Airports must be seen as more than just infra entities: Uddhav

Mumbai, Feb 25 () Maharashtra Chief Minister UddhavThackerayon Tuesday saidairport developmentshould focus onoverall upgradation of tourism facilities besides industrialand urban development around aerodromes.

Speaking at the board meeting ofMaharashtra AirportDevelopment Corporation (MADC)in Vidhan Bhavan here, hesaiddevelopment of airports should not be seen just throughthe prism of infrastructure upgradation, but a holistic viewshould be taken.

The Chief Minister suggested "theme-based" developmentof the terminal building of the airport at Shirdi in view ofthe spiritual background of the temple town which issynonymous with the revered 19th century saint Saibaba.

"Spiritual tourism has got a boost due to developmentof airport in Shirdi, where night landing of flights shouldbe facilitated from April.

"After Shirdi,development of airport in Nanded (animportant destination for Sikh pilgrims) should also be theme-based," Thackeray said.

He called for coordination among state-run entitiesMTDC, MIDC, CIDCO and the urban development department forimproving connectivity and ensuring industrial and all-rounddevelopment of citieswhere airports are situated.

He called formaking the new airport at Chipi inSindhudurg district functional as soon as possible. MRRSY RSY