MoCA gives 'site clearance' for 4 airports this year

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has given in-principle approval for a greenfield airport in Gujarat as well as site clearance for four airports in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan this year.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said various proposals have been received for setting up greenfield airports in many states including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, he said, this year, the ministry has granted 'in-principle' approval for setting up a greenfield airport at Dholera in Gujarat.
Besides, 'site clearance' was granted in January for greenfield airports at "three locations in Andhra Pradesh namely Dagadarthi Mendal in Nellore, Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram and Oravakallu in Kurnool and one location in Rajasthan namely Bhiwadi in Alwar", Sharma said.

According to him, a decision has been taken to close the existing Vishakapatnam airport for civilian operations once the new airport at Bhogapuram becomes operational.
Under the Greenfield Airport Policy, 2008, funding of the projects is the responsibility of individual developers.
The minister said that proposals have been received for having greenfield airports at various locations. These include "Sholapur and Bolera (Amrawati) in Maharashtra, Annakara (Idduki) in Kerala, Dwarka in Gujarat, Gwalior and Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh, Androth in Lakshadweep, Kothagudem (Khammam) in Telangana, Jewar in Uttar Pradesh and Chingleput (Chennai) in Tamil Nadu," he noted.