According to naval authorities, they will be extending the shoulders of the recently re-carpeted and resurfaced runway by three meters on both sides, and will also construct a stormwater drain. The works are expected to be completed within 45 days, with the remaining days being set only as a precaution against delays.
This is second phase of the runway repair and improvement work. From April 15 to May 31, the runway was open for only six hours in morning, due to which flight operations were severely affected.
Meanwhile, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) is annoyed with the navy’s decision to close the runway for six hours. Airport Director K Srinivasa Rao stated that the notice from naval authorities was sent at last moment.
He said, “If we had received information about the closure well in advance, we could have informed the flight operators about the change in timing. But as we received the notice late, it will be difficult for the airline operators to reshuffle their flight timings. This will affect the entire charter season, which will start from October 4. Already the number of charter flights has dropped this season.”
However, a senior naval official from INS Hansa refuted his allegations. He stated, “It is incorrect to say that AAI was not informed about the work. During the first phase, we had already informed AAI that we would be taking up more work after the rains. Secondly, the extension work will benefit commercial aircrafts more than defence aircraft as any extension of the runway width will facilitate easy movement of aircrafts.”
