Shimoga and Gulbarga districts of Karnataka are set to have a makeover with the Regional Airport Holding International Ltd (RAHI) pumping in Rs.490 crore to develop airports there. The two projects are part of the state government’s plans to develop five airports in the state under the PPP model on a build operate and transfer (BOT) basis. Airports have also been planned for Bellary, Bijapur and Hassan.
RAHI, a joint venture between IL&FS Transportation Network and Comet Infra Development, will also start regional airlines by mid 2012. Airports with one million passengers per annum are on its radar with the objective being to pioneer airports regionally.
Five 10-50-seater aircraft will be inducted in five years to service the proposed airports at Shimoga and Gulbarga. The company plans to have a portfolio of 99 regional airports by 2025.
