Navi Mumbai airport moves closer to reality as govt okays bids

The Centre today gave an in-principle approval for financial bids or request for proposals (RPF) for the much-delayed Rs 15,000-crore Navi Mumbai International airport

Mumbai: The Centre today gave an in-principle approval for financial bids or request for proposals (RPF) for the much-delayed Rs 15,000-crore Navi Mumbai International airport.

At a meeting held with the authorities of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) in New Delhi, the aviation ministry gave its in-principle approval for the RFPs which will be soon shared with the four bidders shortlisted for the project, according to official sources.

CIDCO had invited the global tenders for request for qualification (RFQ) on February 5, 2014. It received nine bids out of which four have been shortlisted.

The four companies include GMR Group, the GVK-led MIAL (which has the first right of refusal), Hiranandani Developers along with Zurich Airport and Mia Infrastructure with Tata Realty and Infrastructure.

The bidders will have to submit the financial bids by April end, and the developer is expected to be selected later within 2-3 months, a CIDCO official said.

The government intends to start the first flight from the airport in 2019.

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