Minister of State for Civil Aviation, KC Venugopal informed Lok Sabha that Kolkata and Chennai airports have been modernized at a cost of Rs 2,325 crore and Rs 2,015 crore respectively.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) has suggested that management, maintenance and operation of these two airports be undertaken by formation of JVs with world class Airport Operators, with AAI being lead partner.

As a first step, an Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) has been constituted to evolve, recommend and monitor the implementation of the appropriate model for achieving the desired objectives of operation and management of these airports with private participation.

It may be recalled that the Task Force on Financing Plan for development of airports constituted under the Planning Commission has recommended that operations and management of Chennai and Kolkata Airports could be taken up through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.