Andhra Pradesh govt seeks Centre's assistance for 'no-frills' airports

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government ha surged the Centre for extending assistance for the proposed 'no-frills' airports at four places in the state.

"Government of India has been requested for extending assistance for the proposed 'no-frills' airports at Kuppam in Chittoor district, Kurnool city, Nellore and Srikakulam as the state is to be declared as Special Category state," Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Y Ramakrishnudu said in his Budget speech in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

The state government is extending support to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for expansion and modernisation of existing airports at Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Tirupati and Kadapa, he said.

In respect of Vijayawada airport, the AAI proposes to undertake construction of a new terminal building and a control tower. The extended runway is in operation, he said.

A greenfield airport is envisaged between Vijayawada and Kakinada, he said.

The Finance Minister said Andhra Pradesh has a long coastline of about 975 kms with one major port at Visakhapatnam and 14 non-major ports.

"The government proposes to develop Machilipatnam port under public-private participation. In addition to the existing non-major ports, the government has decided to develop 14 minor ports under PPP mode which include ports at Bhavanapadu and Calingapatnam," he said.

There is a proposal from the Centre for establishment of a second major port in the state and one more commercial port at Kakinada in private sector, the minister added.