New Delhi: An expert panel of the union environment ministry has recommended environmental clearance for the development of the Bhogapuram international airport in Andhra Pradesh and upgradation of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai.

A total of ₹ 5,600 crore is expected to be spent on the airports. The projects were discussed during the meeting of the environment ministry’s expert appraisal committee (EAC) for infrastructure projects such as airports, ports and townships on 12 April.

The Andhra Pradesh government has envisaged a greenfield international airport near Visakhapatnam in Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. The site lies on the border of Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts. The Bhogapuram airport will decrease the air traffic load at the existing Vishakhapatnam airport.

The land for the proposed airport has already been allotted by the Andhra government. An area of 2004.52 acres (811.21 hectares) has been earmarked for project. The cost of the projects is estimated at around ₹ 2,260.73 crore. The CSR budget is 2% of the project cost which is about ₹ 45.2 crore.

Phase-I of the airport involves development of an airstrip to cater to the Airbus-A380 type of aircraft. It also involves construction of new runway with allied facilities such as terminal building, apron, apron shoulder, taxi track, runway shoulder, boundary wall, perimeter roads and parking facilities.

“After detailed deliberations, the Committee recommended the project for environmental clearance," according to the minutes of the meeting, which were reviewed by Mint.

The panel, however, stipulated that the site be adequately barricaded before construction begins. It also said ground water shall not be abstracted during the construction and operation phases. EAC also batted for water conservation measures such as rain water harvesting and usage of treated water to minimize the use of fresh water.

The expert panel also recommended environmental clearance for the upgradation of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) at Mumbai. The upgradation involves work related to passenger terminals, cargo terminals, apron expansion, taxiway extension and construction of vehicle underpass and construction of a new ATC Tower in Kalina.

The up-gradation project will be undertaken within the existing airport land. The estimated cost of the project is ₹ 3,423.55 crore.

“In view of continued rapid growth in passenger traffic, CSIA’s operational infrastructure needs to be further upgraded to serve the estimated demand of over 50 MPPA (Million Passengers Per Annum) by 2020 to sustain economic growth of Mumbai city, the financial capital of India."

CSIA will be required to serve the entire demand of Mumbai until the commencement of operations at the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Share Via