AAI, desperate to raise INR50 billion ($1 billion) to meet the funding gap in a planned expenditure of INR125 billion ($2.6 billion) for modernizing 40 airports, including Kolkata, is yet to get an approval from the central government.
V P Agrawal, the chairman of AAI, was reported stating that meeting the revenue gap is critical for AAI to continue work on ongoing projects. He however insisted that the flagship projects, Kolkata and Chennai airports, would continue as scheduled.
However, sources are reported stating that non-critical areas of the continuing projects, like a new ATC tower at the Kolkata airport, may be shelved to prioritize the essential sections like the integrated terminal. S Srinivasan, the director of Kolkata airport, was reported stating that the entire project was on track, adding that the modernized airport could function with the current ATC.
