Even if it is approved immediately,the modernisation process will be delayed as tender notices and other formalities will have to be initiated from the scratch,” said Airport Director Sunil Dutt.

While the Army and Air Force has declined claims of any dispute,UT Administration officials revealed the issue has been hanging fire due to certain objections of the Army to the land being given in lieu of the desired area.