Puducherry plans to float tenders for intl airport

After several failed attempts to renovate and upgrade the existing airport in the Union territory, the Puducherry government now proposes to float global tenders, with the approval of the Centre, for a private-public partnership to set up an airport of international standards at an estimated investment of Rs 500 to Rs 600 crore. Revenue minister Malladi Krishna Rao, who holds the portfolio of civil aviation said that private giants from Malaysia and Singapore had evinced keen interest in establishing an airport in the Union territory.The proposal is in the preliminary stage and the territorial administration will seek the centre’s approval. The minister said he was encouraged by the interest shown by a couple of private players.