Navi Mumbai airport project execution put on fast track

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has put the implementation of Navi Mumbai international airport project on the fast track.

Chavan, who played a key role in expediting the environment clearance for the project, has directed the Urban Development Department and the state-run City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco) to complete the necessary legwork by the end of 2011 so that the actual construction can begin from January next year. Cidco has been told to invite global tenders by June so that contract can be granted by December this year.

The project, which is already delayed by at least two years due to various issues, entails an investment of over Rs 15,000 crore and the first phase is expected to be operational by end of 2014 or early 2015.

A senior state government official, who attended the review meeting chaired by Chavan, told Business Standard, “Chief minister is personally reviewing the progress on the Navi Mumbai airport project. His mandate is quite clear that construction should begin from January next year as further delays are not acceptable. Cidco, which is a nodal agency for the airport project, has been asked to acquire in all 2,753 hectares even though the project needs 1,159 hectares of land. The additional land acquisition will have to be done taking into consideration its expansion in future.”

The official said the airport is expected to absorb annually 10 million passengers in its first operational area at the end of 2014, increasing to 25 million by 2020, 45 million by 2025 and 60 million by 2030. The project also includes development of non-aeronautical activities in an area of 270 hectares, south of the airport.

Besides, Cidco would develop mangroves park on 245 hectares at Waghivale village and regeneration of mangroves near the airport at Kamothe (310 hectares) and Moha Creek (60 hectares).

Moreover, the chief minister has also asked Cidco to keep a dialogue with project-affected persons from 17 villages to arrive at a consensus on the implementation of relief and rehabilitation package. Cidco has prepared a comprehensive package of the order of Rs 350 crore and it may be amended after consultations with villagers.