Dabolim airport will continue despite Mopa: CM

Panaji, Aug 18 (UNI) Allaying apprehensions of both the ruling and opposition members, Chief Minister Digambar kamat told the state Legislative Assembly that the existing international airport at Dabolim in South Goa would continue to operate even after the greenfield airport at Mopa in North Goa comes into being.

Replying to general debate on budgetary demands, the Chief Minister said Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel would visit Goa for laying foundation stone for a new international terminal at Dabolim after the project was cleared by the Public Sector Enterprises Board within two months.

The airport would be expanded and further strengthened at an estimated Rs 450 crores to meet the increasing demand of the tourists, both domestic and foreign.

Dabolim would continue to exist even after Mopa airport comes into force. No MoU with the Centre is necessary for the purpose like in case of Bangalore and Hyderabad where old airports were closed after the greenfield airports were opened, he added.

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