'Air transport key to economic growth'

TIRUPATI: Describing civil aviation sector as a key contributor to the nation’s economy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said India competing effectively in the global economy will depend critically on air transport.

Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone for the integrated terminal complex at Tirupati airport, which has been upgraded to international airport here today, he said air traffic in the country has witnessed unprecedented growth in the recent past.

During the last seven years, domestic air traffic has tripled and international traffic more than doubled, he said.

Every effort is being made to address the growing demand and the new complex is a part of the efforts to continuously modernise and develop infrastructure facilities at airports in the country, the Prime Minister said.

“Many sectors of the economy which will drive our growth in the future depend critically on air transport for competing effectively in the global economy,” he said

Explaining how aviation can help in increased scope of competition and support sectors like tourism, he said that his government has taken Public Private Partnership to restructure and modernise the airports at Delhi and Mumbai.

Describing newly inaugurated terminal at Delhi as truly world-class, he said that greenfield airports at Hyderabad and Bangalore are prime examples of joint ventures.

Commending both the state government and the ministry of civil aviation for the good work at Tirupati airport, he said that the entire investment for the project is being met through the budgetary resources of the government of India and it is estimated that in the first phase, an amount of Rs 174 crore will be incurred.

He expressed happiness over the state government handing over 293 acres of land out of the required 718 acres.

“The new integrated terminal will have the state-of-art amenities and once international operations commence at Tirupati airport, pilgrims from neighboring countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, would find it easier to come to Tirupati in large number, contributing to its development into a major religious-cum-tourist hub,’’ he said.

Assuring to develop Tirupati as one of the finest airports, civil aviation minister Praful Patel said  said that it will provide direct access to international pilgrims, once it is operational. Explaining the potential of airport at Rajahmundry in wake of oil and gas discovery, he said that they are also focusing on the development of small airports like Kadapa.

“Today, we are 9th in the world of civil aviation and are working towards getting into top five,’’ he said.

State forest minister P Ramachandra Reddy read the message of chief minister K Rosaiah and explained how AP is emerging as hub for aviation sector.