SC allows additional terminal at Agra airport, forbids increase in air traffic

The Supreme Court Wednesday permitted building of an additional terminal at airport in Agra near Taj Mahal but made it clear that it would not allow increase in air traffic on the airfield as that will be hazardous to environment and asked the Centre to consider luxurious trains like the "Palace on wheels" to the city.

The apex court also directed the Centre to consider an alternative airport site to meet the increase in the air traffic due to rise in tourist influx to visit the Taj Mahal and other destinations in and around Agra in Uttar Pradesh.

Further, the top court said it has been informed that the Railways can provide more excellent trains like the "Palace on wheels" and such trains could have employed to transport passengers from the new air field to the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), Agra.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde made it clear that it was willing to allow the construction of additional terminal at the existing airport but was against increasing the air traffic which could "damage" the environment in an "eco-sensitive area" having some world heritage sites including Taj Mahal.

The bench, also comprising Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, took on record the submission of senior advocates Ajit Kumar Sinha, appearing for the Airport Authority of India and environmentalist lawyer M C Mehta who opposed the project.

It also took on record the submission of Additional Solicitor General Atmaram Nadkarni that the Centre wishes to undertake a study to take into account the number of tourists who utilise the airport and the anticipatory increase in the number of such tourists over the years.

The law officer also sought permission to allow such increase in air traffic at the airport after conducting a study.

However, the bench made it clear that "it might be difficult to permit an increase in air traffic."