The project was stuck for 15-20 years and did not find its way forward other than just being talked about. Given Goa’s place on the world map as a tourist destination, Parrikar had realised that the State was in need of its own airport
The days of considering Pernem taluka as backward are far behind us. The Siolim-Chopdem bridge opened a whole different world of opportunities for the region and the taluka whose borders are shared with neighbouring Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district has picked up a considerable pace in development. The inauguration of Mopa International Airport marks the full circle moment of that very development. Needless to say, the Pernem’s development, for better or worse, cannot be stopped by anyone anymore.
The State government had realised the need for another airport, however, it did not receive the required cooperation from the Central government. The runway for the same became clear after BJP secured a majority in 2014 Lok Sabha polls and the flight to develop this airport finally took off. Since the Dabolim Airport’ s runway is relatively small, the long-distance flights could neither land nor take-off here. Which is why despite having the international status, Dabolim never earned a reputable place in the map of world’s air traffic. This was one of the reasons why Goa needed another airport which could handle aircraft as big as Dreamliner, which are considered as standard when it comes to passenger safety. Parrikar was firm on building an airport at Mopa and handed over the charge to Suresh Shanbhogue. Shanbhogue took the responsibility with equal seriousness. The charge of Dabolim Airport is with the Navy and facilitates landings of civil aircraft. There used to be a similar arrangement at Indian Air Force’s Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, however, it ceased all its commercial operations once the new Rajiv Gandhi International Airport was opened in 2008.
Interestingly, the GMR company which developed the Mopa Airport is the same company behind the airport in Hyderabad. All in all, the Manohar International Airport will give a major boost to Goa’s economy that is for sure. Dabolim was connected to only 15 air stations while Mopa extended its services to 35. Since most of those stations are international, Mopa will serve as a preferred airport over Dabolim not only by Goans but also by locals from Sindhudurg, Belgaum and Karwar. The visitors from all over the world will be able to land directly in North Goa. Thanks to Mopa, tourists with high purchasing power will now visit the State as the new airport will be able to accommodate Dreamliner category aircraft. It goes without saying that the number of visitors will increase exponentially as the Mopa Airport’s passenger handling capacity is three times more than the Dabolim Airport. More visitors means more demand for tourism services which will hopefully lead to more employment opportunities. This should strengthen the local economy. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have developed facilities for religious tourism and they are clearly benefitted from it. It has proven to be so beneficial that some of the tourist spots in those states has leapfrogged Goa. There was a need to connect Goa with major cities of the country and the world through airways and now that need has been met.
Some were questioning the need for two airports in a State as small as Goa, but given the rise in influx of tourists every season, it was severely needed. Around 1,200 people have received direct employment at the Airport while the chances of indirect employment opportunities are even higher. The then Minister of Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu had also mentioned about the Cargo Hub and if that becomes a reality, the number of job opportunities will only increase further. It also goes without saying that the amount of turnover through the cargo sector would be far greater.
The government is also developing an entertainment sector in the airport region and if they subtract certain things opposed by the locals, then people will welcome their decisions more openly. In the end, anything that is developed around Mopa will have a great value and can be used to the benefit of the locals. There are many businesses based in Goa which are export oriented and they have to rely on Mumbai airport to conduct their trade. The goods transportation services at Dabolim is limited while the goods storage is non-existent.
The Manohar International Airport has gigantic goods handling capacity of a staggering 25,000 metric tonnes. More importantly, Mopa airport is equipped with storage facility. There is also provision to develop cold houses which will be helpful to store and export anything from vegetables, fruits to even flowers.
The government has a direct claim to the share of revenue generated from the airport and there is no doubt that it will become a major source of income for the authorities for years to come.
