Somasroy Chakraborty

Airlines welcome nod for Kolkata airport modernisation

Kolkata April 19 Airlines are hopeful that the Kolkata airport modernisation project will kick off following the Government's approval of the proposal.

"It (the modernisation) has been long overdue. We are happy that finally work will commence at the Kolkata airport," Capt G.R. Gopinath, Managing Director, Air Deccan, told Business Line.

New runway

He welcomed the idea of a new runway. "A new runway will help a lot to reduce the congestion and ensure that flights are not delayed," he said.

There is a need for more airports in West Bengal, especially in the northern part of the State, he added.

"Smaller towns should have proper connectivity with the metros to ensure equitable economic growth. We would like to have more airports in West Bengal," he said.

"We really hope that the work will start soon. There are problems relating to congestion of airlines and currently what we need is another runway. We would prefer separate runways for arrival and departure of flights," said an official of a leading airlines which uses Kolkata airport.

More facilities

He said there was also a need increase the number of aerobridges, security checkpoints and restaurants and resting places to bring Kolkata airport at par with the international airports.

The Committee on Infrastructure, headed by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has allocated Rs 1,542 crore for upgradation of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport in the first phase. The Airport Authority of India has been given exclusive rights for the modernisation programme.

During the first phase, which is expected to be completed by 2009-10, the Kolkata airport will have new domestic and international terminals, extended secondary runway and the latest communication and navigation systems.

The work is expected to start in two-three months after getting the necessary clearance from the Public Investment Board.

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