The process of hiring a consultant for the expansion of the Naini-Saini airport in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand will gather momentum, with state Chief Minister R P Nishank holding the ‘bhoomi pujan’ two days back.

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Sources today said the government was expected to release Rs 5 crore for the project, the deadline for whose completion was now 2011. “We are to get Rs 5 crore shortly and consequently the work will start,” said a state government official.

The government has appointed the Uttarakhand State Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (USIDCL) as the nodal agency for the expansion work. The USIDCL has already initiated the re-bidding process for hiring a consultant for the modernisation and expansion of the Naini-Saini airport, which would be completed before November 9.

Besides, the expression of interests (EOIs) were also invited for expansion and strengthening of the runway and up-gradation of associated operational infrastructure and terminal facility for nearly 50 passengers is also being constructed.

The government intends to invest Rs 50-60 crore for the up-gradation and modernisation of the airport in picturesque Pithoragarh for promoting tourism.

Significantly, the Naini Saini airport hit a roadblock last year after the government cancelled the tender process for hiring a consultancy firm on technical grounds.

Later, the government decided to hand over the airport development process to the USIDCL, which was set up last year.

The government has so far spent Rs 22-24 crore for acquiring 17.8 hectare of land for the expansion purpose and a total of 85 people were given compensation. “The government has also assured all the affected people a job at the airport,” said Labour Minister Prakash Pant, who is the local MLA from Pithoragarh. Under the modernisation plan, the airport is being upgraded to facilitate the landing of ATR 72 aircraft. The airstrip is expected to be 1,900 meter long and 45 metre wide.

Four hangers for the parking of aircraft are also being built at the airport.

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