Saturday, August 19 2006 10:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a move that would facilitate expansion of airports, the Government yesterday (Aug 18, 2006) night approved the exchange of defence land with that of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

A meeting of the Union Cabinet approved the exchange of defence land measuring 19,471 acres at Goa and 2.32 acres at Port Blair with the Civil Aviation land measuring 5.41 acres at Santacruz in Mumbai, 3.678 acres at Porbandar and 2.32 acres at Port Blair.

Briefing reports after the meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said the proposed exchange of land will be free of cost.

"Since it is a mutual exchange of land between the Defence Ministry and the AAI, no financial implications are involved", he said.

"The exchange of land would provide a lasting solution to the problem of expanding airport premises and be beneficial for both the organisations," Dasmunsi said.