Dabolim has no scope for expansion: Praful Patel BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 12 - Contrary to claims by the Congress leadership about upgradation of the Dabolim airport, Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel says, "the existing facilities at Dabolim cannot be extended further due to non-availability of land."
What's more, unlike the stand adopted by Congress leaders favouring two airports, Patel is categorical in saying that there's an urgent need for an alternative airport of international standards to meet the expanding demand of tourism and business in Goa and in the region and taking into account capacity constraints to deal with passengers and aircraft, including international charters at the existing naval airport. In a letter to MP Churchill Alemao, the Union civil aviation minister has further sought to put to rest the controversy over the ownership of Dabolim airport saying, "the existing airport at Dabolim belongs to Indian Navy and the Airports Authority of India maintains a civil enclave only." Patel further says the present airport is basically meant for defence purposes and that the naval authorities are unable to spare more time slots for operation of international chartered flights due to defence commitments and training requirements of the naval base. According to Patel, the Goa government is planning to attract clean hi-tech technologies, international financial services, conferences and conventions, thereby putting Goa on the international map for trade, commerce and hi-tech related industries. "Goa airport from an all India point of view is also seen as alternate gateway into India. Restrictions on time slots by naval authorities have constrained the growth of international traffic," he asserted. Meanwhile, the terms of reference of the committee appointed by the Government of India to look into all aspects relating to the construction of new airport at Mopa to advise the Government of India on the necessity of either continuing or closing the current airport at Dabolim and to make suggestions for the consideration of the government.
