The state government of Goa has informed the law enabling development authority to create an outline for the development plan (ODP) for the newly opened MOPA airport in the city. This plan should include the proposed Aerocity, that is likely to come up close to the airport. This ODP is necessary as its clauses will guide the state to identify construction plans and demarcate the same for the approval of construction plans around the greenfield project. These construction plans also include real estate projects, which makes the news exciting for the key real estate players in the city.

In the winter session of the legislative assembly, the state government had already come up with certain amendments. It was only recently that the amended plan was notified to the concerned authorities.

The director of civil aviation stated that that the MOPA Planning and Development Authority will be entrusted with the responsibility of coming up with the outline for development plan. This concerns the area that lies within the jurisdiction of the body. This should be in line with the concession agreement, and the approval from the government will be awaited for the same.

It was back in November 2016 that the GMR Goa International Airport Limited and the government of Goa signed the concession agreement. This was regarding the greenfield airport development, which eventually was completed recently. This project was to be developed on the basis of a private-public partnership.

As a result of the amendments that have taken place, the government is empowered to get the MPDA board reconstituted by looping in the financial secretary and the chief secretary. The MPDA, as a result of the amendments, is also empowered to appoint personal staff for the post of the chairperson, who happens to be the chief minister. The authority is supposed to use its own funds while making expenses such as the payment of the salary of its staff.

These changes are about to bring about positive changes in the real estate sector in the state.