Land allotted for Anil Ambani's mega aerospace project

The Maharashtra government on Friday allotted 289 acres of land near Nagpur for Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group's upcoming aerospace park that entails an investment of over Rs.6,500 crore ($1 billion).

The Dhirubhai Ambani Aerospace Park (DAAP) is set to come up at Mihan SEZ (special economic zone) which is located at the southern end of Nagpur.

"We started on 16 June, 2015 with first presentation and in less than 10 weeks we got the land. This is a record," Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani said during the land allotment ceremony at Nagpur.

"We are deeply committed to defence sector. Our first acquisition was Pipavav. Project at Mihan will be the largest greenfield project not only in India but in southeast Asia," he said.

Those present at the land allotment ceremony were Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Mihan which stands for "Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport" is an extension of Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport at Nagpur.

The Mihan SEZ with a residential zone covers a total area of 40.25 square kms.

The group cited that it chose Mihan after an extensive survey of different sites across various states.

According to the group, Mihan was chosen due to its world class facilities and infrastructure like Medi city, airfield and air space for flight tests and excellent telecommunications connectivity.

The group plans to develop DAAP on the lines of a smart city which will offer "One-Stop-Hub" for all aerospace requirements.

The plans for DAAP envisage the setting up of assembly lines and manufacturing facilities for fixed wing aircraft, aerostructure for commercial transporters and choppers.

"Reliance Group is hopeful that Global OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in defence and aerospace platforms and components will set shop in DAAP," the company was quoted in a statement.

The company estimated that DAAP will create 1,500 jobs in the primary sector, around 3,500 in the secondary and 5,000 in the tertiary sector.