Vellore airport to become operational in two months

The State government plans to ensure that the Fort City is put on the national air map as soon as possible, said sources.

They also added that the runway and civil works, including the construction of the terminal to house the security check counters, passenger lounge and waiting area and airport offices, were nearing completion.

It may be recalled that the completion of 850 metres runway faced a hurdle after the state highways department were unable to construct a 1.5-km-long perimeter road at a cost of Rs 1.30 crore. Adding to this, the model code of conduct that was enforced for Lok Sabha general elections slowed down the construction activities and the Highways Department were also unable to provide the necessary funds.

Transport Secretary J Radhakrishnan said, “Efforts are on to grant necessary funds to the Highways Department at the earliest. We want to start the operations in the Vellore airport within two months.”

Vellore Collector SA Raman said, “Once the work for the perimeter road begins we can also simultaneously start working on the diversion originally planned from the national highway to connect Asanambut road beyond the airport.”

When asked about the works carried out so far to facilitate the construction, the Collector said, “Acquisition of 50 acres’ government land is over and parcel has been handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The process is almost over regarding the acquiring of 11 acres of private land. We also expect to complete this shortly. Also, a list of obstacles has been submitted to the district administration by AAI and is likely to be taken up quickly as we have already submitted a proposal for necessary funds to the state government.”