The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is expected to add to the list of 50 cities identified for the development of low-cost airports, in a consultation with the Ministry of Tourism aimed at improving connectivity to regional and remote areas.
The ministry has additionally written to the finance ministry to allow the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to raise money through the issue of tax-free bonds for developing budget airports along tourist routes.
A senior official at the MoCA said: "Development of low-cost airport infrastructure is a priority area for the new government. The [government] in its election manifesto had already indicated that it would focus on improving connectivity particularly along tourist routes. The locations identified for development of low-cost airports may now be modified and expanded after consultations are held with the Ministry of Tourism.