Green nod to extend runway of Rajahmundry airport

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has received environment clearance for extension of runway at Rajahmundry airport, Andra Pradesh, which is estimated to cost Rs 181.45 crore.
The existing airport at Madhurapudi village is currently handling about 12 operations per day and the operating capacity is about 225 passengers per hour.
AAI wants to extend the runway to meet the growing traffic demand and to facilitate bigger aircrafts.
"The proposal has already been approved by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). Based on EAC's recommendation, the Environment Ministry has given the final clearance to AAI for expansion of the Rajahmundry airport runway," a senior government official said.

The green nod to the project, which is estimated to cost Rs 181.45 crore, has been given subject to certain conditions, the official said.
Among the conditions specified, AAI should obtain 'consent to establish' from the State Pollution Control Board and clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and AAI for safety and project facilities.

AAI has also been asked to submit six monthly reports on the status of the compliance of the stipulated environmental conditions, the official added.
The airport is situated on 366.46 acres of land. The state government has allotted additional land to the extent of 857.09 acres to AAI at free of cost.

Rajahmundry is the 5th largest city in the state.