Mumbai port to develop alternate helibase

Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) is planning to develop an alternate helibase at the dock premises to assist oil companies in their exploration activities.

"Mumbai port is seriously considering the idea of developing an alternate helibase for assisting oil companies as they are now depending only on the helibase at Juhu,"said Ashok Kumar Bal, deputy chairman, MbPT.Bal, while speaking at the sidelines of commissioning of search and rescue (sar) helicopter, said the port authorities are examining various sites for constructing helibase considering the user and technical perspective.

"The proposed helibase will be out of the docks at the port. The idea of alternate helibase is at its preliminary stage. We need to appoint a consultant to conduct feasibility study," he said.

Asked about the cost of construction, he said the capital outlay for the project would be very less as the helibase would be constructed in a limited fashion.

"Mumbai port is also giving logistics support to oil companies including Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Reliance Industries, British Gas and Cairn Energy in their exploration activities," Bal added.