Augusto Rodrigues
DABOLIM, VASCO: In a huge relief for those fighting to keep Dabolim airport relevant and operational for civilian flights, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has agreed to reduce the height of the pillars of the upcoming flyover that had encroached into the airport’s critical funnel zone. The decision follows a high-level meeting between senior naval officers and an NHAI official who flew in from Mumbai to address the matter.
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According to a senior Navy official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the NHAI presented three revised proposals in response to objections raised by the Indian Navy regarding violations of international aviation safety norms. “The NHAI came forward with three proposals based on the objections raised by us, and since they addressed our apprehensions, we issued the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the work,” the official confirmed.
The controversy began when it was discovered that flyover pillars had been constructed within the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS), exceeding the height limits prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), raising safety concerns and putting the airport’s operations at risk.
Following consultations, the NHAI admitted that the pillars in question breached the height restrictions and agreed to modify the structures. “The design of the highway is going to be amended, and the pillar heights will be reduced to within permissible limits in the funnel zone,” a senior naval officer stated.
Additionally, the NHAI, which had earlier sought land from the Navy for the revised construction, informed the Navy that they have now approached the Goa government instead. “They assured us that land will be provided by the state, and Navy land will no longer be required,” the officer added.
NHAI sources confirmed the highway will be realigned based on the revised plan. “The Navy has issued the NOC based on the assurances provided,” a senior NHAI representative stated.
Retired Naval Commandant Atul Pant, who initially raised the matter in the Goa Bench of the Mumbai High Court, called it a “win-win situation” for all stakeholders.
“Locals will no longer face flight safety risks, the Navy’s concerns are addressed, and NHAI can continue the project with slight modifications,” he said.
For many Vasco residents, the outcome brings relief and renewed hope for the airport’s future. “There were fears that Dabolim might shut permanently after Mopa began operations. This is good news after a long time,” said Chetan Kamat, president of the Goa Taxi Drivers Association.
However, some locals expressed concern over the financial implications. Vasco resident Sanjay Redkar criticised the unauthorized construction and called for accountability. “This will lead to a huge loss for both central and state governments. The responsible officials, especially the NHAI project director, must be held accountable,” he said.
