UPSC Prelims 2005 Q38: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
Which one of the following airports in India is the first to be owned by a public limited
company?
- (a) Dabolim Airport, Goa
- (b) Cochin airport
- (c) Hyderabad airport
- (d) Bangalore airport
Answer: (b) Cochin airport
Explanation
First airport owned by a public limited company
| Airport | Ownership |
|---|---|
| Cochin International Airport | Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) — first public limited company airport, opened 1999 |
| Bangalore, Hyderabad | PPP airports opened in 2008 |
| Dabolim, Goa | Run by the Airports Authority of India |
Cochin airport is the first in India set up under a public limited company (CIAL), with Kerala government equity and public shareholders.
Answer: (b) Cochin airport.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Dabolim was an AAI/Navy airport.
- (b) CORRECT. Cochin was the first airport owned by a public limited company.
- (c) Incorrect. Hyderabad opened in 2008 as a joint venture.
- (d) Incorrect. Bangalore opened in 2008, also a joint venture.
Key point
CIAL: first airport in public sector, funded by NRIs and public, opened May 1999.
Remember
Cochin airport is the first owned by a public limited company.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Bangalore or Hyderabad as they are famous PPPs.
- Not knowing that CIAL came earlier than those.
- Mixing it with an airport owned by AAI.
Exam tip
First greenfield PPP-type airport: Cochin.
Sources
- CIAL — about us
- Cochin International Airport Limited — Annual Report 2004–05