Ahmedabad, May 01: Gujarat cabinet last night decided to hand over the Surat airport to Airport Authority of India, in a bid to modernise and expand the operations there. "The decision has been taken considering the vast possibilities of exports of ready-made garment, diamond and powerlooms industry in Surat, which is the hub of economic and industrial activities in south Gujarat", state government spokesman I K Jadeja said in the post-cabinet briefing. Jadeja said a survey report and a report on infrastructural facilities for development of the state-owned airport was prepared by "rights", an agency of Central government.
He said the state government has spent Rs nine crore for developing several facilities like diesel generator room, waiting lounge and a control room with glass windows. "AAI, which has the necessary technical know-how and trained staff will now bear the cost of modernisation, expansion and operations of Surat airport," Jadeja added. Bureau Report