Friday, February 11 2005 20:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Feb 11, 2005) hoped that the much delayed Bangalore International Airport project becomes "operational on the very date" or even before as has been provided in the project.

"I don't see any hurdle now in the way of this project. You have my assurance that Government of India will work actively with the State and this project becomes operational on the very date or even before," he said while addressing top officials of the Karnataka Government in the presence of Chief Minister N Dharam Singh in Bangalore.

Expressing happiness over the progress Karnataka has made on the Airport project, Prime Minister said, "I am happy with that various problems relating to Airport have been resolved. I compliment the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues for the speed with which they have moved to resolve various outstanding issues".

Karnataka Government inked the vital land-lease and State support agreement last month, paving way for the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to complete financial closure by this month end.

The work on the Rs 1334 crore project is expected to be completed in about 36 months from the date of commencement.

Singh said development of airports in other parts of the State was under active consideration of the Civil Aviation Ministry.

The work on the new runway in Mangalore has already started and a new terminal would be built after the State provided the land, he said.