Coimbatore: A Shaktivel, chairman of Kongu Global Forum, on Friday apprised Vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu of the need to take up the expansion of the Coimbatore airport. Originally, it was proposed to be 625 acres but now has been reduced to 365 acres.
Shaktivel, who met Venkaiah in Delhi, said a larger aircraft would not be able to operate here and the reduction of the quantum of land acquisition would affect future requirements of the area. He has been working for the development of the region, which comprises eight western districts of Tamilnadu.
He stated that the acquisition proposal was reduced to 365 acres due to various reasons which would not meet the actual requirement for the expansion of the airport. For want of space and the rise in air passenger traffic and cargo potential the airlines would not be able to cater to the region.
The case has been presented to Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu and Tamilnadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, Shaktivel added.