The Airports Authority of India (AAI) in tandem with the government is developing airports across the country to add value to the aviation infrastructure. Improved connectivity will certainly boost the nation's economy.

At 102 metres, the state-of-the-art ATC tower at Delhi's Air Traffic Services Complex is not only the tallest such structure in the country but also among the tallest in the world.

In his welcome address Anuj Aggarwal, Chairman, AAI said, “With the new ATC Tower, AAI aims to improve the operational efficiency of IGI Airport. The state-of-the-art automation systems will ensure reliable and efficient air navigation services.”

Shailesh Pathak, CEO, L&T Infrastructure Development Projects recommends that even as India moves towards becoming the world's third largest economy by the next decade, the infrastructure sector needs to focus on the timely execution of projects.

As the Indian economy grows, consumption-led growth in populated metros is likely to spread to the neighbouring areas. In this scenario, improved air connectivity can give the required push towards economic growth of regional centres (towns/cities).

Even as the country's aviation industry is projected to be among the global top three by the next decade, there is a need to address certain pressing issues to ensure that the growth momentum is maintained in the long-term.

With the general elections around the corner, the country may expect frantic execution as well as awarding activity in March 2019 quarters.

In an exclusive interview with INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY, Dr Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman, Airports Authority of India (AAI) informs that their Rs 250 billion capex plans for development and upgradation of airport infrastructure are well on track.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects India to overtake the UK as the world's third largest aviation market by 2026.