HC not to stall BIA opening, questions connectivity

HC not to stall BIA opening, questions connectivity
Tuesday March 11 2008 10:23 IST

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Monday made it clear that it will not come in the way of the Bangalore International Airport (BIA) inauguration, but expressed displeasure over the connectivity to the new airport.

The new Bengaluru Inter-national Airport (BIA) is scheduled to be inaugurated on March 28.

Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against closure of HAL airport in the city after BIA is operational, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph and Justice B V Nagarathna stated that the court would however seek an opinion of the Airport

Authority of India (AAI) on the issue. The case has been posted for hearing on March 25 and AAI has been directed to provide the details.

Expressing displeasure over the connectivity to BIA, the Bench has directed the Bangalore Metropolitan Tra-nsport Corporation (BMTC) to furnish details about its plans to provide transportation to the new airport at Devanahalli, 35 km from the city. Meanwhile, Ministry of Civil Aviation filed an affidavit defending the Centre's decision to close the HAL airport after BIA takes-off.

Petitioner G R Mohan, an advocate, in his petition has challenged the Centre's decision to close the HAL airport after the new international airport commence operations.

The petitioner contended that it would cause hardship to short haul air travellers if the HAL airport is closed, as they have to travel a longer distance to reach BIA.