₹200-cr proposal underway to modernise Amritsar airport

AMRITSAR: The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is all set to be included in the list of world’s modern airports. A ₹200 crore proposal is underway to facilitate the airport with latest technology and world-class infrastructure such as amusement, shopping and hospitality.

The airport authorities gave information about this after a meeting called by Rajya Sabha MP Shwait Malik to review the development projects underway on the premises. The authorities said, ”A ₹60 crore project of re-carpeting the runway has been completed, and a ₹65 crore project of CAT- IIIB lighting will be finished in a month.”

The CAT-IIIB is a lighting system that enables an aircraft to land even in 50m visibility, during heavy fog and rainfall. It guides an aircraft to approach and land on a runway, by combining radio signals and high intensity lighting arrays.

“We will not let the flights face problem of poor visibility in foggy weather, due to which many flights used to get cancelled. This used to add to the losses of the airlines, and caused inconvenience to the passengers,” said airport director Manoj Sinsoria.

MP Malik said that the airport is a growth engine for Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. “All these states need this airport for domestic and international cargo,” he said.

“Agro-products of these states are in demand all over the world. Earlier, the airport was not meeting cargo needs, as fully-loaded planes could not land here. With the re-carpeting of the runway, fully-loaded planes will be able to land. This will boost the economy,” he added.

The work to develop the airport in the pattern of New Delhi Airport’s terminal 3, has reached the tendering phase.

Under the ₹19 crore project, modern lounges, food court, dutyfree shops, kids play sections, commercial showrooms, spa, saloon and gym will be established at the airport to facilitate the passengers. Two aero-bridges will also be constructed within six months.

Authorities said that request for proposals is being made for building a five-star hotel, a three-star hotel and a multi-layer parking.

Revenue generated from different commercial outlets at the airport, will be used to reduce the air travel fare, said MP Malik.