Congress backtracks on new international airport

In a complete reversal from its earlier stand, the Congress today said the proposal for the new international airport at Mopa can wait, as the current facility at Dabolim is adequate enough for the next 70-80 years.
"It is very clear that existing Dabolim airport has enough capacity for next 70-80 years," Goa Congress Chief John Fernandes said.
Fernandes' stand is a departure from the party's, which has been pitching for this new Greenfield airport in North Goa, a facility approved by the UPA government.
"At the moment there is no need for airport at Mopa. If an airport in North is thought about, a similar thought should be given for another facility in South Goa," he said.

He suggested Quittol village in South Goa as the site for another airport.
Fernandes claimed the current Dabolim airport would be shut down for civilian operations by Indian Navy, which is currently managing it.

"If Dabolim airport is shut down, what about people from South Goa ?," he questioned.
Meanwhile, Goa's Rajya Sabha MP and Congress leader Shantaram Naik told reporters that he cannot disobey the statement made by his (state unit) president refusing to elaborate further.
The MP was one of the strong proponents of airport at Mopa in North Goa.
Congress' North Goa Candidate Ravi Naik too refused to speak on the issue saying he would comment only after consulting the people on this issue.