"Airports Authority of India panel to examine alternative airport modernisation plan"

Saturday, September 25, 2004

AAI panel to examine alternative airport modernisation plan
INDIA - BUSINESS LINE


New Delhi, - THE Government has set up a high-powered committee headed by
member (Finance), Airports Authority of India (AAI), to examine the
alternative plan submitted by the AAI Employees Joint Forum for the
modernisation of Delhi and Mumbai airports.

The committee will have representation from the engineering and
architectural wing of AAI.

The AAI Employees Joint Forum has given a call for a one-day mass casual
leave by its members across the country on September 27 to protest against
the proposed modernisation and restructuring of the two metro airports.

The Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Praful Patel, is scheduled to meet the
forum members in Mumbai on September 25 to nip their threat of going on mass
casual leave.

Meanwhile, in a statement, AAI said the Delhi High Court has passed an
injunction order against the forum's call.

AAI has directed all airports to make stand-by arrangements for essential
services such as fire, security, medical on September 27. It has decided to
set up control rooms at various airports to meet any emergency.

Earlier, the forum convenor, Mr M.K. Ghoshal, said it was incorrect to say
that the forum was against the proposed modernisation of the two metro
airports.

We want the Government to entrust the proposed modernisation of the airports
to us and also consider the alternative plan, which has already been given
to them," Mr Ghoshal said.The Government has received an expression of
interest from 10 parties including Reliance, Videocon, DLF and L&T for the
restructuring of the airports.


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