Megawide sets sights on prospects in Asia

MANILA, Philippines - Megawide Construction Corp., which has prequalified as a contractor for a new airport in India, is also studying opportunities in other countries in Asia.

In a statement, the firm said it received confirmation it prequalified as contractor for the Mopa Greenfield Airport project in North Goa, India.

“The engineering methodology that we are using for Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has gained a lot of attention here and abroad. It was on this basis that we were invited to bid for the Mopa airport project, and we believe it gives us a lead over other bidders,” Megawide president and chief operation officer Edgar Saavedra said.

In 2013, Megawide with its partner GMR Infrastructure Ltd. of India was awarded the concession to develop MCIA.

At present, Megawide is building MCIA’s Terminal 2 which is expected to open in June next year and increase the airport’s annual capacity to 12.5 million from 4.5 million.

Saavedra said the company is currently preparing for the bid submission as the tender is slated for September this year.

“We are compiling a very strong proposal. The design and methodologies are undergoing development with a special consideration on the local conditions and materials,” he said.

The $300 million greenfield airport in Mopa, North Goa is designed to accommodate an initial five million passengers per year.

The engineering procurement construction (EPC) bid covers construction of the passenger terminal building, air traffic control tower, and cargo facilities, among others.

Should Megawide emerge as the winning bidder, the airport in India would be its first infrastructure project overseas.

Aside from India, Megawide is interested in EPC opportunities in other countries in Asia.

“We are exploring opportunities for EPC in other Asian countries. Infrastructure is booming in the region and this is our chance to promote the capability and competitiveness of Filipino contractors,” Saavedra said.