Delhi CM meets Patel, assures cooperation for new airport terminal

New Delhi, July 3 (UNI) The Delhi government today assured the civil aviation ministry of all cooperation by civic authorities for speedy construction of a world-class airport terminal here.

Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit accompanied by state urban development minister A K Walia and senior administration officials met civil aviation minister Praful Patel.

Officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Delhi International Airport Pvt Ltd (DIAL), the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and the Delhi Transco Ltd (DTL) were also present.

Delhi civic authorities have promised to moved sewage pipes underground immediately which were obstructing the construction of a second runway. They also assured that all electricity and water pipes underground will be shifted so that the existing Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport can be upgraded to global standards.

Ms Dikshit reportedly said the new airport will be a pride for the national capital and hence the state government will extend all possible cooperation.

She also assured that residents of Shahabada village adjoining the site will be shifted to another location so that construction work can proceed smoothly.

A senior civil aviation ministry official said a pipeline of Indian Oil Corporation will also need to divert for new constructions.

The DIAL is a joint venture company consisting of GMR Group, Airports Authority of India, Fraport, Eraman Malaysia and India Development Fund. It is working towards modernisation and restructuring of the Delhi airport before the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

UNI