Ranchi: The plaguing problem of land acquisition has compelled the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to push back its modernisation-cum-expansion deadline for the third consecutive time since the ambitious Birsa Munda Airport project kicked off in early 2009. The AAI expects to complete modernisation work by June-end this year instead of February as decided earlier. However, officials are still uncertain when the runway expansion will happen.
Speaking to The Telegraph, V.V. Raju, general manager (project) of Birsa Munda Airport, said more than 75 per cent work in the very contemporary integrated terminal building had been done. “We believe we can finish our modernisation job within the next four months.”
He, however, conceded that the expansion programme was stuck in limbo for want of land. Currently, the airport sprawls over 1,568 acres and has a runway length of 8,900ft. The expansion blueprint envisages an additional 1,500 feet of runway, which requires around 400 extra acres.
Last year, the state government had approached the army for 180 acres the latter owns near the airport, but it is learnt that files haven’t moved since. It had also made a futile attempt to acquire 250 acres from local villagers. “If we do not get additional land, we will not be able to expand the airport,” an AAI official said, requesting anonymity.
Besides the runway, land is also required for an approach road to the new terminal building. The road that currently leads to the airport main gate from Hinoo Chowk needs to be extended by 200 metres on the eastern side of the premises to connect to the proposed entrance of the integrated terminal building.
03/03/11 Santosh K Kiro/Telegraph
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