Consultant for Mumbai F-1 track to be finalised soon

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has shortlisted two consortiums that will make a detailed feasibility report to study the possibility of constructing a Formula One racing track in or around Mumbai. One of the shortlisted consortiums has constructed 10 tracks, including that of Silverstone in the United Kingdom. The MSRDC is yet to finalise the location, which could either be Malad, Panvel or some place in Thane. "There were three bidders for the project initially. However, one was disqualified and two have been shortlisted. Once selected, the consortium will work out several aspects of the construction of a Formula One track in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region," said MSRDC vice-chairman and managing director Bipin Shrimali. "A consortium led by Capita Symonds along with Populous is in the race to win the consultancy. The other agency is Louis Berger. The first consortium has the experience of creating as many as 10 tracks," said corporation chief engineer Subhash Nage. In order to develop the circuit, the MSRDC is looking for a huge plot of land measuring around 400 to 500 acres. Shrimali said that one of the locations is in Malad, while the rest are in Thane district and Panvel. The plot within Mumbai is with the revenue department, and the officials do not anticipate any problems in acquiring it. "The consultant or consortium would be picked by the end of July," said Shrimali. In January, the MSRDC had come out with its plans to create an F-1 track in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Apart from the racing track, there are also plans to construct a theme park, and the two would be eventually clubbed into a single project.