Work on new ramp to airport likely to be delayed.

The construction of a ramp leading to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is almost certain to be delayed with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) rejecting the design submitted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

In the design submitted by the NHAI over a month ago, the proposed ramp would have a gradient (slope) of 1 in 16 - the inclination would rise by 6.25 metres as the vehicles progressed by 100 metres, and would have a span of 140 metres.

However, the Planning department of the AAI has sent back the proposal and has asked for a lower slope for the proposed ramp. “A high gradient could pave way for widespread criticism by road users. It could also be viewed as physically challenged unfriendly as persons suffering from various ailments could be inconvenienced by the inclination. At a recent meeting, the Chief Secretary has also directed the NHAI to modify the design,” George G. Tharakan, director of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, said.

He added that the development could not be seen as a setback for the project which had been granted ‘in-principle’ approval by the AAI. 'The AAI has decided to permit direct access to the premises of the airport as proposed in the project,' he said.

On the other hand, the NHAI has expressed concern that the delay in approving the proposed design could affect the work, especially with monsoon set to start within a few weeks. “We hoped to demolish the existing ramp and commence work on the new one before the monsoon. With the AAI rejecting the proposal, the project is likely to suffer,' an official said.

Sources said that the issue is likely to be taken up with the Chief General Manager of the NHAI in a bid to ensure a solution at the earliest and keep procedural delays to a minimum. Despite the proposed project not being part of the construction of the NH-66 bypass, it has been planned in a manner that ensured its progress along with the other activities planned on the stretch.


THE HINDU