Mumbai: Allaying fears that potential bidders were considering withdrawing from the Navi Mumbai International Airport project because pre-development, site preparation and rehabilitation work was incomplete, City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) Managing Director Bhushan Gagrani said that the company was hopeful of having at least three bids by the February 13 deadline.
The Hindu had reported on January 4 that GMR Airport Ltd and MIA Infrastructure (a joint venture of Tata Realty and Vinci Concessions of France) had raised worries about the project and the resettlement plans.
“We gave a written reply to all four bidders explaining everything in detail,” Mr. Gagrani said. “Firstly, we assured them that the entire work of rehabilitation and resettlement is CIDCO’s responsibility, and bidders need not worry about it. Secondly, no bidders will be penalised if any delay is caused. The appointed day of starting the project by the Company will start only after we give the land free of encumbrance to the PAPs [projected-affected persons].”
Mr. Gangrani said that “out of the four bidders, three bidders are in constant touch with us and we are hopeful that they will bid on February 13. It could also be possible that all four would participate.” He added that should only a single bidder coming forward, the deal will be still be closed. “The final decision will be made by the State Council but we will go ahead with closing the bid on the said date.”
Agreeing that there was apprehension in the minds of bidders, Mr. Gangrani said that doubts would have been raised as the project itself is very vast and complicated. He said that the delay in the project has been due to the necessity of following procedures, especially for the PAPs, and there was no intentional delay. “We would like to give out the message that the work of rehabilitation and resettlement [R&R]is in full process. At the latest by June end, six out of seven pockets of the land which are being used for R&R will be developed and ready for construction.” He said that the airport’s first terminal and first runway will be operational from December 2019.
A GMR Airport Ltd spokesperson said, “I cannot comment on this because we have not yet decided anything. We have apprehensions and so we will take a decision on bidding only few days before the last date.”
Relocation of villages
Navi Mumbai International Airport requires the re-location of 10 villages — Chinchpada, Kopar, Kolhi, Ulwe, Upper Owale, Waghivalivada, Vaghivali, Ganeshpuri, Targhar and Kombadbhuje — with approximately 3,500 households and minor businesses. The R&R scheme includes allotment of developed plots of size equal to triple the current roof area occupied, with 1.5 floor space index, construction aid cost of ₹1000 per sq. ft., and 18 months of rental money at the rate of ₹18000 per month (to be given as a lump sum) so that the PAPs can construct new buildings at their plots. CIDCO has allotted seven pockets for R& R, the first three at Vadghar, the next three at Vahal, and a seventh in Kundevahal. CIDCO has also provided nine plots for schools and four plots for urban health centres.
