The state government’s plans to set up a helicopter taxi service connecting the island city with satellite towns of Thane and Navi Mumbai have hit an air pocket.
The preliminary report submitted by the consultants, who were doing a techno-economic feasibility study, said that a full-fledged heliport at Cuffe Parade and the international airport was not possible.
The report, a copy of which is with DNA, also ruled out the heliport proposed at the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) office at Priyadarshani Park.
The state government had appointed egis India Consulting Engineering Pvt Ltd to do a techno-economic feasibility report of the project. The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) was to carry it out. “The reports said that the international airport was already facing saturation due to heavy aircraft movement. The site near MSRDC office would also require a lot of reclamation. Hence, both sites are being ruled out,” confirmed a senior MMRDA official requesting anonymity.
Though Cuffe Parade already has a single helipad, setting up a heliport with a capacity of six helipads would not be possible, added the official. “The site has size limitations. Moreover, it also falls in the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) and safety influence zone of INS Kunjali,” he said. A helipad can be further developed with clearance from Ministry of Defence (MoD) and THE Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
However, heliports at Nariman Point, Bandra Reclamation and Nerul in Navi Mumbai are feasible, according to the report. “Heliport at Nariman Point can be developed similar to the one in Manhattan in New York. It would also, however, require reclamation and raised platform in the sea. This site also falls in the CRZ and safety influence zone of INS Kunjali,” the report said.
This means the government will have to obtain clearances from several central agencies. The Nerul site - though considered to be the most suitable for the heliport development - may also have some operational issues due to the upcoming international airport. Further, it also falls in the safety zone of the Indian Air Forces’ missile testing station and Chanakya Academy.
Despite the hurdles, the project would be carried further, according to senior MMRDA officials. “The central government wanted Mumbai to have such a heliport system. We would definitely consult them and are confident the project will go ahead,” said an official, adding that the final report on the project would be submitted by the end of the month.
