The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited bids for the development of a helipad at the Worli jetty along the Mumbai Coastal Road (South), to be executed through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. Designed to accommodate medium-class helicopters, the proposed helipad is intended to support medical and emergency evacuations, coastal surveillance operations, and VVIP and VIP movement.
Under the proposed revenue-sharing framework, the private entity selected for the project will be required to pay the civic body a fixed monthly revenue of Rs 1 lakh, in addition to sharing a percentage of earnings generated from helicopter take-off and landing operations. Civic officials said the model is structured to attract private participation while ensuring a steady revenue stream for the BMC.
“We are expecting a lot of private parties to use the Worli Jetty helipad for their requirements and accordingly, we have fixed the monthly revenue and a percentage of revenue from helicopter landing and take-off movements,” said a civic official.
According to the tender document, the helipad’s purpose extends beyond commercial use. It aims to improve connectivity for MEDEVAC and emergency evacuations, support national security activities such as coastal surveillance, drills and patrolling, assist national disaster relief forces during natural calamities, facilitate VVIP and VIP movements, and serve other activities in the interest of public and government agencies.
The selected developer will also be responsible for incorporating aesthetic design elements to enhance the visual appeal of the Worli jetty area and ensure seamless integration with the coastal road infrastructure. Additionally, the firm must prepare detailed architectural and engineering designs for the helipad and its associated facilities, ensuring compliance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, and other statutory aviation requirements.
The scope of work includes the creation of designated landing and take-off zones, the installation of lighting and navigation aids, and the development of supporting infrastructure, such as safety systems, fire-fighting facilities, ground handling arrangements, and fueling infrastructure. The PPP concession period has been set at 15 years, with an option to extend it by another 15 years on mutually agreed terms.
Earlier, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay had submitted a report certifying the structural stability of the Worli jetty for the proposed helipad development.
