Govt Steps up Move to Lease 11 more Airports under PPP Model

29 Dec 2025 CW Team

Airports proposed for leasing in this tranche include Amritsar, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Raipur and Tiruchirappalli, among others. Sources indicated that the final contours and parameters of the scheme could be announced during the upcoming Union Budget, marking a key step in the next phase of airport monetisation.

“The Ministry conducted internal assessments on the operational, financial and structural aspects of placing these airports under a public–private partnership framework,” a source tracking the development said. The evaluations were aimed at ensuring readiness of the selected airports for private participation while safeguarding service quality, passenger experience and regulatory oversight.

The move is part of the government’s broader National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP-II), under which 25 Airports Authority of India (AAI)-operated airports have been identified for leasing to private operators. The objective is to unlock value from brownfield airport assets, attract private investment, and enhance efficiency through modernisation and improved management practices.

Airport leasing under the PPP model has already been implemented at major airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, followed by a second round covering airports such as Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Jaipur. The government has maintained that ownership of airport land will remain with AAI, while operations, management and development responsibilities will be transferred to concessionaires for a fixed period.

Industry observers note that the next round of leasing is expected to draw strong interest from domestic and global infrastructure players, given India’s steady growth in air passenger traffic and long-term aviation potential.

The proposed leasing of additional airports is also seen as critical for strengthening regional connectivity, improving airport infrastructure and supporting the government’s goal of making India a global aviation hub, while easing the financial burden on AAI.

News source: The Hindu Businessline

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The government is accelerating efforts to lease out 11 more airports under the public–private partnership (PPP) model, with the proposal gaining significant momentum following its review and approval by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), according to sources.Airports proposed for leasing in this tranche include Amritsar, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Raipur and Tiruchirappalli, among others. Sources indicated that the final contours and parameters of the scheme could be announced during the upcoming Union Budget, marking a key step in the next phase of airport monetisation.“The Ministry conducted internal assessments on the operational, financial and structural aspects of placing these airports under a public–private partnership framework,” a source tracking the development said. The evaluations were aimed at ensuring readiness of the selected airports for private participation while safeguarding service quality, passenger experience and regulatory oversight.The move is part of the government’s broader National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP-II), under which 25 Airports Authority of India (AAI)-operated airports have been identified for leasing to private operators. The objective is to unlock value from brownfield airport assets, attract private investment, and enhance efficiency through modernisation and improved management practices.Airport leasing under the PPP model has already been implemented at major airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, followed by a second round covering airports such as Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Jaipur. The government has maintained that ownership of airport land will remain with AAI, while operations, management and development responsibilities will be transferred to concessionaires for a fixed period.Industry observers note that the next round of leasing is expected to draw strong interest from domestic and global infrastructure players, given India’s steady growth in air passenger traffic and long-term aviation potential.The proposed leasing of additional airports is also seen as critical for strengthening regional connectivity, improving airport infrastructure and supporting the government’s goal of making India a global aviation hub, while easing the financial burden on AAI.News source: The Hindu Businessline

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..