Mysore airport to be ready before Dasara

Mysore, Aug 5 :-

 The much-awaited operationalisation of the Mysore airport, which is under construction since 2005, may finally come true for this Dasara that falls in the September. But there are several key issues, which have not been addressed yet. However, the Chief Minister, Mr B S Yeddyurappa, on Wednesday maintained that the airport would start functioning in September and ATR-72 flights would operate before September 15.

The major challenge before the Government of Karnataka (GoK) and Airport Authority of India (AAI) to meet the September 15 deadline is to obtain ‘NOC’ from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Mr Yeddyurappa has directed the National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd (NBCC) to complete all installation works before August 30 and invite DGCA/BCAS for inspection before September 5.

“An all party high-level delegation from the State is going to New Delhi to discuss various State issues and operationalisation of the Mysore airport before Dasara is high on the agenda. We will deliberate the issue with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry”, Mr Yeddyurappa said.

Mr Vishwanath, GM, co-ordination in-charge, Bangalore International Airport (BIA), told exclusively to TNN here on Wednesday that after presenting a status report to Chief Minister that the installation work was going in full swing and would be complete by August 30. “We will meet the deadline, but clearance from DGCA/BCAS is purely autonomous decision of aviation ministry”.

Besides, AAI, which is assignee for the project under 2005 MoU, is yet to clear ATC procedures, Aviation safety standards and establish refueling facility and GOK, which is assignor, is yet to give its commitment to supply free treated water supply, power and security.

However, deputy commissioner P Mannivanan said that 90 per cent works have already been completed. “With in a week, we will supply free water, power and police security to the airport”. As per MoU, GoK has to give free treated water of 4.5lakh litres per day, 750 KVA power and adequate police security.

Under Phase-2, Planning Directorate has approved extension of runway, basic strip, link taxi way, apron and terminal building to elevate airport status on par with international standards for which an additional 145 acres are required. But, Gok is facing severe opposition from the farming community.

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In box..

Issued to be addressed

-          Clearance of DGCA/BCAS

-          ATC procedures

-          Inspection by Aviation safety

-          Court order to maintain Status Quo

-          Refueling facilities