<On the Mopa airport, Mr Rane informed that the 800 sq. km land is being acquired at the Mopa plateau in Pernem taluka and technical feasibility report has been prepared by the Airport de Paris. He said the government would invite bids from reputed firms for the proposed international airport by December. Mr Rane said the airport would be built with public-private participation and would be given on BOOT basis. Though he said the estimates are yet to be prepared, the estimated cost on the construction would be around Rs 1000 crore. --------------------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 5/08/05 page 1> [Goa Desc, Aug 5]
This seems a more credible report than the one presented by HERALD. Some key differences: 1. 800 'sqkm' is much larger than 800 'acres'. So which is it actually? Acres or sqkms? 2. Mopa is specifically designated as an "international airport". Then what happens to Dabolim since two international airports cannot exist within 150 km of each other (being amended to 75 km)? Will civilian flights at Dabolim have to close down? Why is this issue never discussed? It would be a huge mistake for low cost aviation in Goa if civilian flights at Dabolim has to be shut down. 3. The CM is said here to have already opted for a public-private partnership and the investment involved is tentatively put at Rs 1000 crores. This is consistent with greenfield airport policy and with the 800 sqkm size but three times higher than the Kochi airport project which was smaller area wise but also public-private in its investment pattern. The state's (Goa's) share would work out to about Rs 130 crores. Instead of the Navy we would have a private party calling the shots at Mopa. Is this what Goa really wants? 4. There is no mention (as in the HERALD report) about the duration of the project. Will it take 10 years as INDIAN EXPRESS said on May 27? According to a TV news footage, Rane is heard talking about [only!] 3 years.
