Cabinet approval for new airport welcomed

Kannur, Jan 17 (UNI) The North Malabar Chamber of Commerce today welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to give approval for the new airport at Kannur, the fourth in Kerala.

Talking to UNI, its President B Maheschandra Baliga said the airport was expected to be opened in two years and it will pave the way for speedy industrialisation in the Malabar area besides boosting tourism.

Since the land identified for the airport at Moorkhan Parambu, 25 km from the city, was a level ground there will not be much levelling required for its construction, he said.

The new airport will be constructed on the lines of Nedumbassery international airport at Kochi as a joint venture with 26 per cent government share, which will be around Rs 250 crore, he said, adding that the total cost of the project is estimated between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 crore.

Kerala Textiles Exporters Organisation state president C Jayachandran, a former president of the Chamber, also expressed his happiness over the approval of the airport.

He said Kerala had exported handloom textiles worth Rs 317 crore last year, and it would gain further momentum with the opening of the new airport.

UNI AK CGV PDT HS1945