IGIA may miss runway deadline

The Indira Gandhi International Airport might miss yet another deadline. The opening of airport's main runway 28, which has been closed for repair since April this year, might get delayed.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport might miss yet another deadline. The opening of airport's main runway 28, which has been closed for repair since April this year, might get delayed.

HT Image

The runway is expected to reopen for operations by next month but according to sources, ongoing repair work has been hampered due to the incessant rains and construction of a tunnel road next to the runway.

“Work on the runway was going according to the schedule and resurfacing was almost complete but the installation of technical equipment is being hampered due to the unusually high rainfall this August,” said a senior airport official who didn’t wish to be identified.

“This is proving to be a roadblock for the timely completion of the repair work. Apart from complete re-carpeting of the runway, other works included repairing the sub-layer, changing electrical systems and cables and installing other technical equipment,” he said.

The private airport operator, Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL), didn't respond to a written questionnaire sent by HT. When contacted, a DIAL spokesman refused to comment.

Another problem, according to sources, is the construction of a tunnel road next to the runway. The road will connect Dwarka roundabout with the newly opened Terminal 3.

The tunnel road, work on which is also running behind schedule, will cross the runway 28 at the end of National Highway 8.