This is in continuation of the "one-two" strategy to put the Mopa airport project in proper shape for Goa's sake. The basic idea is to 1) study the available analogues (usually Bangalore) for pointers and 2) ponder what, if anything, should be different in Mopa.
BIAL is a functional airport DH News Service, Bangalore: http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Aug142008/city2008081484516.asp 1. <On the frequent comparison of the BIA with the GMR operated international airport in Hyderabad Brunner said, "Our aim was not to build an architectural marvel, but a world class a functional and operational airport. The Hyderabad airport is 30 percent bigger, but we are functionally superior".> So what is the plan for Mopa? Is it to be a functional airport or an architectural wonder? Digambar Kamat & Co need to be fully upfront about this instead of blatantly trying to hush everything up from the word "Go". 2. <"Between 2000-02 there was much turbulence in the design aspects and projected air traffic growth. We increased our investment from Rs 1412 crores to Rs 2470 crores.> Assuming Mopa starts small (say Rs 500 crores) , this "inflation" is what will happen as it grows over the next decade or so. Responsiveness to growing traffic (in conjunction with Dabolim) will be at a premium. Scale at start-up and modularity of design for expansion purposes will be the key parameters. Ultimately these will determine the type of partner to be chosen for Mopa, someone who is in for the long haul in Goa's interests (of which Dabolim civil enclave is an integral part) and not just to make a quick buck at Goa's expense (i.e.of its residents and visitors) 3.<Emphasising the necessity to convince public and industry leaders on a one airport concept, Brunner said the City will lose out on air traffic if the old airport is opened.> This (one-airport concept) must NOT happen in Goa. Dabolim civil enclave must continue with all its limitations. Mopa must play second fiddle (but not in a technological and functional way) for as long as it takes before emerging in its own right via natural growth as Goa's primary airport a couple of decades down the line. This is all commonsense to achieve a win-win outcome, not rocket science as some venerable goanetters would have people believe for reasons best known to themselves. Dominus vobiscum. .
