Airlines now want entire metro airport stretch underground

Chennai: A part won't do; push the entire airport stretch of the Metro Rail underground. That is the new demand of airlines.
Metro Rail had earlier decided to sink into the ground a portion of the OTA-airport line as it fell under the approach path of the secondary runway. But, airlines now feel the whole line should be underground as it cuts across the approach path of main runway on the Guindy end too. They also fear Metro's high voltage power line may be a future hazard.
Airlines raised the concern over power cable at a preliminary safety assessment meet for the project last month. The demand to make the entire airport stretch underground came up when Metro officials told airlines and airport officials that they might build a small stretch of the line underground as it passed under the approach path of secondary runway. Sources said airlines wanted the line from Alandur station under the ground. However, Metro told them it was not possible as works had already begun.
A senior official of Airports Authority of India said a no-objection certificate was given for the project considering all safety aspects.
29/03/11 V Ayyappan/Times of India

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Categories: Airports Mar 2011