UP speeds up efforts to establish Agra international airport

Lucknow, July 6 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government is expediting efforts for establishing an international airport in the Taj city of Agra.

State tourism minister Kaukab Hameed has directed the concerned officials to make headway in this regard.

Addressing a meeting for conducting a feasibility study regarding construction of the airport, he said the central government would be urged for taking immediate action to this end.

The meeting was informed that the civil aviation department was considering conducting a feasibility study through 'RITES'.

Mr Hameed said at least 1,200 acres of land was needed for an international airport, therefore an appropriate site be identified.

Principal Secretary Tourism Om prakash suggested that two placed be selected and a representative of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) also included in the process.

He suggested that the expenses to be incurred on preparation of a feasibility report regarding constuction of international airport in Agra should be borne out of the revenue received in the form of road tax by the Agra Development Authority (ADA).

The secretary added directives be issued to Agra district administration for acquiring 2,000 acre land for the purpose.

Meanwhile, a feasibility report regarding construction of airport in Kushinagar was already available with the tourism directorate.

The minister directed that a letter be submitted to the Centre in this regard.

Besides, secretary tourism Aradhana Shukla, senior officers of finance, irrigation and tourism department were present at the meeting.

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