AAI seeks change in rule for development of Juhu airport

The Airport Authority of India has sought the state government’s help for changes in the development control rule (DCR) to lift the reservation of a general park on the plot to be utilised for the development of Juhu airport. HT reports.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has sought the state government’s help for changes in the development control rule (DCR) to lift the reservation of a general park on the plot to be utilised for the development of Juhu airport.

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After the civil aviation ministry’s approval for Rs 2,000 crore development plan recently, the AAI approached the state government on Monday to discuss three issues with chief secretary JK Banthia.

It sought changes in the DCR so that the reservation of a general park on the airport land could be lifted for development.

It requested the government to amend clause 37(a) of MRTP Act 1960 for the same. It also proposed two underpasses to facilitate vehicular movement which is likely to be affected due to the runway expansion.

The authority clarified that that part of the runway, which is expected to be extended by 800 metres in the sea, would not clash with the proposed coastal road. The existing runway is 1,143 metres long.

Additional chief secretary PS Meena said the development of the airport would help in easing traffic congestion at the Mumbai airport to some extent as smaller airplanes could be operated from Juhu.

Since part of the airport is encroached by shanties, AAI sought the government’s help in removing them and rehabilitating the people. He said the government was positive about the support to the project.

The project is expected to be completed in 20 months after construction starts.