From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jun 23: The Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL), which operated the Kempegowda International Airport, has installed an indigenously-developed Aviation Weather Monitoring System (AWMS) at its new runway on both ends.
With this, BIAL has become the first airport in the country to install indigenous AWMS technology developed by Bengaluru-based CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) at both ends of the new runway.
In addition, BIAL has also installed four Drishti transmissometers, which is also developed by NAL, in association with the India Metrological Department (IMD) to measure the Runway Visibility Range (RVR). BIAL has the unique honour of having NAL’s 50th Drishti installed at its runway. With this, BLR Airport now has a total of six Made in India RVRs at both runways.
The Drishti transmissometer is acclaimed for precise reporting, helping pilots with an accurate runway visual range. It is suitable for all categories of airports such as CAT I, CAT II, CAT III A & B and measures RVR down to 25 meters. With AWMS and RVR integrated, the data is displayed on one single display screen. With the web-enabled feature, the data can be accessed, and maintenance carried out from any location.
"At BIAL, we are proud to take the lead to adopt this indigenous technology, which is critical for airport operations. This technology will enable seamless operations at BLR Airport," said Hari Marar, MD and CEO, BIAL.
The 10-meter mast on which AWMS sensors are installed is a first-of-its-kind, designed by NAL with several unique features including being eco-friendly and lightweight with a life of over 60 years. The sliding mechanism enables easy maintenance which is a useful feature, considering the busy traffic on the runway.
Meanwhile, BIAL has announced that the existing North Runway will be closed for rehabilitation starting 1200 hours on June 22. The rehabilitation includes strengthening and resurfacing of the runway as well as the installation of runway centerline lights. Once complete, these enhancements offer flexibility to operate both runways in low visibility and adverse weather conditions. The runway rehabilitation is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.
All flight operations from BIAL during this period will be from the new South Runway until completion of North Runway rehabilitation. "Once the North Runway is operational, post-rehabilitation, both runways will be utilized," BIAL has said in an official press release.