ID :
16648
Fri, 08/22/2008 - 16:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/16648
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India inaugurated the longest runway in
NEW DELHI, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- India inaugurated the longest runway in Asia, the 4.4 km landing strip at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, which authorities hope will help reduce air congestion.
The brand new runway, the airport's third airstrip, is expected to increase IGI's capacity in handling new generation aircraft, such as the AirbusA380.
"We are committed to world class infrastructure in a time bound manner and completing this runway more than six months ahead of schedule demonstrates that we can deliver world class infrastructure," India's Civil Aviation MinisterPraful Patel said in his inauguration speech at the airport.
Patel said the runway would be put into commercial use as early as nextmonth but it would take a few months to stabilise operations.
IGI, which serves one of world's busiest capitals, handles nearly 23 million passengers annually and passenger traffic is growing at a phenomenal rate of 25percent.
Currently, the airport handles about 30 flights an hour but once the runway comes into operation, it is expected to accommodate about 60 flights perhour.
The present two runways handle about 700 flights a day.
The runway was developed by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) -- a joint venture company comprising Bangalore-based global infrastructure giant GMR Group, Airports Authority of India, German's Fraport, Malaysia AirportsHoldings Bhd and India Development Fund.
The brand new runway, the airport's third airstrip, is expected to increase IGI's capacity in handling new generation aircraft, such as the AirbusA380.
"We are committed to world class infrastructure in a time bound manner and completing this runway more than six months ahead of schedule demonstrates that we can deliver world class infrastructure," India's Civil Aviation MinisterPraful Patel said in his inauguration speech at the airport.
Patel said the runway would be put into commercial use as early as nextmonth but it would take a few months to stabilise operations.
IGI, which serves one of world's busiest capitals, handles nearly 23 million passengers annually and passenger traffic is growing at a phenomenal rate of 25percent.
Currently, the airport handles about 30 flights an hour but once the runway comes into operation, it is expected to accommodate about 60 flights perhour.
The present two runways handle about 700 flights a day.
The runway was developed by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) -- a joint venture company comprising Bangalore-based global infrastructure giant GMR Group, Airports Authority of India, German's Fraport, Malaysia AirportsHoldings Bhd and India Development Fund.
