Cidco expects ministry nod for Navi Mumbai airport RFPs in a fortnight

Pre-development work to start in Feb, to award contract by June 2016, first phase operational by Dec 2019

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra have put the development of Navi Mumbai International Airport on a fast track, to make the first phase operational by December 2019 with annual capacity to handle 10 million passengers and 0.23 million tonnes cargo.

The state-run City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco), which holds 26 per cent in the airport project, expects the civil aviation ministry’s clearance in a fortnight for Request For Proposals (RFPs).

Cidco had received nine Request For Qualifications (RFQs) and in June 2015, it had shortlisted four companies and consortia: GMR Delhi, GVK-led Mumbai International Airport, Zurich airport with Hiranandani Developers, and MIA Infrastructure of France along with Tata Realty.

Cidco vice-chairman and managing director Sanjay Bhatia told Business Standard: “The committee, headed by the chief secretary, had approved the RFP document, which has been forwarded for civil aviation ministry consent, necessary as there are key issues involved relating to the central and state government support agreements. Cidco hopes to get the ministry’s nod in a fortnight. The shortlisted bidders are expected to submit RFPs by June and thereafter a successful bidder will be awarded the contract.” Cidco, he said, would start pre-development work in February 2016, comprising the diversion of the Ulwe river, clearing, levelling and reclamation of marshy land, raising the level of land to 5.5 metres above sea level and relocation of power lines.

“The first phase entails investment of Rs 7,000 crore, comprising Rs 3,500 crore each for pre-development and the balance for airport development.

Cidco will spend Rs 3,500 crore on its own on pre-development work, as it will be treated as an interest-free soft loan to be repaid by the Special Purpose Vehicle after 10 years,” said Bhatia.
TAKES WING

• Cidco in possession of all clearances
• Of the 2,268 hectare, 1,160 hectare required for aeronautical purpose
• Project cost, pegged at Rs 4,766 cr in 1998, now Rs 16,000 cr
• RFPs by GMR Delhi, GVK-led Mumbai International Airport, Zurich airport with Hiranandani Developers, and MIA Infra of France with Tata Realty
• Project-affected to get 22.5% developed land