Patel seeks global role in aviation infrastructure

Paris, June 5 (UNI) Civil aviation minister Praful Patel today called for more international participation for improving aviation-related infrastructure in India.

"This is one area which has been ignored in the past. But now, we would like to see more participation in aircraft engineering, maintenance and ground handling," he told about 900 delegates who gathered here for the World Air Transport Summit (WATS).

Mr Patel said the government is committed to improve aviation infrastructure in the country. The work for modernising Delhi and Mumbai airports has already been awarded to private consortia.

In Bangalore and Hyderabad, work on greenfield airports has begun, said the minister. Besides, 35 non-metro airports are being upgraded to provide for more regional connectivity.

"Our policies are on a firm footing. We want to integrate India with rest of the world with best international practices," said Mr Patel.

India is a vast country and rightfully deserves to have its airports used as hubs for the region, he added.

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