Airport developers like GMR and GVK seek changes in business model, qualification norms

Mumbai: Indian and international airport developers will meet officials from the Planning Commission on Thursday to suggest changes in the business model and qualification criteria for privatising six airports in the country.
Earlier this week, the government revised the draft concession agreement to incorporate some of the changes suggested by companies such as and GVK as well as the Confederation of Indian Industry. But companies say the changes aren't sufficient. For instance, this time the government has not made it mandatory for a company to either have experience in airport development or tie up with an experienced airport developer to qualify for the project. Rather, a company only needs to have sufficient experience in construction in sectors such as telecom and power. Seasoned airport developers such as GMR and GVK fear that this will open up projects for companies in the real estate and manufacturing space and dilute the selection process.
read news in full 03/10/13 Anirban Chowdhury/Economic Times