'New Kolkata airport to be ready in three-four months'

Kolkata, April 30 (IANS) The modernisation of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport here is nearing completion and it may become operational in the next three-four months, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said here Monday.

"I am hopeful that the new Kolkata international airport will become operational in three-four months. The existing airport has a capacity of handling four million passengers every year, but it has been handling around 8 million passengers a year. So there is an urgent need to make the airport operational soon," Singh said while talking to reporters after his meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"The new Kolkata airport will also help in promoting tourism and generating employment in the state," added Singh.

"We are also planning to introduce heliport services in West Bengal. It will give an edge to the tourism industry. I have discussed the matter with the chief minister and have asked to suggest the areas where the services can be started," said Singh.