Navy approves Verna-Dabolim flyover works with pillar height tweaks

Vasco: The Indian Navy has granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the construction of Verna-Dabolim Airport flyover, provided the height of 17 pillars is reduced. Works were halted two months ago due to objections from the Navy.

The height of the pillars from the MES College junction to Alto-Dabolim will be reduced due to obstacle limitation surface (OLS) violations and alleged encroachment into the airport’s critical funnel zone. The project faced challenges as the pillars exceeded the height limits prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization, risking the operations of the Dabolim airport.

“The heights of the 17 flyover pillars coming under OLS will be reduced. Certainly, the project's cost will also be reduced,” said Dabolim MLA and transport minister Mauvin Godinho.

“The issue was amicably resolved with the intervention of the Indian Navy, NHAI and AAI,” said Godinho.

He said some politicians with vested interests and activists have spread negative publicity about the project.

“The issue was also politicised, alleging that the govt is trying to stop operations at Dabolim airport. We cannot object to national projects which benefit the people,” he said.

He thanked the Indian Navy for addressing the issue and said Dabolim airport is preferred due to its central location.