The Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADC) has initiated the process of appointing a technical consultant to conduct a Detailed Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS) and related assessments for the proposed Vadhavan Offshore Airport in Palghar district. The move marks a significant step towards developing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s (MMR) third airport to cater to future aviation demand.
As per the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) issued by MADC, the consultant will be responsible for preparing a comprehensive feasibility report and carrying out multiple studies required for the proposed airport. The project is planned near Kore in the Vadhavan Port area and is envisioned as India’s first greenfield offshore international airport to be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The proposed airport aims to address the rising passenger and cargo traffic requirements of the MMR in the coming decades. MADC stated that the airport will help expand aviation capacity while creating an integrated transportation network connecting air, sea, rail and road infrastructure through its strategic location near Vadhavan Port.
Planned to be developed in phases, the airport is expected to eventually handle nearly 90 million passengers annually. It will be designed according to ICAO Aerodrome Code 4F standards and will include a parallel runway system, full-length parallel taxiways, advanced passenger terminals, cargo facilities, logistics infrastructure, city-side development and other aviation support facilities.
Unlike traditional airport projects, the Vadhavan facility will be constructed on reclaimed land, requiring extensive offshore engineering, marine works, coastal protection measures and maritime infrastructure development.
MADC stated that a pre-feasibility study has already been completed, identifying Kore Beach in Palghar as the most suitable location for the airport. An Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Survey has also been carried out, and the Maharashtra government has approved the proposed site.
The appointed consultant will also undertake studies related to environmental clearances, airspace integration, connectivity planning, financial structuring, bid management and obtaining necessary statutory approvals until the selection of a private concessionaire.
The consultant will further engage with airlines, cargo operators and aviation stakeholders to evaluate passenger projections and assess future route development opportunities.
According to the tender timeline, bid documents became available from July 30. The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for August 17, with online submissions opening on August 20 and closing on September 2 at 3 pm. The tender requires an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of Rs 50 lakh.
The airport is expected to complement the upcoming Vadhavan Port and strengthen the region’s long-term aviation and logistics ecosystem.
Source: The Free Press Journal
