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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Bedi-assures-parallel-taxiway-for-Dabolim-/articleshow/4368474.cms
Bedi assures parallel taxiway for Dabolim
7 Apr 2009
Arvind Tengse

MARGAO: While the Navy will not transfer land to the Airports Authority of India at Dabolim airport, it will sign an MOU with AAI to construct a
parallel taxiway for which AAI has, in principle, agreed to invest. This was revealed by Vice Admiral JJ Bedi, commander-in-chief, Western Naval Command.

Bedi also said that the Navy was in dialogue with AAI and that the modalities were being worked out. AAI has in principle agreed to fund the project though land would continue to belong to the Navy.

The parallel taxiway will help faster and easier use of the main airfield reducing aircraft turnaround time. Bedi further said that work would commence only after AAI and the Navy sign a memorandum of understanding.

Bedi was speaking after inaugurating the first of three hangars and other facilities to train pilots for MIG 29K , which are to be inducted into the Navy shortly. A total of Rs 30.25 crore will be invested for the infrastructure.

MIG 29K is a variant of MIG 29, which can also operate from an aircraft carrier, said Bedi.

While the base of the MIG 29K will be Hansa, Goa, whenever required the MIG 29K will embark from the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya.

The navy expects the first four MIG 29K aircraft by the middle of this year and naval staff is currently in Russia undergoing training.

Speaking on the recent Kamov28 accident Bedi said that the helicopter wreck had been located about 200 feet below the sea level and efforts were on to retrieve it. It is expected to be brought to shore in the first week of May after which the board of enquiry will be able to analyze the engine and the cause of the crash.