Goa, India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population, is expediting work on the international Mopa airport project. A financial consultant, KPMG, and a technical consultant,Louis Berger, have been appointed to analyze the feasibility of the project.

The feasibility study will be key given that some stakeholders have raised queries of financial feasibility of the airport considering that the existing Dabolim airport will be allowed to continue operations.

KPMG is presently working on the RFQ documents which are expected to be completed shortly. The airport will be built on the public-private-partnership (PPP) model and Goa has set up a special PPP cell for the purpose of handing such PPP projects.

The Mopa airport will also have dedicated facilities for a cargo hub.

The process of land acquisition for the project is almost completed. Official sources announced that the RFQ may be released on April 15.

The new Mopa airport will enhance tourism in Goa. Tourism is Goa's primary industry: It handles 13% of all foreign tourist arrivals in India. The state of Goa is famous for its beautiful beaches, churches and temples.

Goa is situated on the western coast of India, between the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka and is better known to the world as a former Portuguese enclave on Indian soil.