Surat: The Gujarat Government has approved the expansion of Surat International Airport by allocating Rs 215 crore for land acquisition. This decision allows the acquisition of 80,643 square metres of private land in Magdalla involving 20 survey numbers.

Officials from the Civil Aviation Department recently convened at the Collector’s office to finalize administrative procedures. Sources indicate that the government has authorized the signing of an MoU with the Airport Authority of India by December 2024. A budget of Rs 215 crore has been allocated for the fiscal year 2023-24 to permanently acquire private land required for the airport’s expansion.

In the next steps, the Land Acquisition Officer will issue a notification under Section 10 of the Land Acquisition Act to invite objections from affected landowners. After that, the editing process will follow. The acquisition will proceed based on the 2013 acquisition rules, ensuring compensation is provided as per regulations.

Once the land is acquired, the Airport Authority of India plans to install CAT-1 approach lights at Surat airport. Given the airport’s proximity to the sea, visibility is often compromised outside the monsoon season. The CAT-1 lights will enhance visibility during adverse weather conditions like heavy rain and dense fog, ensuring safer flight operations without the need for diversions. DeshGujarat