Diplomatic enclave project in Airoli shelved, for now : The Times of India Mumbai:

Ten years on, a dream project to create a diplomatic enclave in Airoli by carving out a zone for embassies so as to shift their visa and other international services, has been shelved for now, reliable government sources said.

The proposed international diplomatic enclave (IDE) in Airoli, seen as a move to decongest Mumbai, has reportedly neither found any takers in foreign consulates nor has the government taken it up strongly . It was in September 2008 that Cidco had first proposed the development of the IDE on a 100acre plot in Airoli's Sector 10 A, along the Airoli-Mulund creek. It had proposed to provide a high-security enclave for several countries

to set up their consulates to offer trade, visa and travel facilities to people. Around 32 plots were earmarked for the consulates. Representatives from 40 countries had visited the site. However, no deal has been struck till date.

Cidco had invited various countries to visit the site so that they can establish their embassy in the node near the proposed international airport in Navi Mumbai. Apparently it is now learnt that in case of airport development in Kharghar, likely in the forthcoming years, the enclave may be shifted closer to the airport. After getting no takers in Airoli plots, Cidco had promised to come up with a new plan, which is still awaited and may be clubbed with the airport development.

A few nations such as Indonesia, South Africa, Egypt, China, Austria and Norway had shown interest in having their embassies in the proposed enclave. Countries were to be given a free hand in appointing foreign architects, contractors and agencies in their respective areas.

Cidco sources said lack of adequate infrastructure development in the vicinity of the site, delay in the airport project and lack of initiative by Cidco and the state in marketing the scheme have spelled doom for the project so far