The Hindu : New Delhi News : Bid to give new runways a smooth take-off

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Wednesday, Jul 04, 2007
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Bid to give new runways a smooth take-off

Staff Reporter

Praful Patel holds a high-level meeting with Sheila

NEW DELHI: In an attempt to give the two new runways at Delhi airport a smooth take-off, Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Chief Executive Officer of Delhi Jal Board Arun Mathur, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) officials, Principal Secretary Power Rakesh Mehta and several other officials. With the Delhi airport all set to add two more runways – one of which is expected to be ready by 2008 – building proper drainage for them was high on the priority list at the meeting.

“The work will have to be done on a war-footing as it needs to be complete before the runway is built. I am going to conduct an inspection of the site on July 10 with other officials,” said Mr. Mehta.

A proper drainage system is needed to ensure that the runway does not get water-logged. While officials claim that the work has to be done fast, the method of construction will be decided only after a through inspection of the site.

“DIAL officials are also spending Rs. 200 crore to ensure that the sewage of the 4,000-acre airport is treated within the premises. It was pointed out to them that the sewage should remain within the airport and not get mixed with the storm-water drains,” said an official.

The airport is also expected to get a new electric substation to meet its requirement of extra power, said Principal Secretary Power.

“The sub-station will be completed by July 2009,” he added.

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