Bhopal: The central government will spend Rs.8.5 billion ($202 million) on the expansion of airports and extension of air services in Madhya Pradesh, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said here Friday.

"Expansion of air services will not be affected by the rise in international oil prices. The government will spend Rs.8.5 billion on the expansion of airports in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Khajuraho. Gwalior's military airbase will also be taken care of," said Patel, who was here to attend a meeting of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

"Expansion work at some of these airports has already started and regular flights from Khajuraho have commenced. The work of the terminal building too will be completed soon. Besides, night-landing facilities are also being started at Jabalpur," Patel said.

The minister added that the state government has already allotted 350 acres for the expansion of Raja Bhoj Airport at Bhopal. "The runway length here is to be extended by 3,500 metres so that large planes could land at Bhopal," Patel said.

Speaking about the facilities to Haj pilgrims, Patel said the Haj flights from Indore to Dubai have already been approved. Direct flight for Haj pilgrims may also be started from Bhopal in the days to come, he added.

Referring to the recent stand-off between the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and its crucial Left allies over the US nuclear deal, Patel said the government faces no imminent threat.