Navi Mumbai airport project clears final hurdle

The Centre on Monday cleared the way for the proposed Greenfield Navi Mumbai international airport by amending environment and coastal regulation zone (CRZ) rules.

"The environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) issues which had so far hindered the project, have been cleared by the government," T C Benjamin, principal secretary in the state government's urban development department, said.

Work on the project, to be located between Kharghar and Panvel, will be taken up on a time-bound basis. Basic infrastructure for the project is expected to be ready by 2013, he said.

Part of the 2,100 hectares earmarked for the airport falls in CRZ I, II, III areas and work of filling the the creek, which was hindered by CRZ rule, can now start with the amendment.

The CRZ notification issued by the union environment and forest ministry was amended on Monday, while the project has already been cleared by the union cabinet and the state government.

The consultants appointed by the implementing authority CIDCO, has already submitted its report and the final report will be ready by August-end.

Tenders for selection of the developer will be prepared by 30 September. Bids submitted by interested parties will be taken up on 15 February 2010 and the developer shortlisted on 31 March.

The signing of the agreement and laying of foundation stone for the project will be done in April- May 2010. Basic facilities at the airport are expected to be ready in September-October 2013.

GVK Industries, which now operates the Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) through the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), will have the first right of refusal if their bid is within 10 per cent of the winning bid.