May 27, 2016 TnH Global

EXPECT STATE OF THE ART TERMINALS AND ULTRA MODERN FACILITIES AT AIRPORTS IN THE NOTHERN REGION

“IN AN INTERVIEW WITH TNH, RAKESH KALRA, REGIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NORTHERN REGION, AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF INDIA (AAI) SPEAKS ABOUT THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND INITIATIVES OF AAI, NR.

Q. Northern Region of AAI has seen big progress in recent times. Kindly throw light on the major achievements of AAI, NR in recent years?

AAI Northern Region has a vast expanse from Leh to Udaipur from North to South and Varansi to Jodhpur from East to West. It has some of the most important business centres, State Capitals, National Capital Region and tourist destinations like Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Udaipur, Khajuraho etc.

The growth of traffic both in passenger as well as aircraft movement has been phenomenal and among the best in the World. We are also proud to have best airports in the World i.e. Jaipur and Lucknow Airports with global rank 1 and 2 respectively in 2 to 5 million category, according to survey conducted by Airports Council International during 2015.

We have also brought laurels to AAI by building some of the finest infrastructure in India like New Terminal Buildings in Khajuraho and Chandigarh during last one year. Our airports are now equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and navigational equipment. Jaipur, Lucknow and Amritsar will soon be capable of handling aircrafts in extremely low visibility conditions. Northern Region is also leader in producing green energy through solar power with a target of making energy self-sufficient airports. Our Jaipur Airport solar power generation unit will be setting an example for other AAI airports. Other Airports being considered for installation of solar power plants (10 MW) are at Lucknow and Varanasi. Chandigarh airport will soon have 3MW solar power plant. We have been consistent in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility with paper recycling unit, school for under-privileged and toilets for girl’s schools. AAI is also proud to be an integral part of “Swatch Bharat Abhiyan”.

Q. What are the initiatives of AAI to improve regional connectivity in the Northern Region?

Regional connectivity has been on the priority list for AAI Northern Region. AAI is constructing a new Greenfield airport at Kishangarh (Ajmer) and a New Terminal Building at Gorakhpur Airport. New civil air Terminals are also being planned at Agra, Allahabad, Kanpur, and Bareilly, once land is handed over to AAI by UP Govt. AAI is in the process of upgrading Airports in Tier-II & Tier-III cities to improve regional connectivity. The airports which are ready for operations at Tier III cities are Bhatinda, Pathankot, Bikaner, Ludhiana and Jaiselmer. We are also encouraging airport marketing activities to promote our airports for better regional connectivity.

Q. What are the plans for modernization/ upgradation of airports in the Northern Region?

It is our aim to provide state of the art terminals with ultra-modern facilities, at all the airports in Northern Region. Navigational and surveillance aids for efficient navigation of aircraft and seamless surveillance coverage of airspace has been provided. Existing conventional VORs (nav igational aids) at Sampla, Sakras, Jalalabad and Pratapgarh are also being replaced with latest DVORs. The existing ATC automation system at Delhi Airport is being replaced with INDRA automation system from Spain. ADS-B surveillance and new RADARs have also been installed to enhance efficiency and safety of aircraft operation.

Q. How is AAI working with other agencies to improve safety at the airports?

Safety of operations is our prime concern. There are various stakeholders which collaborate with AAI and work in unison for ensuring safety of aircraft and passengers. Safety Assessment is conducted and documented for even the smallest changes at the airport. Airport Environmental committees are constituted at every airport which has representation from every stakeholder at the Airport and district authorities. The prime objective of the committee is managing environment to mitigate bird hazard, which pose a serious threat for aviation. The other issues, the Committee is dealing with comprise of aircraft noise, aircraft engine emissions and air quality at airports, environmental management systems, ground water management, waste management, wildlife management, resource management and site remediation at airports. The other initiative are Runway Safety committee, Regional Operation committee etc., all aimed at enhancing safety of aircraft operations.

Q. How is the role of AAI changing with increasing role of private players in the development and management of airport?

The entry of private players in the airport operation has created a healthy competition between the airports and has placed the Indian Airports, be it AAI airports or Private Airports, as leaders in the Global scenario. This competition has created a win-win situation for our nation. Apart from above; AAI is committed to provide Civil Aviation Infrastructure, even to the remotest corners of the nation.

“We have also brought laurels to AAI by building some of the finest infrastructure in India like New Terminal Buildings in Khajuraho and Chandigarh during last one year. Our airports are now equipped with stateof- the art facilities and navigational equipment. Jaipur, Lucknow and Amritsar will soon be capable of handling aircrafts in extremely low visibility conditions.”