MADC Seeks Consultant for Vadhavan Offshore Airport Techno-Economic Study
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has invited bids for a detailed techno-economic feasibility study for the proposed Vadhavan Offshore Airport in Palghar district. This marks progress towards developing Mumbai Metropolitan Region's third airport, which is envisioned as India's first greenfield offshore international airport.
Background
The Vadhavan Offshore Airport is proposed near Kore in the Vadhavan Port region to meet long-term aviation needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. A pre-feasibility study identified Kore Beach as the most suitable location, and the state government has approved the site. The airport will be developed through a PPP model.
Key facts
MADC issued NIT on Thursday for a consultant to prepare Detailed Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS) for Vadhavan Offshore Airport.
Proposed near Kore in Vadhavan Port region, Palghar district; envisioned as India's first greenfield offshore international airport.
To be developed via Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Planned to eventually handle ~90 million passengers annually.
Designed to ICAO Aerodrome Code 4F standards with CAT II precision approach (upgradable to CAT III), parallel runways, full-length parallel taxiways.
Project involves reclaimed land, extensive marine engineering, offshore reclamation, coastal protection.
Pre-feasibility study completed; OLS survey conducted; state government approved site.
If site not approved by statutory authority, consultant must do fresh pre-feasibility study and OLS survey at own cost.
Consultant will cover marine engineering, environmental clearances, connectivity, financial structuring, bid process management until concessionaire selection.
Bid submission: Aug 20 to Sep 2, 2024; EMD of ₹50 lakh.
Prelims pointers
- MADC: Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited
- Vadhavan Offshore Airport: India's first greenfield offshore international airport
- ICAO Code 4F standards
- CAT II / CAT III precision approach
- PPP model
- Palghar district, Maharashtra
- Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR)
- Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS)
- Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Survey
- Notice Inviting Tender (NIT)
Mains angles
- GS3 Infrastructure: Discuss the need for new airports in metropolitan regions and challenges of offshore airport development.
- GS3 Economy: Evaluate PPP model in large infrastructure projects with reference to Vadhavan Airport.
- GS2 Government Policies: Examine the role of state agencies like MADC in regional development and aviation policy.