Work on new terminal at T'palli airport progressing

Tiruchirapalli, Apr 1 (UNI) The ongoing Rs 75 crore phase one developmental works, including construction of a new terminal with two aero bridge system at the international airport here is likely to be operationalised within six months, according to Airport Director Srikumar.

In an informal chat with newspersons last night, Srikumar, explaining the salient features of the ongoing developmental work, said it included setting up of a Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) to enable all airliners to use the same terminal connected with computer network with security system, establishment of public concourse, commercially important persons and VIP lounges.

Asked about the proposed cold storage facility at the airport, he said the Airports Authority of India (AII) has referred the proposal of the Agriculture Produces Export Development Authority (APEDA), to the state-owned Minerals and Metal Trading Corporation (MMTC), Mumbai, to conduct a potential study.

Stating that a new inline package handling system would be introduced for faster movement of baggage, he said the system, besides minimizing the presence of large number of security personnel and other staffs of various airliners, would be a fool-proof security drill.

A new integrated building maintenance system would be introduced to monitor the functioning of electrical system especially airconditioning system from the control room, he said adding that the AAI has proposed to shift the existing Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower at a suitable site near the new terminal area and replace the existing ATC tower with a new technical control tower. A team of technical experts from New Delhi would soon finalise the details of the proposed new ATC tower.

He said a memorandum of understanding with ABC hospital has been signed for setting up a passenger facilitation friend medical room in the airport to provide health and first aid care to needy air passengers.

Asked about the proposed erection of isolated parking bay for aircrafts, he said it would be taken up in the phase two development programme. In phase one, the runway was extended from 6000 sq feet to 8000 sq feet and it was proposed to expand it up to 12500 sq feet in phase two programme. The AAI has already approached the district administration for land acquisition for the proposed expansion of the runway.

To make aircraft operation in an effective manner, it has been decided to shift the non directional becom homing device, which was presently three km away within the operational area of the airport.

The shift was also essential for navigational operations and ground aid supporting activities, he added.

Informing that the Kuala Lumpur-based Air Asia has evinced keen interest to operate direct flights to Kuala Lumpur and other destinations from here, he said domestic career Paramount Airlines has obtained a licence to operate its flight services on Chennai-Tiruchirapalli sector and the services were expected to start soon.

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