SGCCI forms action committee to speed up airport construction

Surat, Nov 15 (UNI) The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has formed an action committee whose mandate is to speed up the long pending construction of airport in the diamond city.

The president of SGCCI, Mr Pravin Nanavati rued that inspite of the fact that Surat is the hub of the Country's diamond and textile industry, it still lacks a airport.

''Lack of a proper airport is affecting many upcoming projects like the construction of gems and jewellery park and a textile park,'' vice-president of SGCCI, Mr Arvind Kapadia warned.

Mr Nanavati said the committee will take up the matter with Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and other parliamentarians from Gujarat.

''The Civil Aviation Minister had earlier promised that construction of the airport will be completed by December 31. But the work is now almost stopped and there is no chance for the airport to start functioning by that time'', he lamented.

The action committee members visited the airport premises yesterday and assessed the latest situation. The committee will soon meet the aviation ministry authorities and seek a status report of the airport construction, he added.

UNI MS WD CS BST1328