SIALKOT, May 2: The possession of the entire land for the construction of international airport in the district has been given to Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL).

This was disclosed at a meeting of various committees of SIAL here on Thursday.

The participants discussed master plan of the airport and proposed infrastructure including construction of runway, taxi way, terminal building and cargo complex.

It was proposed that the design of the terminal building should reflect a blend of ancient heritage and modern architecture.

SIAL project Director Imtiaz Husain gave valuable inputs while finalizing the master plan.

SIAL Chief Executive Dr Muhammad Aslam Dar informed the participants that all formalities had been completed. The geo-technical analysis and topographic surveys had also been accomplished, he added.

Talking to newsmen, Dr Dar said the airport project would cost Rs1,420 millions and all the financing was being arranged by SIAL.

Around Rs114 million had been pooled in the first phase with commitment of more than Rs600 million, he said, adding the private sector’s involvement from public foreign investors was also being invited to arrange the balance funds.

He said the ground-breaking ceremony of the airport would be held in May or June 2002 while the mega project would be completed by August 2004.

The formalities for a loan of Rs230 million had also been completed, he said.

He said the agreement would be signed on May 4, 2002, and immediately payments to the land owners would be commenced by the district government.

He said the master plan, designing of the international airport and various concept plans of terminal building had already been prepared.

Dr Dar observed the access roads to the site were in poor condition and required widening prior to establishment of the airport by the government departments concerned.

He urged the government to give some relief in taxes, customs duties and other federal/provincial levies for this private sector infrastructure development project.