Bokaro: The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has speeded up the final phase of expansion at Bokaro Airport with an aim to complete it by November 30. Still, it is unlikely that commercial flights will begin this year, as Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), which owns the airport, has not yet applied for an aerodrome license. BSL has also not removed the obstacles pointed out by AAI.
BSL was asked by AAI early this year to begin the process of obtaining an Aerodrome License from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is essentially required to begin commercial flight operations. Aerodrome licenses are issued by DGCA’s Directorate of Aerodrome Standards.
A license application for an aerodrome must be submitted at least three months in advance. A license shall be issued within 3 months of the date of application if all documents and facilities are in order. A BSL officer said the license application will likely be submitted next week. The airport manuals are ready.
AAI technical team had also pointed out eight obstacles and has asked BSL two months ago to remove it. The obstacles include cutting of trees, billboards, electricity poles, and towers. The BSL sources said the logistics for removing obstacles are finalised. Execution is scheduled for this week.
However BSL has yet to complete its formalities and the work on its part, but AAI is focused on completing its remaining upgradation work.
According to director of Ranchi Airport, 85% of the construction work at Bokaro airport has been completed, while the rest is progressing at a good pace. The project should be completed within two months.
AAI sources said that around 4800 meters of boundrywall, runway, and other works have already been completed. Construction of the fire station, approach road, and grading of the runway end safety areas (RESA) is in progress.
Workers are constructing a 50,000 liter static fire station tank at Airport. Construction of about 1500 meters of approach road is also being done. Meanwhile, earth movers are leveling and removing shrubs and bushes from the land adjacent to the runway by performing RESA. This all will be completed by November. But the operation of commercial flights will remain a dream until BSL is able to obtain an aerodrome license.
