Mumbai: The BMC has invited bids for the development of a helipad at the Worli jetty along the Mumbai Coastal Road (South) on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis. The helipad, which will be able to accomodate medium class helicopters, is expected to be used for medical/emergency evacuation, besides coastal surveillance, and VIP movement. The firm appointed for the development of the helipad is expected to share revenue from take off and landing operations. According to civic officials, as the PPP is based on a revenue-sharing model, a fixed monthly revenue of Rs 1 lakh has to be given to BMC, besides a percentage of revenue from helicopter landing and take off movements. “We are expecting a lot of private parties to use the Worli Jetty helipad for their requirements and accordingly, we have fixed the monthly revenue and a percentage of revenue from helicopter landing and take off movements,” said a civic official. The tender document stated that the purpose of the Worli Jetty Helipad is to create better connectivity for supporting and facilitating MEDEVAC/emergency evacuation, support and facilitate national security activities such as coastal surveillance, exercises, and patrolling, support national disaster relief forces during natural calamities, support VVIP/VIP movements and any other such activity in the interest of public or government agencies. According to the civic body, the firm entering into the PPP with BMC is expected to incorporate aesthetic elements to beautify the Worli Jetty area, enhancing the public view and integrating with the coastal road infrastructure, besides prepare detailed architectural and engineering designs for the helipad and associated facilities and ensure compliance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, and other statutory aviation requirements. Development of proper landing / take-off zones, lighting, and navigation aids, besides supporting infrastructure, safety and fire-fighting systems, ground handling and fueling facilities, will be part of the project. The PPP will be for a period of 15 years, extendable for the period of further 15 years on mutually agreed terms.Earlier, IIT-Bombay had submitted a report certifying the structural stability of the jetty for development of the helipad.
