The much-awaited expansion of Gannavaram airport may get a boost with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu making an announcement in Assembly that the government would develop the airport to international standards.
In the wake of Mr. Naidu’s announcement, officials of Airports Authority of India (AAI) are hopeful of getting the required land from the government soon to commence the airport expansion works. Acquisition of land is the major issue that is leading to the inordinate delay.
A swanky terminal, aero bridges, apron, escalators, baggage conveyors, surveillance cameras and door-frame metal detectors, car parking are some of the major facilities required for developing the airport to global standards, according to officials.
Another major requirement is setting up of a customs wing for immigration clearance of passengers coming from abroad. “If the State government provides sufficient land, we can accordingly take up the expansion of runway, terminal building and other works in coordination with Planning Directorate in New Delhi,” Airport Director M. Raj Kishore said.
According to him, the airport requires at least 498 acres in addition to the existing 500 acres. Presently, the length of the runway is 2286 meters with a width of over 45 metres. “Once we get the land, we have to expand the runway to suit requirements of international flights to land and take off,” Mr. Kishore said.
Plans have been chalked out to cater to the needs of over 500 domestic and 200 international passengers everyday after completing the works. The district administration is planning to send proposals to government, seeking permission for acquiring required land from three villages abutting the airport. A senior official said the land acquisition process would begin only after getting clearance from the government.
“We have taken into consideration the objections and concerns raised by land owners during an inquiry and discussed them with the AAI and Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Later, a decision was taken to exempt over 30 acres from acquisition plans as religious structures, graveyards and other built-up complexes have come up there,” the official said
Published - September 05, 2014 12:29 am IST
