Work on Bangalore International airport ahead of schedule

With the construction of Bangalore International airport being ahead of schedule, the trial operations are planned to commence as early as January 2008 and commercial operations on April 2 next year.

Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who is also the Finance Minister, told reporters that the civil works of the airport are ahead of schedule by at least seven weeks. “All civil works would be completed by December this year and the trial run of the aircraft should start by January next year”, he said.

The Government has fixed April 2, 2008, as the tentative date for inaugurating the airport, which is located at Devanahalli, about 35 kms from Bangalore.

Yediyurappa made the announcement after reviewing the progress of various infrastructure projects in the State. He said the focus of the Government was on completion of the link roads to the Bangalore International airport. The airport, which will be the country’s first Greenfield airport, would be linked to Bangalore by a six-lane highway.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Secretary P B Mahishi participated in a ceremonial event organized at the airport site to place the last of the 234 roof elements of the terminal building.

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) authorities said the construction activity of the upcoming airport had reached a significant milestone with the placing of the last roof element for the terminal building.

Along with Mahishi, Principal Secretary to Karnataka Government’s Department of Infrastructure V P Baligar and BIAL’s Chief Executive Officer Albert Brunner were present.

According to April progress card of the construction, released by BIAL, the runway paving is now entirely complete and work has commenced on fixing lights along the runway. Work was also underway on water-proofing and thermal insulation of the terminal building.