AAI against Metro Rail viaduct near airport

Chennai: Chennai Metro Rail's proposal to build an elevated track from Saidapet to the airport has hit a roadblock with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) raising objections to the plan, saying it will hamper aircraft movement.
AAI has objected to the alignment of corridor-1 connecting Washermanpet to the airport because the viaduct, if constructed, will obstruct aircraft movement from the secondary runway. According to an AAI official, Chennai Metro Rail had asked for a 30-metre height clearance for the stretch in front of the airport, including viaduct and overhead electric cables.
"We have asked Chennai Metro Rail to build the track underground, for the stretch in front of the airport. After we objected, they have scaled down the height and applied for clearance of 27 metres. Even then, the structure will pose a hazard to aircraft movement," the official added. According to the present alignment, the viaduct is to run on the centre of the road up to the airport, except at Guindy and Alandur. At Alandur, Metro Rail plans to construct an inter-change station between corridor1 and corridor-2 (Chennai Central-St Thomas Mount). A stabling area is also planned at Tirusulam, opposite the airport. The problems were discussed in a meeting between AAI and Chennai Metro officials recently. Sources said Metro officials expressed difficulty in bringing the alignment underground because of the high cost involved - it will cost Rs 300 crore to build one km of underground line. Besides, the underground line will have to be taken from Saidapet to obtain the necessary gradient. There will be another meeting betweent the two bodies to try and resolve the issue.
09/12/08 V Ayyappan/Times of India

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Categories: Airports Dec 2008