Patel rules out changes in aeronautical activities

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel today said there would be no changes in the land covering aeronautical activities, including passenger and cargo terminal and two runways of the proposed international airport, in Navi Mumbai.

He also said that the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco), a nodal agency of the Maharashtra government for the airport project, has proposed some changes in non-aeronautical activities like a flying club, aviation institute, maintenance repair overhaul workshop and a bonded warehouse.

“As far as the civil aviation ministry is concerned, there are no changes made in the aeronautical activities covering 1,200 hectates of the total 1,615-hectare airport zone. There are no changes in the alignment, runways and terminal buildings. The changes proposed by Cidco are in non-aeronautical activities which will cover 415 hectares,” Patel told Business Standard.

He expressed hope that environment clearance for the airport project would be in place by November.

Patel’s indication comes at time when the Experts Appraisal Committee attached to the Union ministry of environment and forests today visited the proposed project site.

On October 9, environment and forests Minister Jairam Ramesh had said he had already talked to the civil aviation minister and there would be an agreement on the airport site soon.

Patel said the first phase of the airport would be ready by 2014-15. The cost of the project would be over Rs 10,000 crore.