Chennai, Feb 27 (Reporter) Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Thursday categorically ruled out privatisation of Chennai airport, and instead the facilities in it would be further enhanced and services augmented. Talking to reporters after inaugurating a Udan Yatri Coffee at the Chennai International Airport this evening, he allayed the fears saying it was no the list. “Don’t worry, it is not even in the proposed list of the 11 airports made before the general elections, which is still lying with the Cabinet", he said. "It is close to our hearts,” he said. Stating that a proposal to privatise 11 airports was submitted before the general elections, Mr Ram Mohan Naidu said the proposal was still lying with the Union Cabinet. "It is lying at that same stage (when it was submitted) only and no decision has been taken on it so far", he said. To a query on whether Chennai airport operations will be handed over to private parties once the construction works are completed, the Union Minister categorically ruled out saying Chennai was the top most priority and the facilities and services would be further augmented. "“No. It is very close to our hearts and we are trying to do our best to improve and enhance facilities and services", he said. Pointing out that Chennai was the fourth largest airport and was the gateway to the East, he said it was very important for the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Hence, more focus would be devoted on its development, he said. Pointing out that Chennai airport at present handles about 22 million passengers per year, Mr Ram Mohan Naidu said it could be further increased to 35 million and augment passenger capacity. "With Chennai being a top most priority, we are terminal buildings and other infrastructure facilities are being constructed. The construction of the Terminal-3 will be completed by March next year,” he said. Justifying privatisation of airports, the Minister said it facilitates flow of investments and improvement in services. Building airports at places with little viability is a burden on the AAI and hence the Civil Aviation Ministry is working out a model to overcome the financial stress. While the Union Government is holding the land, leasing out the airport operations will result in passengers getting top quality service, he said...////...