Hyderabad greenfield airport to be ready by early 2008

Hyderabad, Mar 29: Operational trials at the new international airport in Shamshabad near capital city of Andhra Pradesh will begin by next year-end.

''There has been substantial progress in the past one year and the first flight could take off in first quarter of 2008,'' said Mr T. Srinagesh, chief operating officer of the GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL).

The foundation stone for Rs 17.6 billion project spread over 5,500 acres was laid on March 16 last year by Congress president Sonia Gandhi. About 11.77 million cubic metres of area has been cut of which 8.08 million cubic metres has been filled.

The initial phase of new airport will be capable of handling seven million passengers and more than 100,000 tonnes of cargo per year. ''The ultimate capacity is over 50 million passengers and one million tonnes of cargo,'' said Mr Srinagesh.

At present, the Hyderabad airport records four million passenger movements with 11 international and seven domestic airlines operating. ''The emergence of Hyderabad as a growth hub is getting new airlines like British Airways and Thai Airways to fly here.'' he told reporters visiting the site of new airport.

The GHIAL is a joint venture company promoted by GMR group with 63 per cent equity stake, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhard (11 per cent), the Andhra Pradesh state government (13 per cent) and the Airports Authority of India (13 per cent).

As part of the Rs 5.57 billion contract, Larsen&Toubro is constructing the gateway's 4.2 km long and 60 metres wide runway, taxiways and aprons capable of accommodating even the largest airplane like Airbus A380. It will also install airfield lighting and aviation hydrant systems besides constructing fire rescue station, roadways and cargo terminal.

China State Construction and Engineering Hong Kong Limited will construct the passenger terminal building and install baggage handling system and a plethora of IT, electrical and mechanical systems under its Rs 6.15 billion contract.

The Chinese company recently built the Hong Kong airport which was rated as the world's best in 2004 by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

When the new airport (named after late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi) opens in 2008, its single terminal building will be equipped with 10 contact boarding gates, 20 remote stands, 60 common user terminal equipment (CUTE) check-in desks and eight self check-in kiosks, and 30 immigration counters.

It will also feature the latest IT systems including FIDS, BHS and airport operational database technology for the first time in India, said GMR officials.

With modular design of passenger terminal, GHIAL will initially cover 100,000 square metres of floor space that will ensure rapid transit between domestic and international concourses.

The complex will have a dedicated airport village with local flavour complete with shops for meeters and greeters. There will also be a business hotel near the terminal building.

UNI