Vijayawada, April 20: The long-pending demand of the expansion of Gannavaram airport still remains a distant dream for the people of Krishna district.
It may be noted that the state government and Airport Authority of India (AAI) entered into an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2007 to develop the airport on a cost sharing basis. The development plan included expansion of the existing runway and construction of a new terminal building to facilitate an increased flight operation.
The AAI gave a green signal to the proposal and sanctioned funds for the development works and deputed necessary engineering staff.
Even four years elapsed since the MoU was signed, the state government is yet to sanction funds for land acquisition to expand the runway.
However, chief minister N Kirankumar Reddy promised to release Rs 80 crore for the development of Gannavaram airport when a delegation from the district met him on April 15.
Now, it is the turn of district minister K Parthasarathi and officials to take the initiative forward to get the funds released and organise a meeting with the villagers whose lands would likely to be acquired for the development of airport.
Meanwhile, airport authorities have already revealed that the sanctioned funds may diverted to the other airport projects if there is further delay in execution of the project. The Airport authorities are also planning to meet the new district collector SAM Rizvi seeking his initiative in land acquisition process.
Andhra Chamber of Commerce president Muthavarapu Muralikrishna also said with the development of Gannavaram airport, Vijayawada would get a better air connectivity, leading to development of the region with an industrial boom.
–Agencies