AAI to allocate Rs 50 billion for annual capex

The Chairman of the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Sanjeev Kumar, has revealed the organisation's plan to allocate Rs 50 billion annually for capital expenditure in the coming years, citing a robust pipeline of projects. Kumar stated that new terminals are being constructed and airside capacity is being expanded at various airports to accommodate additional flights. Additionally, AAI is actively working on an expansion roadmap for Agatti Airport in Lakshadweep. Kumar mentioned that despite the initial capital expenditure target of Rs 40 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24, AAI had already achieved Rs 34.16 billion by December 2023. He expressed confidence in surpassing the target and reaching a capital expenditure of Rs 50 billion or more. The authority is engaged in the construction of new terminals at airports in Patna, Leh, Vijayawada, Tuticorin, and has initiated the building process for new terminals in Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jammu, and Rajahmundry. Kumar added that new terminal buildings are also being added to Hubli, Belagavi, and Kadapa airports. Investment proposals for expanding terminal and airside capacities are in the pipeline for Keshod in Gujarat, Agra, Ayodhya Phase-II, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Bagdogra in West Bengal, and Darbhanga in Bihar. Regarding the expansion of Agatti Airport, Kumar mentioned ongoing discussions with the union territory administration of Lakshadweep, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other stakeholders. He expressed expectations of soon having a roadmap for the expansion of Agatti Airport. Furthermore, AAI is collaborating with partners and stakeholders to finalise research areas at its Research and Development (R&D) centre located at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad.