MoU signed for development, expansion of civil airport in Jodhpur

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Sunday for development and expansion of the civil airport in Jodhpur.

The civil airport currently uses the airstrip belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to the MoU, signed by the IAF, the state government, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation, the IAF will transfer its 37-acre land to the AAI for development and expansion of the civil airport and in lieu of this the state government will hand over 106-acre JMC land to the force.

Since the government’ land, located at Jodhpur Municipal Corporation’s sewage farm, is contiguous to the airfield, it will help IAF develop its own facilities. Sources said that the IAF will use the newly acquired land for developing hangers for its fighter planes and other facilities.

“We hope that all parties associated with the project will do their utmost to realise this long cherished dream of the city people,” said Air Commodore N Tiwaria.

Of the 106-acre government land, 37-acre land will be transferred to the IAF in lieu of the same amount land being given by the latter to the AAI, while the remaining 69-acre land will be transferred to the force for a price computed on the basis of regulations.

Apart from the senior officials of IAF and civic authorities, Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and mayor Ghanshyam Ojha were also present when the MoU was signed.