GUJSAIL CEO Capt Ajay Chauhan speaks on the entity´s plan to develop world-class infrastructure in Gujarat and the advantages that Vibrant Gujarat 2015 will provide for the aviation industry in the State.
How has Gujarat planned the upgradation and modernisation of its airports?
The funding model for developing the concerned aviation infrastructure in the State would be by encouraging PPP model. The Public Private Partnership (PPP) project would mean a project based on a contract or concession agree¡ment, between a government or a statutory entity on the one side and a private sector company on the other-side, for investing in construction and maintenance of infrastructure asset and/or delivering an infrastructure service. In this reference, GUJSAIL intends to encourage more private participation in accordance with VGF scheme to strengthen its segment for making Gujarat a popular destination for upgradation and development of the aviation sector.
How many new airports (and airstrips) does the State plan to set up and at which locations?
To develop aviation as well as tourism in the State, the government of Gujarat has decided to develop 11 new airstrips at various religious and tourism places in Gujarat. Initially, it would start with its first phase i.e., to develop four new airstrips i.e., Dwarka, Palitana, Ankleshwar and Ambaji. In this reference, GUJSAIL after completing its feasibility study through a consultant for the above projects will announce the tenders for the various works. This will provide alter¡native and sustainable transportation option to local and visiting populace.
How has the government boosted intra-State air connectivity, and which are the cities that Mehair will connect?
As part of the contract, the government of Gujarat will provide a subsidy to the service on the various flights operating across the State. Not only will the general public benefit from the service but the government´s options of travel also improve leading to a further increase in the efficiency levels of the administration. The service will also generate employment for local people at various airports and rejuvenate the local economy of the various destinations as travel between places becomes easier and quicker. It is also expected to provide a fillip to the overall tourism efforts of the State as foreign tourists prefer to reach their destinations faster due to shortage of time at their disposal.
In the preliminary phase, Mehair is connected to different cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Kandla and Bhuj. The presence of a regional airline will save their time and the travellers will be able to complete their business work in less time.
According to you, will the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2015 help in generating the adequate funds?
Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2015 will venture much beyond investment with strategic focus on innovations, sustainability and human development. Also, the government of Gujarat intends to improve tie-ups/collaborations with national and international aviation industries in terms of numbers, quality and effectiveness. Vibrant Gujarat 2015 would provide a number of opportunities for generating the adequate funds for the aviation industry.
– Devarajan Mahadevan
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