Govt. approves Kolkata airport modernisation plan
New Delhi, April 18 (PTI): The first phase of modernisation of Kolkata airport will be completed in three years, with the Government today giving formal approval to Airports Authority of India to start work on the Rs 1,542 crore project.

On completion of the first phase by 2009-10, the airport would have a new terminal, another runway and sophisticated communication and navigation system (CNS). The revamped airport would be able to handle 20 million passengers compared with five million now.

"The Infrastructure Committee, headed by the Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh), today gave its formal approval to the modernisation plan of Kolkata airport. Work will start in the next few months," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told reporters after the Committee meeting here.

"Now, we will move the Public Investment Board to get clearance and then start work," he said.

On modernisation of Chennai airport, Patel said the state government has been given a month's time to clarify its position on the land allotted for expansion of the airport.

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