Maharashtra: State may seek Malaysian funds for Shirdi airport

A presentation by representatives from the Malaysian government has been scheduled on July 20, said an official.

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While the CM is keen on Malaysia, there is one section of the bureaucracy that feel the Airports Authority of India should take over instead of a foreign government. However, a decision will be taken only after the presentation and taking the most feasible model into consideration, said the official.

The airport is to be built on 350 hectares in Kakdi village around 13 kms from Shirdi. Presently work on 207 sq metres has been completed along with the compound wall.

The runway is set to be 3.2 km-long and there are two taxiways which can have parking for bigger aircraft.

Clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation have been applied for, said the official.

While government has spent Rs 200 crore, Rs 45 crore was given by the Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan and there is still a shortfall of Rs 100 crore.

The entire effort of having an airport at Shirdi is to promote religious tourism and with the centenary celebrations, the government is looking at a huge conglomeration of tourists all across the world and are hurrying to meet the deadline of next year, said local officials.

The airport is being built by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company.