Aircraft at the Chennai airport may be able to proceed to the main runway faster in the near future, as an important taxiway called ‘Bravo’ is all set to be straightened.
The proposal has just received the final nod from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and work is likely to begin in two months.
“They had raised a few queries, to which we responded a few weeks ago. We received the approval late last week. Now, we will call for tenders, after which the work will begin,” an official said.
The work has been on the anvil for nearly 10 years.
The straightening of the taxiway — which runs parallel to the main runway — is crucial as aircraft can cut down on fuel and reach the main runway quickly, the official said.
“Otherwise, the aircraft will have to keep waiting if there are flights landing or departing near that portion of the main runway,” he added.
There are a total of 24 taxiways — which help aircraft travel to the terminal or runway — at the airport.
A few buildings may have to be pulled down before the straightening work is taken up, according to the official.
Two phases
“We will hold discussions with the stakeholders and make alternative arrangements before the buildings are demolished,” the official added.
The straightening work will be done in two phases over a period of two years.
The Chennai airport has drawn up major plans for airside development and will make an investment of ₹100 crore.
“We are taking these initiatives to ensure that the runway occupancy time of flights comes down and the congestion at the airport decreases significantly. As of now, the number of aircraft movements has increased from 32 to 36 per hour,” the official added.
