The calculation and collection of revenue from the Manohar International Airport will officially commence in December, as announced by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the assembly on Monday. This development follows an extended revenue collection holiday caused by delays in completing phase I of the airport due to litigation and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revenue Collection Schedule and State Share
Responding to questions from Goa Forward Party (GFP) MLA Vijai Sardesai, Chief Minister Sawant clarified that the delay in project completion and revenue collection was a result of factors beyond the control of both the concessionaire and the government. The revenue collection is now scheduled to start after December 7, 2024. The state’s share of the profit from the airport’s operations will be set at 36.99 percent.
Sawant mentioned that the Civil Aviation Department will collaborate with the airport’s audit department to determine the state’s revenue share accurately. This step is crucial for ensuring proper financial management and transparency regarding the state’s earnings from the airport.
MLA Vijai Sardesai had raised concerns regarding the delay in revenue collection from the GMR Goa International Airport (GGAIL), which manages Manohar International Airport. The airport began domestic operations on January 5, 2023. Sardesai alleged that the state cabinet’s decision to extend the revenue-sharing deadline to December 2024 had resulted in a significant loss of Rs 207 crore to the state exchequer.
Environmental Compliance Issues
Sardesai also accused GGAIL of failing to meet environmental clearance conditions, particularly regarding the development of a 33 percent green belt by planting local species of plants. The chief minister assured that the matter would be investigated further to address these environmental concerns.