The state government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for conducting technical feasibility studies for 11 proposed greenfield and brownfield airports in the state, and expansion of six airports and three airstrips.
The proposed airports have been identified at Ankleshwar, Morbi, Rajpipla, Botad, Dwarka, Dhordo, Rajula, Dahod, Ambaji, Dholavira and Palitana.
The existing airports which are proposed to be expanded include Bhavnagar, Kandla, Porbandar, Surat, Vadodara and Keshod. The state government said studies will also be conducted to examine the feasibility of expanding the existing airstrips at Mehsana, Amreli and Mandvi.
The statement said that AAI and the state government will also conduct techno-economic feasibility studies and studies for land acquisition to set up greenfield airports at Kevadia, Vadnagar and Siddhpur.
Under the MoU, the state government will provide land, electricity, water, fire security and other utility services to the proposed airports. The AAI will bear the costs of developing greenfield and brownfield airports, an official statement said. AAI will also be responsible for the masterplan and design, and operation and maintenance of the proposed projects.
A committee headed by the AAI chairman will oversee the airport and airstrip development projects. The statement said that top officials of the state civil aviation and revenue departments, Gujsail CEO, and senior officials of other departments will be on the committee.