Runway safety project delayed by govt deadlock over land acquisition at MIA
Mangaluru: The construction of the 'runway basic strip area' at Mangaluru International Airport(MIA) has not gained traction due to the administrative impasse between the Karnataka govt and the Union govt.
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They are passing the buck on who will fund the land acquisition for the project.
Fifteen years after the devastating Air India Express crash that killed 158 people, a crucial plan remains largely unimplemented. This essential buffer zone, a key recommendation following the 2010 disaster, requires 33 acres of additional land, which the Airports Authority of India (AAI) sought since 2015-16. An administrative deadlock persists between the AAI and the Karnataka govt, with the state arguing that the private airport operator should fund the land acquisition.
While improvements like runway resurfacing and partial runway end safety areas (RESA) were completed, the full safety strip is the need of the hour at the runway. This ongoing impasse leaves thousands of passengers vulnerable every day to the same risks that led to the 2010 tragedy. The construction of the safety basic strip was a key recommendation in the report of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after the investigation of the crash.
Dakshina Kannada additional DC Santhosh Kumar G, quoting a letter to the state govt in Feb 2024, as per land value in 2018, it was decided to give Rs 35 lakh per acre; however, in 2023-24, the value went up. Besides, 28 landowners have also sought a one-time rehabilitation package estimated at around Rs 7.8 crore. "In total, both land acquisition and the rehabilitation package would cost the govt exchequer a total of Rs 45 to Rs 50 crore," the letter stated.
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A few months ago, MP Capt Brijesh Chowta raised the issue of land acquisition in Parliament, seeking intervention of Union minister for civil aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu to enable a dialogue between all concerned authorities to clear the bottlenecks. "After talks, AAI has given a green signal that will help take the process forward. Besides, I have held talks with officials from the infrastructure development ports and inland water transport department to expedite the process.
If they start the land acquisition process, the Centre will extend full support," said Chowta.
Hephsiba Rani Korlapati, additional secretary to government, infrastructure development ports and inland water transport department, declined to comment.
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