The ambitious Multi Modal International Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project, which was to place the city on the world map with an air cargo hub, special economic zone and integrated townships, has been delayed.

The Chief Minister, Mr Prithviraj Chavan, told the State Assembly on Wednesday that a number of companies had backed out of the proposed SEZ following the slowdown that hit the global economy in 2008. Efforts are on to revive the project with the help of the Centre, he added.

The project, spread over 4,454 hectares is being developed by Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd. The initials plan of the company were to expand the existing runway at the Nagpur airport and add a second runway for future cargo movement.

Ambitious plans

A new terminal building of three million sq ft size plus a SEZ of over 2,086 hectares was planned. IT parks, dedicated power plants, rail and road terminal and international schools were also a part of the plan.

Mr Chavan said that there was a difference in what was claimed at the inception of the project and what was achieved.

He said a new resettlement package for the project-affected persons, who lost land to the project, would be announced soon and a decision to provide ex-gratia to the project affected people (PAP) would be taken at the earliest.

There were three proposals for resettlement package but the Urban Development department has ruled out giving enhanced Transfer and Development Rights and 12.5 per cent of the developed land back to the PAP. Therefore, increased financial compensation is the only solution, Mr Chavan said.

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