Cochin International Airport Ltd has submitted the detailed project report to Kannur International Airport Ltd (KIAL) four months ahead of schedule.
The company delivered the report within five months of taking up the consultancy assignment for the Kannur International Airport project, Mr V.J. Kurian, managing director, CIAL, said.
Detailed assessment
“We have conducted a detailed assessment of the technical feasibility, including traffic forecast, cargo movement and tourism potential,” he said.
The State government had roped in CIAL to fast track the Kannur Airport Project. An expert in-house team of engineers and professionals from various disciplines was constituted under Mr A.M. Shabeer, executive director (engineering) to prepare the project report.
The team had set up an office at Kannur project site and commenced various geo-technical investigations to assess the technical feasibility of the project.
Obstruction survey
According to Mr Kurian, the greatest challenge encountered by the team was the topography of the project site. The obstruction survey conducted by CIAL found that the alignment proposed for the runway required modifications.
After a detailed study of the terrain and its soil characteristics, the team was able to identify and recommend a modified alignment for the runway. The new alignment has been suggested so as to minimise natural obstructions, thereby enhancing the safety of airport operations.
The project report was submitted to the board of directors of KIAL last week. The tender documents for the runway have also been handed over to the Board, which will enable KIAL to kick start the project by inviting tender for the runway.
Airport consultancy
As part of its diversification plans, CIAL has already announced setting up of a consultancy wing for airport projects. The successful completion of the Kannur assignment marks the entry of CIAL into airport consultancy.
"We are keen to explore similar opportunities in other tier II and III cities in the country,” Mr Kurien added.