Airports to be modernised, says Patel

Shimla, Mar 28 (UNI) Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel today said modern devices that facilitate landing of planes during the night will be installed in all airports in the country being managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

''Besides modernising the airports in a phased manner, the expansion of Kullu Airport runway will also be undertaken during the year,'' he said after lighting a lamp along with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh during the inauguration of the Gaggal Airport in Kangra district of the state.

Mr Patel said Kangra Airport would be modernised during the next three to four months and would boost tourism in the entire state.

The aviation industry has registered an increase of 46 per cent in its revenue after exploring new destinations within the country, he said.

He said according to the new aviation policy being drafted, flights would also be made available to small towns, increasing air connectivity within the country.

Air travel was no more a privilege of the select few and people from all sections of the society were now traveling by air to various parts of the country, he said.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the Centre had provided a sum of Rs 53 crore to Himachal for the construction of Kangra and Shimla airports and technical survey for another in Sundernagar area of Mandi district.

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