Bengaluru-based GMR Airports, a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure, on Tuesday signed a concession agreement with Goa government to develop and operate greenfield airport project at Mopa in North Goa.
State Chief Minister Laxmikant Parskear was present for the event during which the government and GMR Airports formally signed an agreement to design, build, finance and operate the international airport for 40 years with the extension option for another 20 years.
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by financial year 2019-20.
"GMR is proud to be associated with the new airport. I am sure this airport is going to create new landmarks in terms of performance," said Srinivas Bommidala, Chairman-Airports, GMR Group.
The company has a track record of sticking to the deadlines, he said, adding that the Mopa airport will be completed in time.
"If you see the track record of GMR group, we have built Istanbul aiport in 18 months, Delhi airport in 36 months and we are sure to deliver this in time," he said.
Bommidala said that there should not be worries about the feasibility of this airport.
"We will wait and see...Once the traffic grows there will be no issues with the viability of the airport. Across the country there is 16-18 per cent growth in the airport traffic," he said.
He also said that Mopa airport can sustain despite it being the second facility after Dabolim airport in the state.
"There are so many two airport systems in this world but actually we will have to wait and see...Considering the constraint that is at Dabolim certainly the new growth has to come to Mopa," he commented.
He said that the opposition of few people to the greenfield airport at Mopa is unwarranted as economic benefits associated with the airport project would also benefit locals."
"If you see Delhi airport we have got contribution to state GDP by 11 per cent, millions of jobs are created, direct and indirect way. All airports are like economic engines. Most of the cities are generated around airport it is going to help people at large," Bommidala added.
Bommidala said GMR Group has already delivered landmark airport assets for the country and worldwide airports have been the economic engine of the Country/Region, and Delhi Airport has tremendously boosted not only the India s economy but also the Delhi State economy.
"Goa is the marquee beach tourist destination of India. Given our vast experience in the airport space, we are confident that we will deliver an airport which not only reflects the rich cultural heritage & ethos of Goa but also augments Goa s standing as the leading tourist destination of choice in Asia while boosting jobs for the local community and bringing economic benefits to the state of Goa," he said.
In August, 2016, GMR Group won the project through international competitive bidding with Airports Authority of India emerging as the second highest bidder followed by the Essel Infra-Incheon consortium.
The project will operate on hybrid till model with 30 per cent cross subsidy. The concession offers 232 acres of land for commercial city side development for a period of 60 years.
GMR Group owns and operates Delhi International Airport and Hyderabad International airport in India and in partnership with Megawide Construction Corporation, it is also developing Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in the Philippines.
Recently, GAL submitted a bid along with its partner GEK Terna Group of Greece for the Development, Operations and Management of New International Airport of Heraklion at Crete Island, Greece.
(PTI)
