Hightime for Goa to finish new airport

There is an urgent need of a new airport in the state of Goa but unfortunately the pace of work is neither up to the mark and for this a multitude of problems are coming to the fore. This view was expressed by the Civil Aviation Minister of the Central Government Praful Patel in the recent days and it was also found that the concerned minister had taken strong exception to the Goa government’s belated strides in this regard.

To his consideration the need of a new airport in this tiny state was highly necessary and for this the Goa government would have to move very fast. The UPA government was resolute in the creation of more airports in the country to cater to the increasing need of citizens. There was no doubt that Goa had a sufficient cause in keeping the old airport in Dabolim operational and that could be discussed minutely and whenever necessary. But the progress of the new airport should start at the earliest.

It is true that the existing airport at Dabolim in Goa belongs to Indian Navy. But this old airport, in spite of being deprived, is getting busier with the passing of days since the number of flights are always on rise. To quell this growing and unbearable pressure a new airport site has already been selected at Mopa in North Goa but without any significant development yet. To Shri Patel, in the meanwhile a number of meetings were completed and now it is the time for the state government to move on. There is no doubt that this new addition can heighten the identity of Goa as a major tourist hub of India in both of national and international spheres. 

It is worthwhile to mention even a few years back there used to be 18 to 20 flights a day in the solitary airport of the state. The intensification of tourism has increased this number vehemently and the situation is almost frightening. However, from the very beginning the new Mopa airport project, destined to curb this inhuman pressure has been encircled by a lot of controversies, especially the difference between the politicians.

A number of politicians have taken strong objection on the new airport project. To them the new site is far away from the tourist attritions of South Goa and it will be of no help to the development of the state as a major tourist destination in the coming years.

It is hoped that the emergence of this airport will settle all disputes.