By Admin 
Hanimaadhoo Airport: A big regional cooperation is being seen between India and Maldives. In fact, Hanimadhoo International Airport was inaugurated in Maldives this week. This project has been completed with the financial and technical assistance of India. This airport was inaugurated by Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu and India’s Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu did it jointly. In the meantime, let us know whether India will also get the fare for this international airport built with the help of India. Before this we will know what role India played in the construction of this airport.
India’s role in the construction of Hanimadhu International Airport
This new airport built in the northern part of Maldives was built in 2019 with a loan assistance of $ 800 million given by India’s EXIM Bank. The construction contract worth $136.6 million was given to India’s JMC Projects Limited. This company successfully completed this project.
Let us tell you that this airport has been designed to operate large commercial aircraft like Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Its annual passenger capacity is 13 lakh passengers. Its runway is quite modern and the airport is also equipped with advanced terminal facilities. This project has been prepared under India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Sagar’ or ‘Ocean Vision’ policies. The objective of these policies is to increase connectivity, maritime cooperation and regional development in the Indian Ocean region.
Will India get the rent for this airport?
India will not get any rent or revenue from this airport. This money was given as a loan, not as an ownership based investment. This means that India will not get ownership or rent of the airport. The Maldives government will repay the loan as per the terms agreed with EXIM Bank and the entire revenue of this airport will go directly to Maldives. India’s role in this entire project has been that of a development partner and not a profit seeking applicant.
Promotion of tourism and trade in Northern Maldives
After this airport, a big change will be seen in the economy of Northern Maldives. With the capacity to handle large commercial aircraft, this new facility will significantly increase foreign tourist arrivals, especially from India, Europe and the Middle East. Apart from this, the airport will also provide export opportunities for local industries.
Also read: Which country is doing the most mining of cryptocurrency, know what is the situation in India?