THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Airport Authority promises to continue with the project to renovate and expand Thiruvananthapuram International Airport won’t be discarded, even if it’s privatized. These are developmental projects costing around Rs 600 crores. Talking to Keralakaumudi, the Executive Director of Airport Authority Southern Region, S. Sreekumar said that the present Terminal will renovated at the available space if the state government is not willing to acquire and hand over the land for development. “Estimate to renew the five decade old control tower is ready, tender will be called soon”, he said.

Airport Authority’s response came after CMO said that they won’t be handing over 18.53 acres of land they earlier promised for the developmental projects. The development plans include building a new 55,000 sq.ft. terminal alongside the present 33,000 sq.ft. terminal. The authority will also check the possibilities of constructing a temporary building in order to manage rush.

It took 10 years for the approval of Central government for constructing a new control tower. The Chief Minister had advised the authorities to acquire and hand over the required land for the construction. But the plans to privatize Thiruvananthapuram International Airport stalled the proceedings. Meanwhile Airport Authority have started accepting tenders on airport privatization from yesterday. Based on the tender, development, maintenance and supervision of the airport will be privatized. Companies from France, Ireland, Dubai and Singapore have shown interest.