This excellent article by Rahul Basu gave a realistic picture about MOPA that
could mean gloom and doom for Goa if this huge project backfires.Evaluating
these future traffic projections, if these are represented graphically, a 3.5m
to 28m would represent an 8 fold traffic increase in simple terms! Analysing
the last 10 years figures and extrapolating this data till 2035, is this really
achievable even then? Most likely not. So, MOPA could easily become a white
elephant project if it does not attain a critical traffic level requirement
when it starts operating.The world economy - its cyclic recessions,
deterioration in foreign traveler’s budgets due to pensions and savings
problems – also would have an effect on (overseas component) traffic
projections. Goa too is not a guaranteed touristic destination in the future,
worldwide competition is intense and tourists always seek better deals and
options. Recent rapes, murders, drugs, Mafia, high crime in Goa does not help
the case…The Indian economy depends upon a lot of work outsourced from the
West. If this work dries up, there would be less inflow of foreign revenues.
The high domestic output cannot sustain itself in twenty years times. Hence
even domestic air travel might not increase to unrealistic levels in the future
due to economic corrections – when a developing economy attains ‘developed’
status.MOPA also needs to be a main hub for some major airline(s) to stamp its
mark in the highly competitive airport market. Airlines too have to balance the
books between fuel efficient aircraft and fuel costs. The trend now seems to be
for wide bodied aircraft. Would MOPA be able to accommodate A350’s A380’s and
Dreamliners? Considering these being fuel efficient, would the high costs
transportation of aircraft fuel to an isolated MOPA be sold at competitive
rates? Who can guarantee that?Having worked at architectural/construction
management level role in large airport projects in the UK, I cannot emphasize
enough the need to careful study, plan, design and finally build it based on
real figures based on real data.So far, all MOPA projections are based on
cuckooland data. And hope! JMOPA airport project would not mean just the
airport building itself. One would also need to take into consideration the
seamless interface with the associated infrastructure thrown into the equation:
roads, bridges, rail, retail, hospitality, etc.Even if that whole
infrastructure is built around MOPA, what would be the impact on the
environment and also on existing tourist infrastructure elsewhere in Goa far
away from MOPA? Who has accessed it properly? And what about that long journey
for the tired overseas tourist, who, after having had a long trip, would be
expected to make yet another long journey from MOPA to anywhere they need to go
to?ICAO's report needs to be carefully studied by a panel of air industry
specialists and Dabolim needs to be looked at again – with the Navy possibly
making its long overdue exit. Goa is too small to cater for two major airports.
Period. A wrong decision could potentially mean a huge economic disaster that
Goa can hardly afford.I sincerely hope these irresponsible ministers involved
in the decision making start putting their electoral and financial
‘projections’ aside, and instead start thinking of better ways to improve life
in Goa. Stepping aside and making room for newer, fresh blood into Goan
politics could be a good start too. It is a part of the evolution process. Kind
regards,Joao Paulo Cota
NB: Remember that Goan minister in the 1980's who went some place (Singapore I
think) and saw traffic lights for the first time in his life? As soon as he had
returned back to Goa, he made sure there were traffic lights all over Panjim
literally overnight. Result? Total gridlock across Panjim. This is the result
when you have irresponsible people in power unqualified to make proper
decisions involving public money. Money that is not theirs to waste.
