Surat: Airport Authority of India(AAI) has demanded 39.23 ha land for expansion of existing runway of Surat airport.

AAI had earlier sent a proposal of 62.23 ha land acquisition to district collector. However ONGC pipeline was found passing through the land. In its revise proposal, AAI has proposed 39.23 ha clear land before ONGC pipeline route.

It should be mentioned that diversion of ONGC pipeline would attract huge cost. Therefore the land involving pipeline will be sought from district authority in the second phase with condition of bearing expenses of shifting it.

With expansion, the runway is 2905 meter at present .The Airport Authority has 260 meter space for which proposal has been sent to Director General of Civil Aviation(DGCA). If Gujarat government can provide 39.23 ha land through acquisition, the runway of Surat airport can be among top ten longest runway of country.

Among proposed projects to be taken up at Surat airport are Rs 230 crore runway expansion, terminal building expansion, cargo terminal, apron parking and three new aerobridge in addition to existing two.

Meanwhile, as many as 80 buildings of 18 projects (involving 2300 flats and 11,500 people) are obstructing the development of Surat airport, as landing and take off of big aircraft is not possible due to height of these buildings, resettlement of which could attract Rs 2500 crores expenditure.