DNA EXCLUSIVE | Navi Mumbai airport terminal, runway to be ready by Dec 2019

Mumbaikars may plan to fly from the upcoming international airport at Navi Mumbai from December 2019. The BJP-led Maharashtra government and especially Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expects the completion of runway and airport terminal building of the proposed airport by December 2019 and the commencement of its operation immediately after the approval by the Director general of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The first phase will handle 10 million passengers annually and 0.26 million tonnes of cargo handling.

The Rs 16,000-crore airport project is being developed jointly by GVK-promoted Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) and City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) through a public–private partnership (PPP) on a 'design, build, finance, operate and transfer' (DBFOT) basis. However, CIDCO is working 24x7 to acquire 82 of the total 1,160 hectare land, which falls in the core area, required for the construction of two parallel and independent runways for simultaneous and independent operations along with full length rapid exit taxiways on either side of the runways.

CIDCO joint managing director Prajakta Lavangare told DNA, "CIDCO does not want to go in for compulsory acquisition of 82 hectare land, situated across 10 villages. We are reaching out to the villagers by holding Lok Adalat so that they can come on board by addressing their grievances. We are offering additional financial incentives, too, so that they can shift early. CIDCO is paying Rs 500 per sq ft for those who shift in March, Rs 300 per sq ft in April and Rs 100 per sq ft in May. We are paying Rs 1 crore each for the relocation of place of worships from 10 villages. Besides, funds will be provided to other smaller holy places, depending on the valuation carried out by government valuers."

She informed that CIDCO and Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL), which is a special purpose vehicle incorporated by MIAL, have signed a concession agreement on January 8 this year and CIDCO will have to hand over the unencumbered 1,160 hectare to it by July 7. "So far, of the total 3,000 families, 400 have already shifted and the balance are in the midst of completing the process."

The land development works in core airport area have commenced from April 2017 and shifting of high tension electric supply lines is underway. Of the 1,160 hectare, CIDCO has completed filling of 15% of the land.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay a foundation stone on February 18. During the Magnetic Maharashtra summit, the ministry of civil aviation will sign the memorandum of understanding with Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) for providing its services.

Take off

Operations will commence after the DGCA gives its approval. The first phase will handle 10 million passengers annually and 0.26 million tonnes of cargo handling