Glitches delay start of domestic flights at T3

Newly built Terminal 3 at the Indira Gandhi International Airport is not yet ready to begin domestic operations because of erratic power and water supply. T3 was scheduled to open for domestic operations from August 27.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to postpone the commencement of domestic flight operations at the newly built Terminal 3 of the IGI airport, which were to begin on August 27.

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The decision was taken after civil aviation minister Praful Patel and senior officials reviewed on Thursday the preparedness of stakeholders for effecting the transition of domestic operations to Terminal 3.

“The position will be reviewed in mid-September, following which a decision on the date of shifting of domestic operations to T3 will be taken,” the Ministry said.

“Presently the quality of power supply is erratic, which is affecting baggage handling and security equipment. For reliable and uninterrupted power supply, commissioning of the impending 220 KVA sub-station of Delhi Transco Ltd is an inevitable requirement,” the Ministry said. “Though the sub-station was to be commissioned by 31 July as per earlier plan, DTL representative said it would be ready only by 15 September.”

The water supply has also been erratic, as the Delhi Jal Board has not been able to provide the 3 MLD required, the ministry said.

Connectivity from the domestic terminal to T3 is also proving to be a problem.