KARAIKAL: The long-pending proposal to set up a greenfield airport here has got a fillip as the Puducherry Government has granted ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) after dilly-dallying for a long time.
During 2006, the UT government floated an expression of interest inviting proposals for taking up an techno-commercial feasibility study for promoting a greenfield airport here. Super Airport Infrastructure (India) Pvt Ltd, (SAIIPL), a Coimbatore-based business unit, undertook the feasibility study and submitted a report. SAIIPL had stated that commercial air connectivity to the town would prove viable.
SAIIPL carried out an in-depth study of the tourists’ traffic profile to important pilgrim centres and heritage spots located near here including Vailankanni, Nagore, Tirunallar, Tarangambadi, Tirukkadaiyur, Poompuhar, Vaitheeswarankoil, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Gangaikondacholapuram. With the help of the Tourism Departments of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, SAIIPL had also projected the expected number of tourists who would choose the air travel option.
SAIIPL took into consideration the profile of a large chunk of NRIs who have migrated to Arabian countries and the Europe from areas around Karaikal, who could be potential direct air passengers.
The feasibility study had concluded that greenfield airport would initially attract about 550 inbound/outbound passengers daily. About 12 flights (to and fro) could be operated daily. Over the years, the number of passengers could touch even 4,000 per day.
SAIIPL had also identified the site for the airport after comprehensive soil testing. However, Puducherry government did not initiate action on the project.
Speaking to Express, Leader of Opposition in the Puducherry Assembly A M H Nazeem said the Government gave the NOC a couple of days ago and SAIIPL had now initiated steps to get the clearance from the Civil Aviation Ministry. He expressed hopes that the project would become a reality soon.
The possibilities of adding a cargo terminal at the proposed airport is also reportedly under active consideration. The airport will be constructed under the build-operate-transfer model.
