IGI Airport modernisation reviewed; to be ready by mid-2008

New Delhi, Jan 10 (UNI) The modernisation of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) was going on in full swing and would be commissioned by mid-2008.

Members of a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture today visited the development sites at the IGIA and reviewed the progress of the modernisation work, being carried out by Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd (DIAL).

At present, the work is in progress simultaneously on the construction of a new domestic terminal, the modernisation of the existing international terminal, a world class integrated passenger terminal (3) and a third runway for the airport, according to a spokesperson of DIAL.

''The work is progressing fast on IGIA's third runway, which would be one of the longest runways in Asia. Currently, more than 69 per cent of the work on the runway and associated taxiways has been completed and will be commissioned in mid-2008.'' The runway would feature CAT IIIB Instrument Landing System at both ends, he said, adding the equipment would allow landings in visibility as low as 50 m.

''This 60 m wide, Code F runway will also cater to new generation large aircraft such as the Airbus A380. Construction of the world class passenger terminal building (Terminal 3) is also progressing smoothly. T3 will be spread over 480,000 sq m and rival some of the best airports in the world,'' the spokesperson added.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had recently inaugurated the 'Concrete Pouring' process for the first slab of the Integrated Passenger Terminal Building (PTB).

The members were shown the development being carried out across various sites by DIAL. They took keen interest in the construction works and the technical aspects of the development and provided suggestions on various aspects, he said.

UNI AG SP GC1940