The CM wants the international airport in Nuzvid near Vijayawada
Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu And Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu
Hyderabad:Difference of opinion has cropped up between the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union urban development minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on the issue of having an international airport in the new capital of the state.
The CM wants the international airport in Nuzvid near Vijayawada on 2,000 acres. But Mr Venkaiah Naidu suggested developing the existing Gannavaram Airport near Vijayawada instead of having a new one. The CM was firm about the airport in Nuzvid on a ‘Build, Operate and Transfer’ basis. But the Union minister told him that it is very difficult to construct a new international airport on a BOT basis.
He said no private firm will come forward to build the airport in Nuzvid on BOT basis. He quoted the example of Shamshabad international airport in Hyderabad. Shamshabad, constructed by GMR is suffering losses. If Hyderabad airport is loss-making, how will it be feasible in Nuzvid, where air passengers are fewer,” he asked.
Mr Venkaiah Naidu suggested instead of having a new international airport it will be better to develop the existing Gannavaram Airport. He said by acquiring about 600 acres, the Gannavaram Airport can be expanded. According to sources he told this to some TD MLAs of Krishna district and asked them to convince the CM.
A Telugu Desam MLA said that the CM is firm on having the new airport in Nuziveedu. He said 600 acres of land will be easily available at Gannavaram Airport and it can be developed according to international standards.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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