Himalayan News Service

New Delhi, June 2:

Clearing the uncertainty over the ambitious project to privatise Delhi and Mumbai airports, civil aviation ministry officials have said the deadline for receiving bids for the scheme would be extended. "The previous government had set June 4 as the deadline for the submission of expressions of interest by bidders but this is going to be extended," a senior official said. "This is being done to give more time to bidders interested in the project," the official, who did not want to be named, told Himalayan News Service.

The source confirmed that the civil aviation ministry would soon make an announcement in this regard. With the aim of introducing world-class standards in the development and management of both airports, the previous Bharatiya Janata Party-led government had envisaged the completion of the entire process in September. The previous administration had set out a minimum net worth requirement of Rs.5,000 million for prospective bidders. According to ministry sources, Mumbai and Delhi are "trophy hub airport assets" or top money-spinners.