Tanaji Satre, managing director of Cidco, talks to HT about how the agency will clear all hurdles, and when work on the airport will finally begin.
 
The chief minister recently asked Cidco to resolve grievance of Project-Affect People (PAP) from earlier projects, before the government finalises the compensation package for the new airport. Is the airport no longer a priority for the state?
The CM asked us to sort out land compensation issues for both — previous projects and the proposed international airport — simultaneously. We anticipate that these issues will be resolved soon. The CM, in fact, asked us to hold an informal meeting with PAPs and sort out a compensation deal as soon as possible.

What clearances does Cidco now need for the proposed airport?
We have received all required clearances, except for a final approval for forest clearance from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF). We are likely to get this nod soon.
 
When will the actual work start?
We have submitted the RFQ to the Project Monitoring and Implementation Committee, which is being scrutinised. Once approved, we will invite tenders for the development of the airport. We expect the actual construction to start in a year’s time.