MADC Seeks Consultant For Vadhavan Offshore Airport Study

The Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADC) has invited bids to appoint a technical consultant for preparing a Detailed Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS) for the proposed Vadhavan Offshore Airport in Palghar district.

The proposed airport is planned near Kore in the Vadhavan Port region and is envisioned as India's first greenfield offshore international airport, to be developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The airport has been proposed to meet the region's long-term aviation needs as passenger traffic in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region continues to grow. MADC said the project is intended to augment airport capacity in the coming decades while leveraging the strategic location of Vadhavan Port to create an integrated network linking air, sea, rail and road transport.

The proposed offshore airport will be developed in phases and is planned to eventually handle around 90 million passengers annually. It will be designed to ICAO Aerodrome Code 4F standards, featuring precision approach capabilities initially under CAT II with provision for upgradation to CAT III, a parallel runway system, full-length parallel taxiways, modern passenger terminals, cargo and logistics facilities, integrated city-side development and supporting aviation infrastructure.

Unlike conventional airports, the project is proposed on reclaimed land and will involve extensive marine engineering, offshore reclamation, coastal protection and maritime infrastructure works. MADC said it has already completed a pre-feasibility study, which identified Kore Beach in Palghar district as the most suitable location for the airport.

An Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Survey has also been conducted, and the Government of Maharashtra has approved the identified site. However, the tender document states that if the proposed site is not approved by any statutory or competent authority, the selected consultant will be required to undertake a fresh pre-feasibility study and OLS survey for an alternative location at its own cost, without any additional financial liability on MADC.

The selected consultant will prepare the detailed techno-economic feasibility report and undertake related studies covering marine engineering, offshore reclamation, airspace integration, environmental clearances, road, rail and sea connectivity, financial structuring, bid process management and obtaining statutory approvals until the selection of a private concessionaire under the PPP model.

As part of the assignment, the consultant will also conduct stakeholder consultations and prepare a report on the social and environmental impact of the project. The development of the Vadhavan Offshore Airport is a significant step towards meeting the growing aviation needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The project is expected to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Vadhavan Offshore Airport is poised to become a major aviation hub in India.

In conclusion, the proposed Vadhavan Offshore Airport is a crucial infrastructure project that will play a vital role in shaping the future of aviation in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The selection of a technical consultant for the project is a significant step towards making this vision a reality.

The MADC's initiative to develop the Vadhavan Offshore Airport is a testament to the government's commitment to improving the region's infrastructure and promoting economic growth. As the project moves forward, it is expected to have a positive impact on the local community and the economy as a whole.