Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to be in Goa to lay the foundation stone for the proposed airport on November 14
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The work on the proposed greenfield airport at Mopa is all set to take off with the signing of the concession agreement between the State government and GMR Goa International Airport Limited on November 8. Signing of the agreement virtually puts GMR on the runway to construct the airport including raising of funds. Also, the company will get the right to operate the business for the next 40 years, which is extendable by another 20 years.
Speaking to media persons, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said, “We have plans to sign the concession agreement on November 8. Incidentally, the same day, my government would be completing two years in power. The agreement will be signed between the company and Government of Goa. And on behalf of the State Government, Chief Secretary will sign it.”
The Chief Minister also informed that the State Government would provide additional three compensations to the farmers whose land have been acquired for the proposed airport. In all, 580 farmers will get compensation amounting to Rs 30.8 crore.
“In the 2015-16 budget, we had announced additional compensation to the locals whose land had been acquired for the proposed greenfield airport at Mopa, and financial provision was also made for the same. They will be provided an additional amount of Rs 31 crore, which is three times more than the earlier rates,” he said.
The successful bidder for developing Mopa international airport - GMR Airport Limited - was given the letter of award on September 17.
“Within 45 days after the letter of award has been given he has to sign concession agreement. And the concessioner has to deposit Rs 62 crore as the performance security with the government. The bidder has already formed a company called GMR Goa International Airport Limited which is registered on October 14 under Companies Act,” said Parsekar.
