The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has earmarked Rs 9 billion in ADP 2007-2008 for expansion and improvement of airports nation wide as compared to Rs one billion spent during 2006-2007. The plan is part of CAA's ongoing efforts toward upgradation of airports across the country.
According to CAA two new airports - New Islamabad International Airport (NIIA) and New Gawadar International Airport (NGIA) are scheduled to be handed over to CAA in December 2010 and November 2010 respectively. CAA has already committed Rs 5.1 billion by December 31, 2007 against the ADP provision of 9 billion for complete financial year.
Foundation of New Islamabad International Airport was laid back in April 2007 by President of Pakistan, which was held up for the last 16 years. Design concept and layout of NIIA have been finalised and construction tender has already been floated.
As NIIA is the first ever green field airport of the country therefore the first stage of ground work has already been completed and the work at terminal building will start soon and is expected to be completed with in 33 months which has been reduced from 36 months ie by the end of the year 2010.
4300 acres of land has been earmarked for New Gawadar international Airport (NGIA) which is in finalisation for handing over to CAA at a site located at "Gurandani", 26 km east of Gawadar city and payment amounting to Rs 1.47 billion stand released by the Government of Pakistan.
The conceptual master plan of NGIA has already been developed where as topographic and soil test work has been awarded. Physical commencement is expected by June, 2008 with completion time of 30 months ie end of 2010. Work on other mega projects such as up-gradation of Multan and Peshawar airports is also in hand.
Other development projects include expansion and renovation of passenger's terminal and allied work at Quetta airport, expansion and renovation of terminal building at Turbat and Chitral airports, interim expansion terminal building and lounges at the Skardu airport and later a new passenger's terminal adjacent to the apron. New passenger terminal and car parking as well as re-carpeting of runway at Gilgit Airport are also included.
New generation runway for A-380 aircrafts at Karachi and Lahore airports, upgradation of Civil Aviation Training Institute (CATI) at Hyderabad are among the mega projects. There are many other commercial projects in the offing to support such heavy financial outlay on development projects.
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