Kolkata airport considers early transfer of air traffic operations to new facility to avoid expansion delays
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Subhro Niyogi & Tamaghna Banerjee | TNN
Kolkata: The
AAI
is actively exploring the option to transfer air traffic navigation services from the current facility to the new ATC and technical block using existing systems, instead of waiting for new equipment procurement that could cause years of delay. This immediate transfer is crucial to utilise the new ATN complex, operational since February 2024, and to facilitate the demolition of the old structure for constructing a new terminal in the airport's second expansion phase.
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A senior AAI official informed TOI that the proposal was discussed in multiple meetings, with the AAI member Air Navigation Services expected to visit Kolkata for further discussions. The phase 2 expansion requires relocation within a year to avoid delays. Whilst the old domestic terminal allows for 70% construction of the new U-shaped integrated terminal, progress depends on the ATN building's demolition. The old domestic terminal's demolition is planned for this year.
"Ideally, the relocation should have happened after the installation and testing of the new systems at the control tower and area control in the new facility. However, procurement of the new systems was delayed as the earlier tender was scrapped. Floating a new global tender, procuring and installing the equipment, and making them operational will take time. Since the existing system and equipment have to be used till then, we are looking at the feasibility of shifting the operations to the new facility after parallel operations for six months," an official said.
Required procurements include a new generation automation system, approach radar, advanced surface movement guidance and control system, and VHF communication equipment. The current automation system exceeded its 10-year lifespan. "The automation system was implemented when the area control was shifted from the sixth to the third floor. At the time, parallel operations were carried out for six months," the official pointed out.
Live trials at the new control tower commenced in March third week, operating two hours daily on weekdays. ATC officials report successful trials thus far. The ATC trials will continue for three months, with area control operations potentially shifting in phases, requiring additional three-month trials and parallel operations.
The relocation involves multiple departments from the existing ATN building, including the seventh-floor tower, third-floor area control, second-floor simulator training, ground floor facilities (briefing office, NOTAM office, Met office), CNS department offices across various floors, and administrative offices. Officials note challenges in relocating the MSSR used for aircraft tracking and VHF transmitters. "The challenge is how to shift live traffic. For controllers, there is no real lean period. In Kolkata flight information region, the highest overflying traffic is at night till 3 am. During the day, the pressure of domestic flights is high. So there is no clear window," another official pointed out.
Additional concerns include spare console and terminal availability. Despite having a contingency room for area control operations during emergencies, officials prefer maintaining this redundancy rather than using it for the transition to the new facility.
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