The Hindu : National : Goa to proceed with Mopa international airport project

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Sunday, Oct 02, 2005

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Goa to proceed with Mopa international airport project

Special Correspondent

Techno-feasibility report accepted

PANAJI: The Government will go ahead with the Mopa international airport project in Goa. On Friday it accepted, with some modifications, the techno-feasibility report, prepared by the Canada-based consultants, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

"The modifications pertain to projections of air traffic, which is directly related to revenue projections, and some cost," Development Commissioner J. K. Dadoo told The Hindu . It is estimated that by 2035, traffic will touch 10 million.

Clearance needed

Once the techno-feasibility report is finalised, the consultants will be asked to prepare the tender documents, which would have to be cleared by a steering committee headed by Goa Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane, Mr. Dadoo said.

The actual cost of the project, now estimated at $200 million, would be known only after the cost to be borne by private operators, Airports Authority of India and others, was worked out by the consultants.

The State Government's participation in the project would depend on the offers it got, said Mr. Dadoo.

Mr. Rane has tentatively suggested equity participation (cost of land) in the public-private partnership venture.

Opposition in Congress overcome

Recently, the ruling Congress was divided on the need for the project. The party overcame the problem, asking the Government to set up a committee to study the issues raised by the opponents.

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