Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has stressed the need to further expand aviation sector in the country as it plays crucial role in many sectors which would drive the country’s growth in future. Speaking after laying foundation stone for the new Integrated Terminal complex at Tirupati Air port, the Prime Minister has said the Government has been making continuous efforts to meet the growing demand for air services in the country. He has asked the Civil Aviation Ministry, Andhra Pradesh Government and Tourism department to work closely to Develop Tirupati, a major religious-cum-tourism hub. Speaking on the occasion, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said the country would become one among the top 5 aviation nations in the world in 5 years. He also said the Airports Authority of India has been expanding 35 non-metro airports in the country.