HERALD has a fairly big report on an inside page today (Aug 5) titled "Tendering of works for Mopa Airport by Dec: CM" based on a press briefing.
In the context of the recent catastrophic shut down of Mumbai airport, the CM reportedly makes the gratuitous remark that "The Mopa airport can be an alternative to Mumbai". Note that there is no mention of how long it will take to get Mopa ready. Ten years is probably a conservative estimate. In that time, not only Bangalore and Hyderabad but even Nagpur, Pune and Navi Mumbai airports may be up and running! Mumbai need not hold its breath for Mopa to serve as an alternative. The silence about Dabolim is of course deafening! The report also quotes the CM to the effect that "Mopa will cater to .. schedule (sic) airlines". It is not clear from the report whether these refer to domestic or international scheduled airlines or both. Present rules (if amended) may allow only the former. What takes the cake is the very next sentence which reads: "We are also thinking of having schedule (sic) airlines at the present airport". Why the coyness in using its name (Dabolim?) passes all understanding! It seems "800 acres of land has already been acquired for the [Mopa] project". This is just 60% of the area of Kochi airport and a mere fraction of those under construction at Hyderabad and Bangalore. Those who have visions of a future urban agglomeration at Mopa might want to think about this aspect. I myself would be interested in parameters like the length and width of the runway and completion date none of which are thoughtfully provided. Not surprising because the CM is said to be still mulling over the investment pattern. But putting the cart before the horse ( and in keeping with the politician's obsession with petty surface transportation projects) he has however already accorded "top priority" to a rail shuttle service [between Mopa and Pernem, a mere 2-3 km]!
