Indian airports to attract $12.1 bn investment: Minister

Hyderabad: India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ajit Singh said that the Indian airports sector is expected to attract investments worth USD 12.1 billion during the 12th Plan period, including USD 9.3 billion from the  private sector.

"The Government has envisaged an investment of USD 12.1 billion in airport sector during the 12th Plan period (2012-17), of which USD 9.3 billion is expected to come from  the private sector for construction of new airports, expansion  and modernisation of existing airports and development of low  cost airports," said Singh.

He also claimed that 236 million domestic passengers will be handled by Indian airports and 85  million international passengers by 2020.  He said the commercial fleet size is expected to be  1,000, from today's 400, by 2020.  Ashok Lavasa, Civil aviation Secretary said, 'The State  Governments have crucial role to play in enhancing the region  connectivity of airlines.'  He also suggested that the states need to look at the tax structure of ATF.