2 years on, Mumbai heliport project yet to take off

Mumbai: It has been over two years since the state government planned the ambitious heliport project for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). With not a single brick moving for over two years, the project seems to be in troubled waters.
As per the plan, the Urban Development Department (UDD) through the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) was to develop six heliports for ferrying civilian passengers within the MMR. Heliports at Navi Mumbai (Nerul), Nariman point, Cuff Parade and Chhatrapati Shivaji airport were to be operated on a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis.
But the project faced a roadblock when both Nariman Point and Cuff Parade heliports were ruled out after the defence ministry raised objections to it.
“After Cuff Parade and Nariman Point were rejected, we have been asked to explore Mahalaxmi Race Course as an option. However, there are several impediments in this location. The race course land was on lease with the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC). The club charges Rs5,000 for every take-off and landing.
11/07/11 Ninad Siddhaye/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Airports Jul 2011, New Jul 2011