'New Lakshadweep' on cards; Central govt to build modernised airport in Minicoy island

NEW DELHI: As part of boosting tourism in Lakshadweep, the central government is already mooting plans to build a new airport in the archipelago. The project is to build a new airport that can serve commercial and fighter aircraft.

The airport will have all the facilities for military and passenger aircraft including fighter jets. It is reported that the airport will be built where military, commercial and air traffic will be possible. The proposal to build an airport on Minicoy Island was proposed earlier too.

However, the government has recently decided to build an airbase to be used for military purposes as well. The new airport will be constructed in such a way to meet dual purposes as it can also be used as a military base for surveillance in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean region.

The project regarding the airport is included in the primary considerations of the government and the steps regarding the construction are in the final stage. According to the information coming out, the Indian Air Force will be in charge of the airport. It is estimated that the Minicoy airport will give a boost to the defence forces and the tourism sector.

As of now, Lakshadweep houses just one airport at Agatti Island. The archipelago was the most searched location on Google during the first week of January after PM Modi’s visit to the scenic place triggered a massive row among foreign nationals.