"No flying from new airport as long as old one is functional"
New Delhi: The Bangalore International Airport (BIAL), the developer of Bangalore's new greenfield airport, has told the central government that it is not feasible to operate the new airport if the existing one remains functional.
Aviation Secretary Ashok Chawla said this to reporters Monday after holding talks with BIAL officials on some of the contentious issues like operations from the existing airport and the concessions agreement.
The Supreme Court had asked the BIAL to consider allowing smaller aircraft to use the existing airport at Bangalore. This, the court said, would help citizens, who might face problems reaching the new airport 40 km away from the city.
?The BIAL officials have told us that they would meet the Election Commission this month to ensure that they start their air operations from the new airport by the month end," Chawla said.
At present, elections to the Karnataka state assembly are taking place, binding all political parties and the state administration to the model code of conduct. Ther polls get over this month-end.
Earlier, the government conveyed the decision of the apex court to the BIAL. But BIAL maintained that it was not feasible for it to operate the new airport along with the existing airport. The government also said the company would have to compromise on the concession agreement.
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Reader’s comments
Comment 1: Everybody is talking about the BIAL opening date, bad connectivity etc. but is something being thought about degree of safety to BIAL for female travellers,single ,young females who travel without fear from the city Hal airport ? Do you all think it's safe for our girls to take a taxi,auto, or even a pre-paid taxi to cover a long distance,bad,uneven roads through deserted villages at odd hours of flight timings? I'm already worried of our girls or female relatives and friends who land or take off from BIAL whenever it begins functioning. I'm now worried about myself and I've already decided that safety comes first for me so, I'm going to travel by train to nearest Chennai then board a flight from Chennai airport. I'm sure there's something thought about the safety and security of female travellers.
Posted by : Vanita Joshi - Friday, May 16, 2008
Posted by : Vanita Joshi - Friday, May 16, 2008
Comment 2: Majority of metros like New York, DC or Silicon Valley have at least two or three airports. Multiple airports are necessary not only to create competition among airports but also give options to consumers, depending upon their needs. New airport in Bangalore might be facing a short-term competition from old airport due to pricing, however consumers will choose what is right for them. There will be consumers, who will be ready to pay premium for better service so closing old airport is not necessary.
Posted by : Geetanjali Patil Choori - Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Posted by : Geetanjali Patil Choori - Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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