BIAL Watch: Flight plan on schedule

Flight plan on schedule
TOI brings you a monthly update on the progress of the four infrastructure projects in the city
The Times of India

Bangalore: Just over one year from now, the first commercial flight could be taking off from here. The pace of construction has picked up considerably and all the 13 buildings in the site have touched roof level.
While the final asphalt layer of the runway is being laid, 47% of the overall construction work is complete. “It is as expected and we should meet the deadline of April 2, 2008,’’ infrastructure secretary V P Baligar said.
Half the roof levels at the huge terminal building have been done and granite floors are being laid in the first floor. The installation of various service pipelines like heating, ventilation and airconditioning ducts and those for fire fighting, plumbing and sanitation is in progress.
The air traffic control (ATC) tower has touched 54 feet and its top cabin is being done. The equipment is expected to come from the Centre by June-July and be operational by December.
At the 4-km long, 45-metre wide runway, preparatory work for installation of airfield lights and transformers is taking place. The final top pavement is being laid in the apron area.
A four-lane approach road to the airport is being built from the NH-7 (Bellary Road) and will link, besides the terminal building, the proposed airport hotel, cargo warehouse and the airport city. The six-laning of the NH is almost complete, with one of the two rail-overbridges likely to be ready within two weeks.
On connectivity to the airport, the BMRDA has completed the survey for a high-speed road linking the Outer Ring Road to Devanahalli. Land acquisition will start soon.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is working on a detailed project report for the direct rail link to the airport. The trumpet interchange that was to link the NH-7 to within the airport has been stayed by the courts following a land acquisition dispute.
19TH MONTH REPORT CARD
Work on
Terminal building: Almost half the roof levels covered; installation of roof glazing commenced along with floor at the first floor. Technical and administrative building finishing touches. ATC tower has reached 54 metres. Boundary wall due for completion next month. Asphalt on runway. Final pavement at the apron. Main access road, secondary access road and air side services road. Ancillary buildings at roof level.