State authorities seem to be expediting the work on the Navi Mumbai International Airport, with various government departments kicking off parallel works from their side even though some clearances are still to be obtained. The Maharashtra Electrici-ty Transmission Comp-any Limited (Mahatran-sco) has undertaken a “route survey” to shift tall electricity poles to other suitable locations. This is following a meeting between officials of the City Industrial Developme-nt Corporation (Cidco) and Mahatransco.
There are around six to seven towers over 30 metres in height carrying heavy transmission lines passing through the designated field where the airport is proposed. The towers go into Kalyan, Raigad and other areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Mahatransco chief engineer for the Vashi circle P.R. Devre said preliminary meetings have already been held and the authority is working out the technicalities. “We first have to decide the new route for the towers and then scout for land. Electricity distribution won’t be affected, as we will first construct the new towers keeping the older ones running,” he said.
Authorities, however, said due to delays due to land acquisition issues, the first phase of the project won’t be ready until 2017.