The defence estates officer (DEO), Rajendra Pawar, who had forwarded a proposal to the ministry in February, told TOI, “As per the procedures, this sanction was mandatory for carrying out the work.”

The office of the Principal Director, Defence Estates, Southern Command, had forwarded a proposal to the ministry recommending that 15.84 acres of defence land be leased out to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to facilitate the expansion work.

Airport director Ajay Kumar said, “This is a positive development because we can expedite the work now. Our plan is to first complete the work of parking bays and then start the construction of the new terminal.”

The board of officers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) had categorically mentioned in its report that the cost of relocation or reconstruction of the existing assets in the area proposed for transfer would be borne by AAI. The total cost for the exercise is Rs 6.41 crore.

“Depositing money is not an issue for us. We will complete all the necessary procedures and money will be paid accordingly,” Kumar added.