Development work at 33 non-metro airports completed: Economic Survey

New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) The development of 33 non-metro airports for increasing regional connectivity has been completed, India's Economic Survey for 2013-14 said Wednesday.

"Development of 35 non-metro airports which have been identified based on regional connectivity, development of regional hubs has been taken up by the AAI (Airports Authority of India)," said the survey, tabled in parliament by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, a day ahead of the national budget for 2014-15.

"Out of 35 airports, work has been completed at at 33. Development work for Vadodra and Khajuraho airports is in progress," the survey said.

In its bid to enhance air connectivity, India plans to build 200 low-cost airports in the next 20 years to connect tier-II and tier-III cities.

The non-metro airports in India presently account for only about 30 percent of the total air traffic, but this is expected to rise to 45 percent in the next few years.

The government also plans to construct 15 additional airports in the country under the greenfield airport policy, by identifying the most suitable low cost viable model.

AAI plans to invest Rs.1,500 crore in the development of non-metro airports during the 12th Plan.

India is planning to invest over $120 billion in the development of airport infrastructure; improvement in connecting infrastructure; development of world class air navigation services infrastructure and other related activities to improve air connectivity.

India, one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world, currently ranks ninth but is expected to become the third largest after US and China by 2020.