Mumbai

The work on the international airport at Navi Mumbai would start by October and flight operations are expected to begin in 2019, the Maharashtra Assembly was informed today.

Also, a feasibility study is underway on having a metro network along the proposed coastal road in Mumbai, the Lower House was told.

“The tender process would be completed by May this year and the work on the (airport) project would start by October 2015,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

The Navi Mumbai International Airport would start operations in 2019, said Fadnavis, who also handles the Urban Development Department.

Replying to a debate on the budgetary demands of the Urban Development Department, he said the coastal road project, if implemented, can decongest Mumbai.

“We are vigorously pursuing the matter with the Centre and trying to get CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) approvals. We are also studying, with help from the Netherlands Government, if a metro network along the coastal road is feasible,” he said.

A new TDR (transfer of development rights) policy would be introduced soon to make it easier to acquire land for public amenities, the Chief Minister said.

TDR is a vital tool of construction rights given to builders.

Speaking about homes for mill workers, he said plots earmarked for them are too small in size and hence they would be swapped for larger areas under the control of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Fadnavis also announced the formation of Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) on the lines of the similar agency existing for Mumbai.

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