AAI Offers Incentives to Boost Overseas Flights

04 Jun 2025 CW Team

To strengthen international air connectivity, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has introduced a major incentive scheme across 13 airports, including Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The scheme aims to bridge the viability gap for airlines during their initial three years of operation—often the most financially challenging phase.

According to Port Blair Airport Director Devender Yadav, the scheme includes a 100 per cent waiver on User Development Fees (UDF)—currently Rs 709 per departing passenger—for the first year. This will reduce to 85 per cent in the second year and 65 per cent in the third. Based on a standard aircraft load of 180 passengers, the savings could reach Rs 12.8 million per flight, offering significant support to carriers.

Designated an international airport in April 2007, Port Blair saw its first scheduled international flight by AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur on 16 November 2024. However, services were discontinued on 10 April 2025 due to low passenger turnout, making operations unviable.

“The incentive scheme is a timely intervention and will significantly boost tourism in the Andaman archipelago,” said Yadav. He confirmed that Veer Savarkar Airport received the highest incentive package among the 13 airports listed.

“We have learnt valuable lessons from the earlier AirAsia operations. With this support and improved preparedness, we are now ready for sustainable international services and even planning for cargo operations,” he added. He also thanked the Union Territory administration for supporting the initiative and helping achieve this breakthrough.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..