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Bangalore/New Delhi May 31 Almost a month after receiving flak from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry on design and features of the Devanahalli airport project, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has said that it is assessing the three major suggestions and their impact on project cost and schedule.

A statement from the company spokesperson did not give details of the suggestions being evaluated.

The Ministry, in a two-page letter to BIAL dated April 30, found fault with the functional and aesthetic elements of the airport.

Of "utmost concern," it said, was that the airport and runway areas are lower than the surrounding areas.

"It should be verified and ensured that the invert levels of the storm water drainage of the surrounds are lower than that of the airport. This needs immediate verification, failing which a catastrophic situation may arise during freak rain."

According to the Ministry, BIAL can easily make additional investments in public interest as the projections for passenger traffic and aircraft movement by 2010 have grown steeply over earlier forecasts.

BIAL has been asked to consider these proposals and take appropriate action at its next board meeting.

Without elaborating BIAL's next moves, its CEO, Mr Albert Brunner, in reply to queries from Business Line merely said, "BIAL aims to build a passenger-friendly, well-operated and financially sound airport. However, the look of the airport is also important to BIAL as it adds to the passenger experience."

On the appearance of an airport, Mr Brunner said Singapore's Changi airport, which is rated among the best in the world, for example, "does not primarily focus on architectural highlights, but on a user-friendly operation. I do not want to say that it does not look good. But it is neither an architectural landmark nor a status symbol."

Confirming that the Ministry's letter had been received, a spokesperson said that the company is trying its best to incorporate suggestions received that could make an impact on passenger service and experience.

"These suggestions are also being evaluated carefully against the budget and timeline available," she added.

The suggestions come even as the airport project is racing to be completed by the year-end for first trials.

BIAL, which began construction in July 2005, has said that the airport will be operational from April 2, 2008.

Only in September 2006, BIAL had received Cabinet approval for the first set of expansion and design changes as suggested by Civil Aviation Minister Mr Praful Patel.

The additions pushed up the project cost from Rs 1,411.79 crore to Rs 1,930.29 crore, nearly 37 per cent.

The increase of Rs 518.5 crore is to be met through additional debt.

STEEP GROWTH

By 2010, BIAL's passenger traffic is tipped to touch at least 8.4 million, against 4.6 million projected earlier.

It will see 1.06 lakh aircraft movements, revised from earlier forecast of 41,000.

Earlier, the airport was not expected to reach these levels before 2020. The existing HAL airport is already keeling over with a seven-million passenger flow.

COLOURS, SHAPES

On the looks front, too, the Ministry wants BIAL to change the plain, "rectilinear and factory-like" look and add colour and shape to a drab appearance.

"A human touch is required to be added to an otherwise clinical environment."

The letter also suggests that not only should the gap between the escalator and the stairway be reduced, the height of the restaurant should be increased and a canopy constructed to prevent flooding of the south-facing terminal building during heavy rain.

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Bangalore airport evaluating suggestions on design aspects

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