Mumbai is to get a second airport after an agreement has been reached between environmentalists and transport officials in the Indian city.
After many months of wrangling and negotiation, the Indian government finally reached a compromise with locals who were concerned that the first set of plans would mean the loss of hundreds of trees and the need to redirect waterways.
Environment minister Jairan Ramesh told the country’s media that a set of conditions surrounding the area and its wildlife had been put in place and now work could start.
He said: “We have bargained, we have negotiated, and we have compromised. The result is an environmentally safe and ecologically sound, energy efficient international airport in Mumbai.”
Local analysts believes Navi Mumbai airport could open as soon as 2014 as there is an urgent need for more airport capacity.
At present , three times as many travellers are using Mumbai International Airport than was the case five years ago. However, this airport cannot be extended due to its urban location.
by Dinah Hatch
