Cost optimisation is a critical necessity in India. Given the infrastructure sector's role in a rapidly expanding major global economy like India's in facilitating trade, transport and communication, it is imperative for construction projects to be implemented under expert supervision to ensure their functionality and longevity.

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.

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.

An astronomical amount of US$ 110 billion will be required for the upliftment of the aviation sector in India. Out of the US$110 billion, about US$ 30 billion will be used for the development and sprucing up of existing airports, and about US$ 80 billion will be used for building new fleets, according to the Civil Aviation Ministry.