Bangalore International Airport thread [Archive] - Page 3

raghussc

November 12th, 2007, 08:36 PM

Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Blinding_fog_can_hit_flights/articleshow/2532322.cms

Guess it's Delhi's politics ... they don't want B'lore to be superior :-) I guess HIAL gets only Cat 1 ...

Blinding fog can hit flights

BANGALORE: Forget the HAL airport, landing in severe/blinding fog will not be possible even at the brand new Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) at Devanahalli.

The airport — to be opened within the next 150 days — will not have the world's most popular hi-tech landing facility, the Category 3 Instrument Landing System (ILS), which enables blind landing.

The decision not to have the equipment was not BIAL's, but the civil aviation ministry's. The ministry took the decision after considering several factors and consulting a high-level committee of aviation officials.

Had the Bangalore airport opted for the Category 3 system, aircraft with a visibility of only 50-100 metre or none at all (that is if the fog is so thick you can only see 50 metre or nothing ahead of you) can still land purely based on signals sent by the Instrument Landing System (radars) to the aircraft. The landing will entirely be instrument-based, the pilot will have no need to see the runway and the aircraft will land using autopilot.

The reason behind the ministry's decision could be its high cost — at least Rs 300 crore — for equipment on the ground. Corresponding fixtures in aircraft too are expensive. Airlines would have to invest large amounts to make aircraft compatible and also to train pilots. "Category 3 would mean spending both by the airport and airlines, about Rs 1,000 crore in all. An occasional two-hour fog in Bangalore does not justify the investment," a top official said.

The ministry also studied meteorological data on Bangalore fog which said it is not as serious as in Delhi or Mumbai, not warranting this equipment. In four winter months, Bangalore's fog lasts less than 10 days of two-hour duration on an average, while Delhi is shut for over a month. "Does this warrant high-cost operations like Category 3," an official asked.

Now, very few pilots in India are trained in instrument landing. Except for some pilots in Indian, Jet Airways and may be now Kingfisher Air, most other aircraft do not have systems or pilots to fly such systems. "Considering these, the government decided such equipment is not viable for Bangalore," an aviation official said.
But air pollution and smog in Bangalore is going up and is expected to intensify.

Why not have hi-tech landing systems that will take care of this eventuality? However, this is a decision the aviation industry and government have to take together.

The new airport will, however, have Category 2 ILS, which will allow pilots to land with a visibility of 400 metre — they can land in moderate fog. Only Delhi airport has Category 1 landing.

voryaa

November 12th, 2007, 10:34 PM

raghussc

November 13th, 2007, 01:30 AM

"Guess it's Delhi's politics ... they don't want B'lore to be superior :-) I guess HIAL gets only Cat 1 ... "

i dont understand how its delhi politics...article is mentioning that they need alteast 1k to get cat 3...

isnt bangalore getting cat 2 ILS. compared to delhi's cat 1 ILS which is lower...how is bangalore's ILS not superior, what am i missing here? :nuts:

looking into future, i guess it's better to get the cat3 now itself ... delhi will eventually get cat 3 soon, coz delhi is always shut by fog .. maybe delhi doesn't want any other city to be ahead of it :-)

well, i wasn't exactly serious in my comment but when they are developing world class airports, they better have the latest technology ... maybe down the line in next 30 yrs they may make cat 3 mandatory for all airport ...

indianocean

November 13th, 2007, 03:53 PM

looking into future, i guess it's better to get the cat3 now itself ... delhi will eventually get cat 3 soon, coz delhi is always shut by fog .. maybe delhi doesn't want any other city to be ahead of it :-)

well, i wasn't exactly serious in my comment but when they are developing world class airports, they better have the latest technology ... maybe down the line in next 30 yrs they may make cat 3 mandatory for all airport ...

sorry... which worldclass airport are you talking about ? The boxy one with just one road/level leading to and away from it ?

I am praying that somehow the politicians will stop that mess. I will be more than happy to take a shorter ride to HAL airport and be caught in a traffic jam at the terminal rather than take a loooooong drive to a XXL HALairport in devanahalli...

Dear Mr Gowdas (both father and son), please do something to stop the BIAL...:rant:

indianocean

November 13th, 2007, 04:02 PM

ravibg

November 13th, 2007, 07:46 PM

BTW, before you positive thinkers beat me up... consider this...

The BIAL folks know that they are creating some junk. Otherwise, why would they not post more pictures of the terminal building?

Who cares about a trumpet/circular interchange about 2 miles away from the airport or an aircraft taxiway/runway? Those come standard with all....

You are thinking that BIAL is hiding how its terminal looks? :nuts: Reporters have been to the site number of times, so have Civil Aviation ministry officials, Karnataka govt officials and even Magestom from this forum who has posted number of pictures. And why should they hide it, it will be very visible to everyone who uses it :lol:

raghussc

November 13th, 2007, 08:27 PM

yyzhyd

November 13th, 2007, 09:07 PM

Maybe they will split half of the front-end for arrivals and half of the rest for departures .. and the road that leads to the terminal will be of T shape, you go right or left for either departures or arrivals ... Being positive :-)

Unfortunately there's nothing to be positive about...

Departing pax they will enter into a main hall and take escalators/elevators/stairs UP to the check-in level, pass through passport control/security and head to their respective gates.

Arriving pax will deplane, descend one level to collect baggage and pass through customs/immigration security and out into the main hall.

So departing passengers will be rushing into the building from the same doors as arriving passengers will be trying to exit. Throw in the meeters/greeters, coolies, taxi drivers etc. etc... I fully expect it to be chaos.

That is the reason 99% of large international airports worldwide have vertical separation of passengers from roadside.

Even the current Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad which does not classify as "world class" has vertical separation of departing/arriving passengers at it's international terminal.

Bangalore deserved so much better....:ohno:

raghussc

November 13th, 2007, 10:07 PM

awesome planning was done then !!! bengaluru bus nildana is much better then ...

jammy97

November 14th, 2007, 01:18 AM

Unfortunately there's nothing to be positive about...

Departing pax they will enter into a main hall and take escalators/elevators/stairs UP to the check-in level, pass through passport control/security and head to their respective gates.

Arriving pax will deplane, descend one level to collect baggage and pass through customs/immigration security and out into the main hall.

So departing passengers will be rushing into the building from the same doors as arriving passengers will be trying to exit. Throw in the meeters/greeters, coolies, taxi drivers etc. etc... I fully expect it to be chaos.

That is the reason 99% of large international airports worldwide have vertical separation of passengers from roadside.

Even the current Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad which does not classify as "world class" has vertical separation of departing/arriving passengers at it's international terminal.

Bangalore deserved so much better....:ohno:

There is vertical seperation in BIAL also...

http://www.bialairport.com/project_facilities_infrastructure.htm?cid=contentarea&ses=bial#1

Layout:The passenger terminal is proposed as a single, fully air-conditioned, two-level building capable of accommodating international and domestic operations. The basement houses the retail storage, rest areas and services.

The arrival and departure areas are separated vertically with a modern, simple, straight-ahead flow system. The domestic and

international departure lounges, and the majority of the retail outlets are located on level 2 (first floor). The check-in facilities and baggage reclaim are located on level 1 (ground floor). The terminal is designed for ease of operation and minimum maintenance.

Sridhar

November 14th, 2007, 02:01 AM

jammy97

November 14th, 2007, 03:35 AM

The point that people are making is that the separation is inside the terminal (on the airside) and not on the city side. So arriving and departing passengers exit and enter the terminal to the city side at the same level. Once inside the terminal, there is separation. This is like the current Chennai terminals (complete separation inside the international terminals, partial separation for domestic) or the Kolkata terminals. Another terminal that is similar to this is Terminal A at Mineta San Jose international airport. The way they separate arriving and departing passengers on the city side is by having them on separated lanes of the same road. An alternative (like in Chennai/Kolkata etc.) is to spatially separate the arrival and departure areas. I think this is what will be done at BIAL. While not an ideal option, with a good traffic plan this is still workable. I would have preferred two levels on the city side as well though if I were designing the terminal from scratch.

They can still modify this in future as traffic grows and becomes hard to handle on one level. I think this is being planned in the future for the existing Chennai terminals.

I really doubt if they plan to vertically seperate the terminal building. From what i know, the present building will be dedicated as an Air India terminal and the later one will be for other airlines.

I certainly hope BIAL have got their estimates correct for the growth in passenger forecast. It would have been great to have two different levels for arrivals and departures (as it is in most airports), but hopefully the later terminal would have that arrangement.

The last thing people want is to have a replicated model of HAL airport...it would be an absolute disaster.:ohno:

Nelaturi

November 14th, 2007, 08:35 AM

Connectivity, as we all know, is going to a major issue from City to the new airport. All the announced projects like the metro link, dedicated expressway are going to take a long while to materialize, knowing the track record of the state govt in executing infrastructure projects. An available alternative, which is being ignored by all, is to use the existing railway lines, with minor enhancements like providing a link into the airport near the terminals. The tracks pass close to the upcoming airports boundary and there is a station just where the airport road branches off from NH-7, where the trumpet exchange is coming up. This, I think, is the Chickajala (or Doddajala??) station. The airport would be a couple of kms down the road from this station. Shuttle bus services can be provided by BIAL to this station, at minimal costs. S.W. Railway can have shuttle trains from Whitefield (east), Yeswantpur (West) and Bangalore City (central). With comparably lesser expense and time, the station can be expanded to cater to higher rail traffic and provide termination/reversal points for the shuttles. If BIAL and SWR get their acts together, this along with the better alternative of a station at the Passenger terminal (feasibility?), would be a major boon to the air travellers. Luxury rakes (a/c ones like the Volvo buses with good luggage carrying capacity) can be introduced by the Railways. Passengers would be happy to pay even Rs. 100 to 150/- per head to use such a facility and will be a good revenue for the railways. Commuters from Electronic City and other Southern suburbs where there are no existing tracks, would still have a problem, but at least the majority of the city would be served by this route. This would also be one more option, once the fancy projects are completed.

jammy97

November 14th, 2007, 10:04 AM

indianocean

November 14th, 2007, 05:02 PM

I totally agree with the point of providing rail link to BIAL. I think that the point has already come up with the government.

But it probably has let it pass because of the least amount of profits that it can make with it. Everything that has been thought of (metro, expressway, volvo buses and airlink) have had obvious priorities due to their monetary benefits that it offers the government.

Whatever they come out with, its about time they do SOMETHING! :)

Thats another element of risk... If they do provide a rail link, the BIAL mgmt might plan to set aside 25% of the front terminal space for a train arrivals and departures..... :ohno:

But jokes apart I am wondering what can stop this nonsense from coming out.... It is nothing but enlarged HAL airport relocated miles outside the city... Will a public interest litigation stop it or atleast keep HAL airport open so that BIAL dies a natural death...

It can always be converted into a warehouse.... rather easily I'd say..

raghussc

November 14th, 2007, 08:41 PM

too much ill-will indianocean ... for some time, it'll be better and/or worse than HAL airport in certain aspects .. it'll be much much bigger than hal and will handle more ppl and flights easily at the same time will be inconvenient than the hal one ... once future starts growing on the north side of city, then it'll be different story and by that time there will be excellent connectivity even from electronics city via rail/expressways ...

so whoever bought lands in south b'lore will be at little loss ...

keep in mind that not even 5% of entire b'lore population is going to use the airport ... even if the no. of air passengers increase with time, so will the city population .. and even when we goto india for a trip, it's just a one time inconvenience ...

In US too, most of the big airports are quite far off from cities ... but providing connectivity has been vital ...

like someone said, once AI takes over the current terminal and the new terminal hopefully be planned/constructed vertically split, then it'll be nice ...

indianocean

November 15th, 2007, 03:36 AM

Let us hope your words come true.

I hate to see Bangalore get a raw deal each and every time whereas Chennai or Calcutta get all kinds of development funds from the central govt because of their metro classification.

PlaneMad

November 15th, 2007, 08:21 PM

Thats another element of risk... If they do provide a rail link, the BIAL mgmt might plan to set aside 25% of the front terminal space for a train arrivals and departures..... :ohno:

But jokes apart I am wondering what can stop this nonsense from coming out.... It is nothing but enlarged HAL airport relocated miles outside the city... Will a public interest litigation stop it or atleast keep HAL airport open so that BIAL dies a natural death...

It can always be converted into a warehouse.... rather easily I'd say..

quite a negative ned arent you. you seriously think so much of money would be poured into a project, that too with foreign consultants and they wouldnt have planned this all out? reputations are on the line here.

indianocean

November 15th, 2007, 09:13 PM

quite a negative ned arent you. you seriously think so much of money would be poured into a project, that too with foreign consultants and they wouldnt have planned this all out? reputations are on the line here.

Actually NO. I am merely calling it as I see it. You seem to be overly optimistic.

If you think about it, BIAL is a private company. If they are going to open the airport in about 4-5 months, I would expect them to go on a media blitz. After all, they have a product to sell and the deafening silence on their part is indicative of just one thing - NO Value Proposition.

Just look at the picture of the front of the terminal building. Divide it into segments for arrivals and departures. Also throw in International and domestic gates.... See if there is enough room for all.

Yes the positive thinkers talk about future expansion being done right. But that is a big if... BIAL airport will have a future expansion only if it has a future. It will have a future only if the present is right... simple economics at play.

BTW, dont be so enamoured of foreign professionals. I know for a fact that many of them are STUPID with just good language skills. (Yes, there are a few really good ones but only a few). In general the average Indian consultant is the best. :applause:

idontspam

November 16th, 2007, 07:20 AM

Quick-fix solutions for traffic snarls
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: The BBMP’s Rs 1-crore underpass project will move from the casting yard to on-site locations next week. Excavation work and other preparations like shifting utilities on the stretch between Windsor Manor and Hebbal flyover will begin from Monday.
This quick fix solution is a move to replace underpass and flyover projects, which cost at least Rs 20 crore per project and take 2-3 years for completion. Instead, casting elements — RCC arch segment box and square boxes — will be fitted in just a day at a cost not exceeding Rs 1 crore. BBMP sources said work at the three casting yards — Okalipuram, Peenya and Hebbal — is proceeding briskly and elements for three underpasses will be ready by this weekend. This project will be used to clear bottlenecks near Windsor Manor Bridge, BDA Junction, Cauvery Junction, CBI Junction and Sanjaynagar Junction.
In effect, all traffic signals between two locations will be removed to facilitate free flow of traffic. And all this will be done within 60 days.
The BBMP has also identified 26 bottlenecks, which will be cleared using this quick fix measures. “Drawings are ready for KR Circle, which will be taken up next. All traffic signals on the Outer Ring Road will be removed and a study is already underway,’’ said the BBMP officials.

rkramesh

November 17th, 2007, 02:08 PM

Faster , less messy and Less expensive!!!

rkramesh

November 17th, 2007, 02:10 PM

^^

Pre Cast laid in just 1 DAY?!!! Somebody tell me that I am not dreaming - Sounds almost too good to be true for our Desi Babus to do - will this mean we can say good bye to all those road developments which disfigure traffic flow for years? If true Why didn't they think of this before - Well better Late than never. May this transformation for the better continue in other areas as well. Amen - nay - Thathasthu to that I'd say.

Babji

November 18th, 2007, 09:33 PM

rkramesh

November 19th, 2007, 12:42 PM

^^
My thoughts exactly Babji...
Also will the quickfix workmanship and quality be as good (or even better - given better quality controls possible in pre cast solutions than our long drawn on site projects) than the older methods?...
Their execution will tell
Pre cast is very popular for such infrastructure work here in the west. ..
-Faster
-Less disruption to traffic flow on site
-More environment friendly
-Less mandays to execute
-Better quality control possibilities in work flow...

bobbie501

November 19th, 2007, 03:33 PM

jammy97

November 22nd, 2007, 01:18 AM

The consortium open to building part of the infrastructure for the link;
Expressway planto the airport delayed

Bangalore: The company building a new international airport in Bangalore, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (Bial), will pick up an equity stake in a proposed elevated mass transit rail network to transfer passengers from the airport to the city, according to Albert Brunner, chief executive officer of Bial.
...
“We are willing to contribute (equity), furthermore we are ready to build the infrastructure for the rail link at our place,” said Brunner. “We don’t have the overall cost of the project and how much we will pick up.”
...
An official of the Karnataka infrastructure department said the project proposal has tobe placed before the government ahead of deciding whether equity could be injected by Bial. It is a five-year project, said the official, who did not want to be named as he was not authorized to speak tothe media.
...
The road until Hebbal flyover, the outskirts from where the national highway to the airport begins, is being expanded to ease traffic movement. But a 21km, dedicated six-lane expressway planned to connect the airport has been delayed by over a year and bids are yet to be called forthe project.
...
Bial will invest Rs500 crore over the next year for expanding the airport, including new aircraft parking stands, building a new trumpet flyover from the highway and additional office space for the airlines. “We have already begun the ground work on expansion, it will complete by August,” said Brunner.

The Rs1,930 crore project is being built on a 4,000-acre plot at Devanahalli, 35km north of Bangalore, and is the first public-private airport venture in the country. :)

Full story (http://www.livemint.com/2007/11/22004437/Airport-operator-mulls-stake.html)

raghussc

November 27th, 2007, 11:51 PM

no updates at all in last 5 days ?!?

mukeshworld

November 28th, 2007, 03:36 PM

Construction of the new Bangalore International Airport is almost complete and trials will begin next month.

"Most of the work will be completed by the end of the year. We will start basic trials in December. We will have more advanced and integrated trials in January," Marcel Hungerbuehler, chief operating officer, Bangalore International Airport (BIAL), said today.

"We will have to start trials on each of the systems," Hungerbuehler said, adding the runway work has already been completed.

The greenfield airport is located at Devanahalli, 40 km from the city, and is expected to be operational by March 30. While private promoters hold 74% stake in BIAL, the state government holds the remaining 26%.

Hungerbuehler said the new airport is expected to handle an estimated 10.5 million passengers and 88 million bags in the first year of operations.

BIAL officials said road connectivity from the city to the airport remained a worry. "Traffic congestion and snarls are the order of the day in Bangalore," a BIAL official said.

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is planning to operate 40-50 Volvo buses from various points in the city to the airport, BMTC sources said.

"My personal opinion is that for the long-term, Bangalore needs a mass transport system," Hungerbuehler said.

http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=11&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=30633

jammy97

November 28th, 2007, 10:25 PM

1. Devanahalli terminal will have a Baggage Reconciliation System

2. The system will make baggage transfers more efficient and prevent flight delays

3. The Devanahalli airport will be the first to install this in the country

:cheers:

For full story, click on the link: The Hindu 29th Nov 07 (http://www.hindu.com/2007/11/29/stories/2007112950040100.htm)

jammy97

November 28th, 2007, 10:36 PM

The two carriers plan to make their MROs available for aircraft of other airlines operating from the new airport

“Jet is not talking to us,” said C. Shankar, a spokesperson for GHIAL (New hyd airport)

“(Once finalized) both (kingfisher and jet) of them (will) have exactly the same contract, (they should) provide the best service and (at a) competitive price (to airlines),” said Brunner for BIAL, adding that the airport has space for four maintenance hangars.

Click here for full story (http://www.livemint.com/2007/11/29011602/Jet-Kingfisher-in-talks-with.html)

jammy97

November 29th, 2007, 11:04 AM

November video update for keen BIAL followers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQiMQ6G2U4E

Check out the huge terminal with rather small openings for entry and exit !

yyzhyd

November 29th, 2007, 03:48 PM

November video update for keen BIAL followers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQiMQ6G2U4E

Check out the huge terminal with rather small openings for entry and exit !

Wow I'm dizzy now... it was as if the video camera was on a pendulum.
:nuts:

mooktada

November 29th, 2007, 11:47 PM

The parking lot looks pathetic and as the guy said no multilevel parking. Hopefully this will be rectified soon. Have they even started building multilevel parkings in India?

cbeboy

November 30th, 2007, 12:06 AM

International airlines rush to touch down on Bangalore (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Transportation/Airlines__Aviation/International_airlines_rush_to_touch_down_on_Bangalore/articleshow/2583060.cms)

International air carriers are making a beeline for connecting Bangalore. Swiss Air, Qatar Airways, Oman Air and Etihad are planning to touch Bangalore while US-based Continental and Northwest are looking at launching operations from the city.

These airlines will look at covering Bangalore once the new greenfield airport at Devanahalli starts operations from March 2008. With these new entrants, the number of international carriers operating out of the city is expected to go up from the existing the 12 to around 20 from the new airport.

International traffic too is expected to go up from 1.4 million to over 2 million next year. According to Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bangalore reported highest growth in international passenger traffic; about 40% as against the national average of 16% from September 2006 to August 2007.

“Considering that corporate international travel is highest out of Bangalore, the city has become a strategic location in India. We plan to launch flights from Bangalore to Doha and Qatar early next year. Frequency of operations is subject to bilaterals. Meanwhile, we have already set up an office in Bangalore,” Qatar’s regional manager, Naveen Chawla, said.

Connectivity to the Gulf from the city is catered by Emirates, Air Arabia and Gulf Air besides domestic carrier Air India. Oman and Etihad is set to join the list soon and domestic carrier Deccan is also eyeing the Gulf region. Acting Country Manager of Etihad Airways Neerja Bhatia says, “we are very keen on operating flights from Bangalore to Abu Dhabi. We have requested the Indian government for traffic rights. Ideally we would want to launch daily flights from Bangalore.”

Connectivity to the US and Europe is also set to improve with international and domestic carriers such as Air India, Jet and Kingfisher Airlines planning to start operations to New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Canada and London. Existing international carriers such as Lufthansa and British Airways too could look at increasing their seat capacity from Bangalore.

“As and when we plan to launch operations from the south, Bangalore will be our launchpad. The city is definitely on our radar,” says marketing manager (India) of Swiss Air, Aditya Khullar. Meanwhile, Asian carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines and Malyasia Airlines are also planning to increase their existing frequencies from Bangalore.

luvBlore

November 30th, 2007, 03:20 AM

Zip to new airport
30 Nov 2007, 0107 hrs IST,TNN

BANGALORE: The high-level task force set up to look into infrastructure leading to the international airport has stepped on the accelerator to get commuters in time for their flights.

At its first meeting on Thursday, sweeping short-term measures were proposed. The meeting, attended by several heads of government departments and industry representatives, decided to put in place a signal-free road between High Grounds police station and Hebbal flyover. BBMP will put up five underpasses in the stretch for a smooth traffic flow.

Infrastructure secretary V P Baligar told TOI: "We will put in place a number of underpasses, which will be built from pre-cast RCC structures, at various bottlenecks to allow free flow of traffic."

The underpasses, each of which will take no more than two days to put up, will come at Windsor Manor junction, BDA junction, Cauvery junction, Sanjay Nagar junction and CBI junction. The estimated cost for each one is between Rs 60 lakh and Rs 1 crore. "It was stated at the meeting that while the underpasses are being constructed, the work will in no way disrupt the traffic flow," said Reguraj, chairman of CII, Karnataka, who was present at the meeting.

The BBMP, which will undertake the construction of these underpasses, will commence work on December 15, and has set a deadline of January 30, 2008.

Closer to the airport, the trumpet interchange that BIAL is working on — one leading from the direction of Hyderbad to the airport and the other leading from the airport towards Bangalore — is proposed to be finished before March 30, 2008, the opening date of the international airport. However, the main trumpet leading from the Bangalore side to the airport and from the airport to the Hyderabad side will only be completed by August 2008.

The public works department has undertaken the task to get six arterial roads leading to the airport ready before February next year. Some of these include SH 104 Bangalore-Nandi Road, Devanahalli to airport via Anneswara village. The NH4 to the airport and NH7 to the airport are also proposed to be improved.

Baligar said the second meeting of the task force will be either on Dec 17 or 18

idontspam

November 30th, 2007, 07:42 AM

Friday November 30 2007 03:39 IST
Basavaraj Itnal

A simple but innovative technology adopted by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is going to revolutionise the creation of underpasses across city roads.

The innovation had been tried by Palike at a test site on the premises of Indian Institute of Veterinary Research on Hebbal Road. Further, the same technology was used by BBMP two years ago during construction of underpass on Wind Tunnel road.

Palike has now proposed seven underpasses on Hebbal road to create a signal free corridor till Hebbal Flyover - all in three days. On Thursday, the high level task force on infrastructure inspected the test site and approved the projects to be exectuted and commissioned latest by Republic Day - much ahead of scheduled inauguration of Bangalore International Airport.

THE UNDERPASSES

Palike has proposed underpasses at KR Circle, Maharani College junction, Windsor Manor junction, BDA junction, Cauvery junction, Sanjayanagar junction and CBI junction on Bellary road. The seven junctions would have underpasses to divert traffic from cross roads (except KR circle and Maharani college) to Bellary road and thus avoid traffic halt at signals. The total cost of all projects is about Rs 18 crore and except for KR Circle project, they would be finished in three days.

THE TECHNOLOGY

Task Force chairman and additional chief secretary Neerja Rajkumar said that the technology called ‘Segmented Element Technology’ uses precast box elements which are ‘assembled’ on site. Conventionally the underpasses are constructed by cutting open the ground and then casting retaining walls and slabs.

However, the pre-cast boxes make things easier as they can be cast on mass scale elsewhere and brought to the site only to be assembled. It is much cheaper than conventional methods. By conventional methods, the seven underpasses would have cost about Rs 100 crore - more than five times they would do now.

Palike engineer-in-chief AK Gopalaswamy told this paper that Palike first used the technology two years ago on underpass near Wind Tunnel road. The technology is developed by L Ram Prakash of Rohini Constructions.

THREE-DAY AFFAIR

Principal secretary to Urban Development Department K Jothiramalingam said that government prefers to disturb traffic for three days at a go for all underpasses instead of troubling the motorist for every project.

"We will take up all underpasses on Bellary road simultaneously and complete them in three days," he said.

MORE PROJECTS

Palike commissioner S Subramanya said that more such underpasses would be taken up at Kodigehalli junction, Hudson Circle, Ravindra Kalakshetra and Minsk Square.

The Task Force comprises principal secretaries to Finance, PWD, Urban Development department, Infrastructure, commissioners of Police, BMRDA, BDA, BBMP, MDs of KUIDFC, KSIIDC, BMTC, BMRCL, representatives from CII, FKCCI, BCIC, KASSIA and CEO of BIAL. Director of Urban Land Transport, TA Parthasarathy, is convenor-member.

bgguy

November 30th, 2007, 09:52 AM

Excellent!.. we need such quick surgical strike to tackle traffic problem.. The Task Force team deserves congrtualtions.. weldone:)

Friday November 30 2007 03:39 IST
Basavaraj Itnal

A simple but innovative technology adopted by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is going to revolutionise the creation of underpasses across city roads.

The innovation had been tried by Palike at a test site on the premises of Indian Institute of Veterinary Research on Hebbal Road. Further, the same technology was used by BBMP two years ago during construction of underpass on Wind Tunnel road.

.

bgguy

November 30th, 2007, 09:58 AM

:)
This is very good news for BIAL. according to BIAL they are expecting 9.5 to 10 million passengers per year. I am sure this number goes beyond that and they should start constructing additonal terminal as well new parallel runway.

International airlines rush to touch down on Bangalore (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Transportation/Airlines__Aviation/International_airlines_rush_to_touch_down_on_Bangalore/articleshow/2583060.cms)

.

jammy97

November 30th, 2007, 09:09 PM

More on the new baggage handling system at BIAL...

29 November 2007 – The first-ever integrated passenger-baggage reconciliation system to go live at an Indian airport will be deployed by SITA in time for the March 2008 opening of the new green field airport project in Bangalore, India’s “Silicon Valley”.

Marcel Hungerbuehler, Chief Operation Officer, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), said: “Given our location in the home of India’s formidable IT industry, it is entirely appropriate that this world class airport should take advantage of the latest technology which SITA is providing to ensure an operationally efficient, secure and passenger-friendly airport.”

The new Bangalore International Airport is expected to be operational on March 30, 2008 and will handle an estimated 10 million passengers in the first year of operation.

SITA, which tracks baggage in 220 countries and territories, has developed an integrated, end-to-end baggage reconciliation system which combines bar codes, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and highly redundant IP-based global connectivity to ensure baggage gets to its destination on time.

Elyes M’Rad, Regional Vice President, SITA, said: “This is a significant milestone for the air transport industry in India and will set a benchmark for the future development of airports. Passenger-bag reconciliation reduces aircraft delays through quicker off-loading in case of passenger no-shows and automatically redirects bags that missed their connection onto alternative flights.”

Further explaining the advantages, Marcel Hungerbuehler added: “Nothing is more frustrating than being separated from your bags and we intend to reduce this risk to the minimum possible through the deployment of state of the art technology which will give airlines and passengers maximum visibility on baggage movements through the airport.”

The SITA system in Bangalore comprises two modules, BagManager and BagMessage.

SITA’s BagManager interfaces with check-in and baggage sortation systems, and integrates with flight information systems for any latest updates on aircraft loading. BagManager can also be linked to airport based high-tech security systems to verify the screening of bags by explosive detection systems and other devices. The system provides positive passenger bag match and reconciles passengers with bags thereby conforming to ICAO’s Annex 17-security requirement prohibiting the carriage of accompanied baggage. It reduces substantially the cost for airlines and airports towards misdirected baggage.

SITA’s BagMessage ensures the latest information about passenger bags is available whenever and wherever needed. During the course of last year, BagMessage delivered 650 million messages between airline departure control systems and automated baggage systems.

In addition, almost all airlines using Bangalore International Airport are customers of SITA’s WorldTracer, co-sponsored by IATA, which provides a single shared database of lost and mishandled bags which delivers world round-the-clock baggage tracing for some 400 airlines and other users.

Source: Sourcewire (http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=35517&hilite=)

luvBlore

December 1st, 2007, 06:54 AM

luvBlore

December 1st, 2007, 07:05 AM

Third phase of BIAL expansion under study
Staff Reporter

It is estimated to cost Rs. 1,000 crore
Expansion planned keeping in view rise in number of passengers
Bangalore air passenger traffic is around 11 million

BANGALORE: Even before the first commercial flight is to land at the Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli, the BIAL authorities have started planning for the third phase of airport expansion at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,000 crore, which includes laying of the second runway owing to the rapid increase in the number of air passengers.

Disclosing this to presspersons here on Friday, Principal Secretary (Infrastructure) V.P. Baligar said the BIAL authorities had sought clearance from the Defence Ministry for starting the work on the second runway that is to be aligned towards the south of the existing one. The second runway requires clearance from the Indian Air Force as it operates its flights at Yelahanka, located in the vicinity. “The third phase that includes additional terminal building, taxiway and aprons besides the runway is likely to be completed by 2013.”

He said that the authorities were planning for third phase in the light of projected increase in passenger traffic by 2013. “Bangalore air passenger traffic is around 11 million at present and even without the second runway, it is in a position to service around 20 million passengers. Taking into consideration the future growth, the expansion is being planned,” Mr. Baligar added.

To enable passengers reach the airport faster, the government had drawn up plans that also includes eliminating traffic signal on Ramana Maharshi Road (Bellary Road). Apart from the underpasses planned between the Minsk Square and Hebbal Flyover, Mr. Baligar said: “The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has charted out a plan to make the Outer Ring Road signal free, barring at four places. People can use the ring road to reach the National Highway 7 (Bellary Road) faster.”

Apart from developing National Highway 7, Mr. Baligar said that National Highway 207 and State Highway 104, connecting the airport from Devanahalli and Hoskote area, would also be developed, and that connectivity to the airport from eastern and northern side would be improved before February 2008.

Stating that the Trumpet Interchange, which would connect the passengers from the National Highway 7 to the airport, was bogged down in legal problems, he said: “Two loops of the interchange would be ready before the inauguration of the airport and we hope to complete the other two loops by August 2008 depending on the Supreme Court’s order.” Till the other two loops were completed, passengers headed to the airport from the city may have to take a U-turn on the national highway to reach the airport.

rkramesh

December 2nd, 2007, 07:46 PM

40 Volvo buses to new airport
1 Dec 2007, 0348 hrs IST,TNN

BANGALORE: More good news on connectivity to the new airport. The Bangalore Metropolitan Road Transport Corporation (BMTC) has announced details on the Volvo services to the much-awaited Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli.

As many as 40 Volvo buses, known as Vajras, will ply on eight different routes that will connect the airport directly from the time it is going to be inaugurated on March 30, 2008.

Vajras that have proved to be safe, fast and comfortable will ensure unhindered travel between the city and BIAL, vouches BMTC. The corporation has also mooted to the state government to provide a dedicated bus corridor along the proposed expressway and on the NH - 7, between Hebbal and BIAL.

From the moment of the inauguration, 40 brand new buses will provide services from Indiranagar, White Field, Koramangala, J P Nagar, Jayanagar, Malleswaram, Sadashivnagar, Electronic city, M G Road and Peenya 2nd stage. All buses will stop at Hebbal which is the last station, and from there BMTC will ply special services to the airport. Fares for the same have however not been decided upon.

BMTC has invited any suggestions or proposals on these services, which can be forwarded to ctmobmtc@gmail.com or can be given through telephone or fax on 22952534.

Hmm... will be a task to haul heavy check in baggage into 2 buses - one from your Area to Hebbal then from Hebbal to the Airport -

Do our Vajra's offer a kneeling facility where the bus tilts lower towards the door side for easier passenger ingress and egress? The Mercedes Citaro buses here in Coventry do...Very useful for these Airport Vajras me thinks.

Some suggestions that I sent to BMTC to make these vajra Airport services more effective...
- Modern/ Stylish Design Bus terminals (perhaps like proposed bangalore Metro Designs http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=450976&page=9 ) with smooth floors to facilitate movement of heavy wheeled suitcases etc...
- Protection from the elements so people and luggage don't get wet/ dirty, dusty,
- Use of inbuilt disabled people boarding ramps to help pull heavy luggage into and out of the bus - this can be done at the main terminal start/stop points and not inbetween perhaps...
- seat free space in a part say 1/3rd of bus floor space to allow parking of big luggage items
- T.V. monitors inside the bus to showcase Bangalore to the rest of the world - good source of Tourism ad revenue...
- Adequate car parking or drop off/ pick up facilities at these bus stops...

idontspam

December 4th, 2007, 07:46 AM

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: BBMP’s promise to install a series of magic boxes or precast underpasses along Hebbal Road in a record time of 72 hours has cast a spell of scepticism in the minds of many Bangaloreans. Is the project feasible or is the BBMP making a tall claim? But experts sound hopeful. After all, it is not a new technology. It has evolved into a cost-effective and time-saving initiative to ease the traffic mess.

However, the deadline of 72 hours is not for conceiving, executing and completing the entire project. That’s the time needed to put the precast box in place after all the necessary civil works are completed and advance preparations have been made. The 72-hour period is the duration when traffic flow will be affected.

Said M S Sudarshan, MD (technical), Civil Aid Technologies, “The technology has been tried in Malaysia and the US. Apart from time and cost, a precast element ensures better control over quality of concrete, curing and workmanship. However, to accomplish the task, a lot of groundwork is must.’’
Seconding this is Srinivas Murthy, an academician from IISc, who feels that precast underpasses is not a sham. “It can be done as it is now old technology. But the success depends on how good you are at mobilising resources — from finding a crane that can lift 40 tonnes to box jacking and, of course, planning and execution.’’

“One can install an underpass in 72 hours provided the groundwork is through. The traffic flow on the main road can be restored in 72 hours, but traffic through the tunnel will be disrupted for about a week as we need to carve out alternative approach roads, asphalt and putting up ramps,’’ explained Sudarshan.

The Bangalore division of South Western Railways, which has completed building at least 10 railway underbridges in Bangalore based on a similar technology — box pushing type — finds the idea workable. Said Alok Tiwari, senior divisional engineer, SWR, “A big advantage in using precast boxes is that it does not disrupt traffic. The Railways adopted it in 1991 as trains cannot be stalled for building overbridges or underbridges. However, preparation is crucial. Handling equipment like a hydraulic jet, pushing the thrust bed and planning approach roads need expertise and manpower.’’
The technique is futuristic, said Sudarshan adding, “At least 70% of the cost of the underpass can be recovered if and when you decide to dismantle or relocate it. The idea sounds good as the city can be flexible and open to future mega projects that may require dismantling of old bridges and underpasses.’’

ALL ABOUT THE BOXES

Location: Windsor Manor, BDA junction, Cauvery junction, Sanjaynagar junction, Maharani’s College and KR Circle

Cost: Rs 1 crore to Rs 2.5 crore Load-bearing capacity: 120 tonnes

Features: Dual carriageway, each underpass to be 15 metres wide and 9 metres high, with unidirectional flow of traffic

Casting yards: Okalipuram, Peenya and Hebbal

Add-on: Solar lighting, vents for rainwater, pedestrian walkway

Work begins: December 15

Deadline: 30 to 45 days

Babji

December 4th, 2007, 03:37 PM

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

... the deadline of 72 hours is not for conceiving, executing and completing the entire project. That’s the time needed to put the precast box in place after all the necessary civil works are completed and advance preparations have been made. The 72-hour period is the duration when traffic flow will be affected.

... The traffic flow on the main road can be restored in 72 hours, but traffic through the tunnel will be disrupted for about a week as we need to carve out alternative approach roads, asphalt and putting up ramps,’’ explained Sudarshan.

ALL ABOUT THE BOXES ...
Add-on: Solar lighting, vents for rainwater, pedestrian walkway
Work begins: December 15
Deadline: 30 to 45 days
sounds like a good plan ... NHAI should give it serious thought where the Highways have split the towns and villages into two, without any meaningful way to cross the road ...

bgguy

December 5th, 2007, 02:09 PM

Inching closer to completion..

===============================

Last updated on December 05, 2007

BIAL began construction of the new Bangalore International Airport on 2 July 2005. The construction is progressing on schedule and BIAL will open the airport for commercial operation in April 2008.

Enlarge image

Construction progress update for November 2007

Trial runs will begin at the new Bangalore International airport in December 2007. These trials to be held in three stages i.e. basic, advanced and integrated will finally conclude closer to the airport opening date on March 30, 2008.

The construction and infrastructure advancements at the airport project site continued and are now in the concluding stage. The commissioning of various equipments continued i.e. all the airfield lights at the runway and taxiway, passenger boarding bridges, the baggage handling system and the escalators at the terminal building.

The commissioning phase also commenced at the Air Traffic Control (ATC) block. Other commissioning work included the street lights, cable checks at the airside service road and the secondary access roads.

The Terminal Building
- The finishing works in the terminal building continued with the installation of the internal glass partitions, handrails and the external aluminium panel cladding (ACP). Other work within the terminal building included the construction of the duty free areas, cabling work at all the CUTE (common user terminal equipment) check-in counters, the installation of the public addressing system, the CCTV cameras, the antennas and the light luminaries.
- The construction of the car park opposite the terminal building is in progress. Lying of the paver blocks and landscaping in this area continued.

Airside Works
The major concreting works in the airside administration building are completed. The landside and airside landscaping works are now in progress.

Other buildings and Infrastructure
The construction of the airside perimeter road and the main access road till the trumpet interchange is in progress. The grading and road construction works around buildings and various installations are in progress.

saurabh85

December 6th, 2007, 07:10 PM

Some pics from the website!they Look pretty cool!
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/2096/nov3bc6.th.jpg (http://img514.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nov3bc6.jpg)
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/4844/nov4nw7.th.jpg (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nov4nw7.jpg)
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/781/nov5rm2.th.jpg (http://img141.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nov5rm2.jpg)
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6044/nov6ny4.th.jpg (http://img155.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nov6ny4.jpg)

Suncity

December 6th, 2007, 07:43 PM

^^

looking good.

:cheers:

rajarajang

December 6th, 2007, 07:53 PM

wow!! looks good.

dreadathecontrols

December 6th, 2007, 07:54 PM

So this'll be the first 'international standard' airport in India to be completed, no?All looks good.
Setting the benchmark for all the others to follow.

''...and from there BMTC will ply special services to the airport. Fares for the same have however ...'' Dont realy get this.Its a great idea having a bus service, but why cant it go to the airport? Kind of defeats the object?

luvBlore

December 6th, 2007, 07:57 PM

[QUOTE=saurabh85;16939447]Some pics from the website!they Look pretty cool!

^^

It is coming up very well. nice pics there. interior look is fine.

raghussc

December 7th, 2007, 12:39 AM

[QUOTE=dreadathecontrols;16940334]So this'll be the first 'international standard' airport in India to be completed, no?All looks good.
Setting the benchmark for all the others to follow.
QUOTE]

most likely the first operational greenfield airport but will officially open after HIAL ...

kolkatausa

December 7th, 2007, 04:14 AM

bgguy

December 7th, 2007, 06:04 AM

most likely the first operational greenfield airport but will officially open after HIAL ...

BS
:bash:

luvBlore

December 7th, 2007, 11:22 AM

indianocean

December 7th, 2007, 03:25 PM

the latest pics are good. BIAL has a very sleek and modern interiors.... perhaps even more than most western airports. The green plants inside is the icing on the cake -- it captures the spirit of namma bengalooru... :cool:

But I am still worried about the small, box structure... How are they going to fit in domestic, intl arrivals, departures, customs, immigration, checkin counters, baggage carousels, shops, food court, traveller lounges, bathrooms and how are they going to manage ground transportation at that single-level front entrance?

The BIAL management is maintaining a very studious silence. No details on the website either. I even wrote to them many months ago but never got a response.

fingers crossed...

mooktada

December 7th, 2007, 04:32 PM

Some people seem to have gotten very excited very easily after seeing . No bial is not ten times better than western airports, In fact we can't even say that it's better than HIAL since HIAL is not finsihed yet and we we haven't even seen the latest images of HIAL.

Anyone who is worried about the "small box structure" ought to take a look at one of those images again, especially the one with the people and the ladder next to the columns. This will help you get a proper sense of the scale of this box.

voryaa

December 7th, 2007, 05:38 PM

People are funny in this thread, whenever they see good pictures of either airport, they seem to be bragging about it. Yes, its a good start for india, but i think we still have a long way to go, before we start comparing with airports outside country.

But there is no doubt that these are two currently best airports in india. I think the real challenge is how well and how long they can maintain these new looks. In India, everything goes from bad to worse in matter of hours :nuts:. so lets see who wins in the long run. Also, lets not come to conclusions, you cant tell anything by looking at pictures, the credit should go to photographers not the buildings. They are still in building phase, so once they open, get a first hand experience and then decide.

Bangalore airport reminds me of this huge HomeDepot thats near my house. :lol: Hopefully, the interior has something better to offer.

bobbie501

December 7th, 2007, 05:40 PM

I Donno Why These Guys Compare BIAL With That Of Western Counterparts That Too Before it's Operation.Well To The Fact No Other Airport In India At Present Doesn't Match Up With the South Asian Airports & In Future Let's Gotta See Which Airport Scores Better In Emplanements & Services.As Per Design Issues HIAL is Far more better than BIAL.Even It Scored Better in Space Allocation & Usage.

Suncity

December 7th, 2007, 05:54 PM

Anything better than Airport Authority of India cowsheds is a great start for India.

BIAL and HIAL both are good.

All these arguments of which is better are of no use, until the airports open up and people start using them and start giving their feedback.

Based on the feedback, hopefully HIAL and BIAL will improve anything that may be lacking. Plus there is plenty of scope to build even better terminals in the next phases.

Also let's hope that HIAL and BIAL will maintain the airports properly unlike the useless and incompetent Airport Authority of India.

:cheers:

yyzhyd

December 7th, 2007, 06:33 PM

BIAL airport: It might look like a box from the outside, but its 10 times better than HIAL airport inside.

HIAL Airport: It has a very grandeur design from the outside and perhaps from the inside, but its very lacking.

WINNER: BIAL airport: passengers will barely notice the shape of the airport, but will be much more appreciative of the synchronized interior of BIAL than that of the open dismal space of HIAL.

Yeah passengers will definitely notice the "synchronized" chaos of the interior with arriving/departing passengers and their meeters/greeters all trying to use the same doors to enter/exit the terminal... that's without mentioning the common curbside once you get outside. :nuts:

HIAL is modelled after Oslo. I have flown through OSL many times and that airport is quite an impressive and efficient facility so I expect HIAL will also be.
See some OSL's photos here...
http://www.airliners.net/search/phot...ne_version=6.0

mooktada

December 7th, 2007, 06:40 PM

jammy97

December 7th, 2007, 10:43 PM

Yeah passengers will definitely notice the "synchronized" chaos of the interior with arriving/departing passengers and their meeters/greeters all trying to use the same doors to enter/exit the terminal... that's without mentioning the common curbside once you get outside. :nuts:

HIAL is modelled after Oslo. I have flown through OSL many times and that airport is quite an impressive and efficient facility so I expect HIAL will also be.
See some OSL's photos here...
http://www.airliners.net/search/phot...ne_version=6.0

Its too early to predict "synchronized chaos". HIAL has definitely gone for looks. BIAL always had targeted operational efficiency (dont know if thats achieved through one set of escalators to departure area..).

BIAL in my opinion has scored points in the following areas:

1. SITA's sophisticated baggage handling. Read more here (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/11/29/stories/2007112951380300.htm)
2. Walking distance to Trident Hilton.
3. Kingfisher/GAMCO/Deccan and Jet Airways (to be finalised) MRO's http://www.livemint.com/2007/11/29011602/Jet-Kingfisher-in-talks-with.html
4. Huge space for expansion. A good layout for a 'H' style expansion for future terminals. BIAL view (http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/08/images/2006070809550401.jpg)
The area at the right of the present terminal gives it more area than that possible for HIAL. As far as i know there is no area allocated to the side of the present (or future) terminals for HIAL
HIAL project phases (http://www.newhyderabadairport.com/about_project_phases.html)

Correct me if i am wrong anywhere.

harsh1802

December 8th, 2007, 01:14 AM

IndiansUnite

December 8th, 2007, 04:09 AM

HSR connectivity to airport to be finalized by year-end

Bangalore: Air travelers anxious about access to the almost complete airport at Devanahalli will have to wait till the last week of December, when the state administration will take a decision on high-speed rail connectivity between the city and the airport.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRCL), which is executing the project, presented a detailed report at governor Rameshwar Thakur’s executive committee meeting on Friday. The committee performs the role of the state cabinet during President’s rule.

DMRC managing director E Sreedharan will hold discussions with the governor on December 15. “A final decision will be taken a week after that,’’ said the governor’s adviser S Krishna Kumar.

The project proposes an elevated train covering the 30-km distance. According to the plan, the train will start from BRV Grounds on Cubbon Road. “Some people feel a railway station at BRV Grounds will lead to traffic problems in Shivajinagar, MG Road and surrounding areas. Therefore, we are exploring other options,’’ Kumar said.

[TOI]

Luckystreak

December 8th, 2007, 12:27 PM

4. Huge space for expansion. A good layout for a 'H' style expansion for future terminals. BIAL view (http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/08/images/2006070809550401.jpg)
The area at the right of the present terminal gives it more area than that possible for HIAL. As far as i know there is no area allocated to the side of the present (or future) terminals for HIAL
HIAL project phases (http://www.newhyderabadairport.com/about_project_phases.html)

Correct me if i am wrong anywhere.

But I do see HIAL Terminal 1 expansion in stage 1B and 2. With empty area left there is a scope for even further expansion. The same holds true for Terminal 2 also.

Babji

December 8th, 2007, 04:37 PM

HSR connectivity to airport to be finalized by year-end
[TOI]
cool. B'lore leads. hopefully all the other metros should follow suit ...

sudheeshnairs

December 10th, 2007, 11:12 AM

Do our Vajra's offer a kneeling facility where the bus tilts lower towards the door side for easier passenger ingress and egress? The Mercedes Citaro buses here in Coventry do...Very useful for these Airport Vajras me thinks.

This feature is already there in the Vajras which are operational in Bangalore City. I have seen the bus kneeling down just before the doors are opened.

T.V. monitors inside the bus to showcase Bangalore to the rest of the world - good source of Tourism ad revenue...

LCD TVs are there in 'Vajra' buses used in the present HAL Airport. These buses are used to ferry passengers from the terminal to the Aircraft parked in the apron.

dreadathecontrols

December 10th, 2007, 11:54 AM

maan its so interesting observing through this forum india being dragged into the 21st C.Its all good stuff.

rkramesh

December 12th, 2007, 01:27 AM

Good to know this Sudheesh ^^
BMTC has been at the forefront of modernising Intracity public transportation. Hats off to Volvo for opening up a new frontier of comfort in Indian mass transportation.

Real buses which are designed to transport people (integral body/chassis construction, lower NVH(Noise Vibration Harshness, safety, aesthetics) levels, ) rather than trucks in disguise which is what our earlier truck chassis buses were...

Their Vajra Airport Coaches and Taxis will probably inspire other city TCs to follow suit...

luvBlore

December 14th, 2007, 04:33 AM

Columbia Asia to be BIAL’s medicare-giver
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Columbia Asia Hospitals has been chosen by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to provide medical care to passengers and other occupants of the new airport coming up at Devanahalli.

The hospital plans to set up a 24x7 medical care facility and a pharmacy at the airport to handle routine outdoor medical care and stabilize patients during emergencies.

Columbia Asia Hospitals will also provide total medical assistance in the event of any mass casualty or disaster.

Dr Nandakumar Jairam, chairman, Columbia Asia Hospitals, said: “Bangalore International Airport aims at setting a benchmark for the development of future airports in India. We are pleased to be part of this project.’’

Albert Brunner, CEO of BIAL, said: “BIAL has chosen Columbia Asia Hospitals after a comprehensive tender process. Together, we can cater to the passenger’s medical needs as well as the disaster response services at the new airport.’’

ramkan

December 14th, 2007, 06:09 AM

Disaster response services...Ever heard of that in AAI times.......finally we are changing for the good.

idontspam

December 15th, 2007, 09:32 AM

TUpcoming roads to increase connectivity
Road development works are progressing around the city, to ease traffic conditions and for faster travel. R Jayaprakash reports

The expressway, by the BMRDA, to the new international airport at Devanahalli also took off late. However, officials are confident that it will be ready by 2009. "The Rs 1,000 crore project is finally taking shape. We have finalised the route and issued a preliminary notification. We are finalising the consultants and after that, the tendering process will begin. We are hopeful that the project should be completed over 20 months," said a senior PWD official.

The PWD has also written to the centre for availing viability gap funding for acquiring land for the project but is yet to get any reply. On the other hand, he said the NHAI has been requested to gear up the NH 7 to take the airport traffic by constructing more underpasses, interchanges and ROBs. Putting apprehensions to rest over the very formation of the Expressway to the Bangalore international airport, which is under construction, owing to controversy over the alignment, the government has notified the project, which entails a 21.2 km six-lane tolled road.

After a year of conceiving the project, the government through a special gazette dated August 8, notified the project and the boundary for the entire alignment. The Karnataka Road Development Corporation, which is the project implementing authority, has called for a global tender to construct the tolled road on a BOT basis.

On the other hand, plans are afoot to ready the North Corridor, from Minsk Square to Hebbal Flyover, to carry heavy traffic load when the airport is thrown open to passengers. The BBMP has evolved a quick-fix mantra to make this corridor signalfree at low cost and time.

Seven junctions-Windsor Manor Bridge, BDA junction, Cauvery junction, CBI junction, Sanjaynagar junction apart from Maharani's College and KR Circle will be signal-free by March.

BBMP commissioner S Subramanya said that work will begin on December 15 and a traffic plan is being prepared so that traffic will be least affected. "We are working day and night to make service roads so that traffic can be divided. Only near Balabroohi, since the road has to be completely excavated due to a dense network of water lines, the traffic will be diverted. But we will not close the road at any point of time and by March the stretch between Bala Broohi to Hebbal Flyover will be completely signal-free," he said.
Here is the plan for the junctions along the Hebbal Main Road.

Windsor Manor Bridge-The BBMP will widen the existing road into a six-lane road with land that has already been taken over from the golf club. Two pre-cast elements will be placed in the middle of the circle to allow vehicles to take a right turn towards Hotel Ashoka, and those coming from Anugraha to come onto to Hebbal Main Road and take a left or right turn. As the lanes will be increased, options to get into Windsor Manor and change lanes to move towards Hebbal or the city are being made. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 1 crore. It will take seven days to complete it.

BDA junction- Though this is a relatively simpler plan, two long up and down ramps will be made on the Hebbal Main Road. Two box underpasses will allow vehicles to move from Banglore Palace towards Malleswaram, and those coming from Cauvery junction to take a right turn towards Malleshwaram. As the ramps will need embankments, it is estimated that this project will take more time. The cost is estimated at Rs 2.5 crore and will take approximately 45 days to complete.

Cauvery junction- At this junction, vehicles moving towards Hebbal will have to take a left turn towards Bhashyam Circle and then take a 'U' turn after moving 50 meters to join the Hebbal Road. A box will be introduced to take a 'U' turn and another one at the junction, will allow vehicles from Bhashyam Circle to join Hebbal Road and move towards the city.
CBI junction and Sanjaynagar junction: At both these junctions, underpasses will be erected at the middle of the road below the surface level.

luvBlore

December 16th, 2007, 04:37 AM

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 3 MONTHS TO GO
Work on course Airport trial runs later this month
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Having scheduled March 30 for the grand opening of the new international airport, the authorities will begin trial runs this month-end. To ensure smooth flight operations, trials have been planned in three phases — basic, advanced and integrated.

The authorities are ensuring that almost all work is completed well before March 30, and the construction is progressing. The commissioning of various equipment —- airfield lights on the runway and taxiway; passenger boarding
bridges; the baggage handling system and escalators at the terminal building —- is in the final stages.

The work on the Air Traffic Control (ATC) block is nearing commissioning stage. Other work which will be taken up includes streetlights, cable checks at the airside service road and the secondary access roads. Installation of internal glass partitions, handrails and the external aluminium panel cladding (APC) in the terminal building are in the finishing stages. Other work in the terminal building in the finishing stage includes construction of duty-free areas, cabling work at all the Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) check-in counters, installation of public address system, CCTV cameras, the antennae and the light luminaries. Car parking will come up opposite the terminal building and work on it is in full progress. Laying of paver blocks and landscaping in this area is on. Major work relating to airside administration building has been completed.

Other buildings and infrastructure

The construction of the airside perimeter road and main access road till the trumpet interchange are in progress. The grading and road construction works around the main building are in progress.

SOME FEATURES

Medical service:
Columbia Asia Hospitals has been chosen by BIAL as partners in providing medical care to travellers. It will establish a 24x7 medical care facility and a pharmacy to handle medical care needs arising at the airport. In addition to this, Columbia Asia has proposed to provide total medical assistance in coordinating any mass casualty event or disaster.

Terminal:
The passenger terminal is a single, fully air-conditioned, two-level building capable of accommodating international and domestic operations. The total floor area is nearly 71,000 square metres and is designed to accommodate 2,733 passengers at peak hour.

Runway:
A single runway is on the northern side of the airport complex. The runway is designed to accept Boeing 747 aircraft. BIAL will have a 4,000 metre runway, with a 60-meter width including shoulders.

Cargo complex:
The consortia — SATS/ Air India and Bobba Group/ Menzies Aviation will handle the cargo facilities. They will collectively build a capacity to handle nearly 3 lakh tons of cargo annually.

Retail and duty-free:
The domestic departures will include a Shopper’s Stop outlet, Crossword bookstore, an exclusive outlet for electronics, standalone fashion brand outlets, a confectionery and sweets outlet. The international departures would have one of the largest duty-free outlets in India, offering liquor, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, souvenirs, art, and collectibles from local markets.

bgguy

December 18th, 2007, 05:12 AM

From MG Road to new airport in just 15 min!

From TOI epaper

Bangalore: You can reach the upcoming international airport from M G Road near BRV grounds in just 15 minutes! This dream will become true once the proposed high-speed train takes off. Keeping public concern on lack of connectivity to the new airport in mind, the government plans to put up an exclusive rail network. It wants to do it the Metro Rail way.
In the next few weeks, the government will float a Bangalore Airport Link Rail Corporation and set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to set the ball in motion. With just over three months to go for the commissioning of the new airport, this comes as a welcome relief to all.
“The tentative name suggested is Bangalore Airport Rail Link Corporation on the lines of Bangalore Metro. The idea was mooted after a brainstorming session held last week where DMRC’s E Sreedharan also participated. The governor’s office will seek Centre’s consent in the absence of an elected body here,’’ officials working on the project said.
The rail link has been proposed from MG Road near BRV Grounds to Devanahalli International Airport. This 30-km non-stop train is estimated to cost Rs 4,000 crore and will be implemented on BOT basis. It will run parallel to the existing Hyderabad track — this will avoid land acquisition hurdles. Once the corporation is floated, a DPR will be prepared and global tenders floated. There will clarity once the jurisdictions of the SPV are spelt out.
Though there were several government agencies which could have been roped in to execute the project, the members at the meeting were unanimous about having a separate corporation. The corporation will have board members comprising civic stakeholders, railway authorities, BMRC MD and urban development secretary. It will be headed by a senior IAS officer.

High Speed Rail project.. At last some momentum.

mukeshworld

December 18th, 2007, 02:19 PM

http://www.expresstravelworld.com/200712/20071279.jpg
The much awaited Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) will be operational from March 30, 2008 at exactly 00:01 hours. According to Albert Brunner, chief executive officer, BIAL, the construction and infrastructure advancements at the airport project site are progressing at a good pace and most of the work is in the final stages of completion. BIAL has announced that all flights scheduled to depart after 00:01 on March 30, 2008 will operate from the new Bangalore International Airport. To be completed with an investment of approximately Rs 1930 crore with an additional investment of Rs 750 crore by the concessionaires, BIAL is the first privately built airport in India. Private promoters hold a 74 per cent stake in the airport while the state holds the remaining 26 per cent.

The air traffic expected to be generated from Bangalore by April 2008 is estimated to be 9 million passengers. "Bangalore currently is the fourth largest airport in terms of traffic. Assumptions are that in the next five to ten years, air traffic volumes out of Bangalore will continue to grow between fifteen percent and twenty five percent per year," said Brunner. According to him, the land at the disposal of BIAL will allow them to develop the airport up to a capacity of approximately 50 million passengers a year. "The master plan of the new Bangalore International Airport has been developed to fulfill the need for an operationally efficient and passenger friendly airport for Bangalore. It ensures that the size and capacity of the airport facilities can be gradually expanded based on the passenger and cargo growth," Brunner added. The master plan of the BIAL not only includes provision of premium land for commercial real estate developments such as office parks, retail and entertainment as well as hospitality but also land reserve for a rail link to the city

http://www.expresstravelworld.com/200712/aviationworld12.shtml

indianocean

December 18th, 2007, 03:12 PM

sudheeshnairs

December 18th, 2007, 03:40 PM

anybody knows why we need rail connectivity to the airport and who will use it?

The people who use the airports are usually well-off and would use their own cars or hire one. They, obviously, will have luggage and cannot haul that through the trains. So, the authorities should instead focus on improving the road connectivity.

I am person flying down to Bangalore on weekends/alternate weekends and fly back on monday to work in Trivandrum. I would be using the 'rail connectivity (not the dabbas of IR, but highspeed train) on the very first day itself once it is ready.

Please go through the posts carefully. The train is supposed to take 15 mins for the 30 km nonstop run. I had posted pics earlier in this thread my drive one weekday evening from Hebbal to Devanhalli which took me only 30minutes. So 15 mins for a nonstop train is possible..

I had attended a presentation last week by Mr. V. Jayaraman, COO of GMR group who are doing DIAL & HIAL during the CII Real Estate Summit in Chennai last week. DIAL would be having a metro line which arrives under the Terminal. Similarly in the case of BIAL also, it would be the most convenient, fast & safe mode than a taxi to arrive just next to the Terminal.

And hope you are aware of the airport shuttle trains in major cities of the world.

bobbie501

December 18th, 2007, 03:54 PM

I had attended a presentation last week by Mr. V. Jayaraman, COO of GMR group who are doing DIAL & BIAL during the CII Real Estate Summit in Chennai last week.

Correction
Mr.Sudeesh is it GMR (or) Siemens Led Consortium Dealing With BIAL????

robin_a_p

December 18th, 2007, 08:42 PM

sudheeshnairs

December 19th, 2007, 05:32 AM

Correction
Mr.Sudeesh is it GMR (or) Siemens Led Consortium Dealing With BIAL????

Sorry, it was a typo, I meant HIAL!!!! Corrected..:)

IndiansUnite

December 19th, 2007, 07:10 AM

Please go through the posts carefully. The train is supposed to take 15 mins for the 30 km nonstop run. I had posted pics earlier in this thread my drive one weekday evening from Hebbal to Devanhalli which took me only 30minutes. So 15 mins for a nonstop train is possible..

It'll actually stop at 2 stations in between - Yelahanka and Hebal. Don't know why TOI doesn't mention it..but DMRC's DPR stated that it would have 2 stations in between.

luvBlore

December 19th, 2007, 09:23 AM

Devanahalli airport to levy user fee

From B S Arun, DH News Service, New Delhi:

As per the BIAL proposal, Rs 675 will be levied on every domestic passenger and Rs 955 on every international passenger leaving Bangalore. However, those arriving would not have to shell out any "user development fee"...

Reaching the new Devanahalli airport may just not be a difficult task for passengers. They will have to fork out a steep sum to board the aircraft as well.

The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) wants to levy “user development fee” [UDF] on the passengers departing from Bangalore. The airport is slated for a March 28, 2008 opening.

As per the BIAL proposal, Rs 675 will be levied on every domestic passenger and Rs 955 on every international passenger leaving Bangalore. However, those arriving would not have to shell out any UDF.

The proposal is currently before the civil aviation ministry.

The ministry, however, is of the view that the fee is on the higher side and though the BIAL is entitled to levy it as per the concession agreement, it should be a reasonable amount.

While no decision has been taken yet, the ministry has informed the BIAL authorities to reconsider the amount but the latter is understood to be reluctant to do so, informed sources told Deccan Herald on Tuesday.

“We will call BIAL officials for a meeting and see whether the amount can be reduced,” they said.

Asked for comment, a BIAL spokesperson said: “Yes, the UDF has always been a part of the concession agreement. However, this matter is currently under discussion...”

The sources noted that the greenfield airport — Bangalore’s will be the first such to be opened in the country — will get revenue from airlines on the one side and passengers on the other to augment its revenue so that it could recover the investments made.

“We will decide the fee in consultation with the Bangalore International Airport Limited. However, when the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority is formed, it can take a fresh view on the issue.”

The AERABill has already been passed by Parliament and the body can be formed any day.

Indian airports currently charge Rs 200 as service fee per passenger. Of this, Rs 70 goes to the operator and Rs 130 to the Central Industrial Security Force which takes care of the airport security.

The Delhi and Mumbai airports, which have been privatised, do not charge any UDF at present.

Connectivity woes

Meanwhile, the issue of connectivity continues to bug the authorities in Karnataka. Now that he has taken over the reins, Governor Rameshwar Thakur is said to be a worried man over airport connectivity.

Thakur had fixed a meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and officials of the related departments on Tuesday in Bangalore but it had to be postponed as Patel was busy elsewhere. A new date for the meeting is yet to be fixed.

THE BURDEN

* Only departees to be charged
* Fee for each domestic passenger: Rs 675
* Fee for international passenger: Rs 955

bgguy

December 20th, 2007, 04:37 AM

Trials start at BIAL airport via The Hindu

Staff Reporter

Work in the terminal building is under way

BANGALORE: Ahead of the launch of commercial operations in March 2008, several trial runs are under way at the Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli with the construction and infrastructure advancements reaching the concluding stage.

These trials being held in three stages basic, advanced and integrated will finally conclude closer to the airport opening date on March 30, 2008, a release from BIAL said.

The airfield lights at the runway and taxiway, passenger boarding bridges, the baggage handling system and the escalators at the terminal building have been installed. The commissioning phase started at the Air Traffic Control (ATC) block and other commissioning work included the street lights, cable checks at the airside service road and the secondary access roads.

The work in the terminal building was under way with the installation of internal glass partitions, handrails and the external aluminium panel cladding, construction of duty free areas, cabling work at all the CUTE (common user terminal equipment) check-in counters, the installation of public address system, CCTV cameras and antennas. The construction of the car park in front of the terminal building was in progress, it added.

carlcox

December 20th, 2007, 06:48 AM

my word,
thats definitely the best ATC i'ev seen.
being an interior designer and design consultant, i must say the ATC at Bangalore is in a class of its own.
definitely one of a kind.:cheers:

rkramesh

December 22nd, 2007, 01:40 AM

- pardonez moi -

rkramesh

December 22nd, 2007, 01:43 AM

my word,
thats definitely the best ATC i'ev seen.
being an interior designer and design consultant, i must say the ATC at Bangalore is in a class of its own.
definitely one of a kind.:cheers:

Hmm I can see where u r coming from Carl - As a stand alone Unit with a modern glass donut placed intruigingly offset on a well proportioned T shaped stand - it is attractive - but seen in the light of the passe Boxy Airport design and the 70ish ATC Building it protrudes from It to me takes away from the ATC's aesthetics - due to design DNA association with the unattractive building it rises from and the general cool response especially as people will naturally tend to compare it with the results achieved by HIAL - Horses for courses I'd say. I am only an automobile designer and not an interior designer so my sense of aesthetic building architecture is surely not as well developed as yours -
What is your take on the above mentioned perspective?...

Also I feel if the glass facade conceals the external vertical support pillars - (presenting a flush glazed facade aka the HIAL terminal) - would look good in the future extension plans of the Terminal...

Would you like to share any ideas you may Have in this regard? Ideas to enhance the exterior aesthetics design for the future expansion of the airport yet retain some design DNA association with the current new terminal ?...

carlcox

December 22nd, 2007, 06:54 AM

well mr. rkramesh,
i feel the authorities incharge could probably cover the facade of the t-shaped pillar with a massive fiber-glass/canvas canopy. kinda the same used on the northern face of the burj-al arab in dubai or similar to the ATC at vienna intl. airport ( the design of vienna was done by my company).

bgguy

December 22nd, 2007, 07:06 AM

BMTC plans business class drive to airport

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: After stepping forward to provide luxury bus facilities to ferry passengers from the city to the international airport in Devanahalli, the BMTC is now toying with the idea of introducing ‘super taxis’.
The BMTC will either buy or hire 50 vehicles — read high-end cars — to make passengers’ journey pleasant and effortless.
Here’s how it works: passengers will have to call the BMTC control room to hire a vehicle, which will then drop them to the nearest Vajra bus, which will head towards the airport.
Since the buses won’t cover all city areas, these super taxis will bridge the gap.
With 40 buses plying on this route continuously, this additional service will help passengers who are scheduled to board international flights, which usually leave at night.
“Passenger safety is ensured as this service is being provided by the government. The fare will be 50% lesser than the normal taxi rate, inclusive of the bus fare. The idea is to minimize fuel expenses and make the passenger feel safe,’’ said BMTC managing director Upendra Tripathy.
BMTC is in talks with a software firm to link these super taxis and buses with GPS facilities. Tripathy added limousines will be bought as and when the demand arises.

monyaam

December 23rd, 2007, 02:26 AM

Rail link to airport cleared

Work on the project will begin at the end of 2008

The airport, however, will be ready in March

BANGALORE: The State Government on Saturday approved the construction of a 34-km high-speed elevated rail link to link the upcoming international airport near Devanahalli and Bangalore city. The estimated cost of the rail link is Rs. 3,176 crore.

The elevated rail link would become operational by July 2011.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/23/stories/2007122353330400.htm

IndiansUnite

December 23rd, 2007, 07:45 AM

Rail link to airport cleared

Good news :) Like I said before, there are two stations in between the two terminus. BTW TOI and Deccan Herald are reporting that the cost would be Rs3716 cr and not Rs3176 cr as published in the above Hindu article.

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8397/ar0010403lb7.png
[TOI]

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7066/blorehsrpe8.jpg
[Deccan Herald]

Cov Boy

December 23rd, 2007, 02:24 PM

BANGALORE: The State Government on Saturday approved the construction of a 34-km high-speed elevated rail link to link the upcoming international airport near Devanahalli and Bangalore city. The estimated cost of the rail link is Rs. 3,176 crore.

Isn't this very expensive just to link the airport?

The State Govt. would be better to invest the money as well as save thousands of rupees if it developed a high capacity bus system instead? How many people are likely to use the airport on a daily basis? Unless other parts of Bangalore are contected via the airport then you could argue for the mass transit enroute to the airport otherwise its a hell of a waste of money.

Oh & where is Rs. 3,176 crore coming from?

luvBlore

December 23rd, 2007, 03:20 PM

Isn't this very expensive just to link the airport?

It looks realy expenssive. I feel they should have planned underground considering this huge investment.

The State Govt. would be better to invest the money as well as save thousands of rupees if it developed a high capacity bus system instead?
How many people are likely to use the airport on a daily basis? Unless other parts of Bangalore are contected via the airport then you could argue for the mass transit enroute to the airport otherwise its a hell of a waste of money.

Oh & where is Rs. 3,176 crore coming from?

First, High capacity Bus system option is short sighted and could pose problem in future. it is better to have high speed train considering the future in mind. second, it possible to link with metro in future. I am sure authorities are going to connect this airport line with bangalore metro.

BIAL will be the potential partner and possibly with the some help from state and centre....

bgguy

December 23rd, 2007, 03:31 PM

Isn't this very expensive just to link the airport?

The State Govt. would be better to invest the money as well as save thousands of rupees if it developed a high capacity bus system instead? How many people are likely to use the airport on a daily basis? Unless other parts of Bangalore are contected via the airport then you could argue for the mass transit enroute to the airport otherwise its a hell of a waste of money.

^^

Such Infrastructure does not come cheap.. the cost per KM is around 100 crore .. which i feel is almost close to per/km metro cost.

The train is vital link to Airport; this will provide safe, faster and most importantly Environmental friendly approach.We should look for long term solution rather thinking of solutions like "high capcity bus" which certainly going to increase the carbon emission and increases pollution and traffic of the city many folds.

Also, BMRC's Namma metro will connect the the "City Side Terminal" at BRV grounds.. which is going to solve the connectivity from various quarters of city.

Oh & where is Rs. 3,176 crore coming from?

Acutally it is Rs 3716 Crore ..as per news .. SPV will be floated .. it is likely BIAL will be one of the partners and mostly raised from Debts and equity. GOK contribution will be limited to land accquisitions cost and may not be big. What is intersting to see under what framework of law this SPV will be formed.. if it is formed under new Metro bill (Tram way bill) then things will be easier to get approvals from various agencies.

bgguy

December 23rd, 2007, 03:59 PM

... I feel they should have planned underground considering this huge investment.
....
^^
Underground cost will be around 300 crore per KM ( based on current metro rail estimates).. .. lets say we have underground till Hebbal (approx..10 kms from MG Road) will come to Rs. 3000 crore. For this we need to add another 2500 crore for remaining 25 kms.. Total will be Rs.5500 crore... I think Via duct option is safe bet here.

maritimer

December 24th, 2007, 10:37 AM

This corridor betwen MG Road and Hebbal is not only a connection to the new airport, but is also a busy link between the northern residential areas to CBD and traffic on this corridor is very heavy even without the airport.

With all these construction....

Road widening and 7 quick-fix underpasses, beginning this month.
Elevated Airport Rail Link (3700 crores)
8.8 km tunnel road (800 crores)
Metro Phase 2 line Yelahanka to eCity

....... this road will be choked for the next 3/ 4 years.

Airport rail link - wtf high-speed??? 34 kms in 25 mins - that is ave. speed of 80kmph!!!

My suggestion would be to scrap the 80kmph Airport rail link & tunnel road; instead build a 300 kmph maglev system (http://www.transrapid.de/cgi-tdb/en/basics.prg?session=3ba2e967476f7c7e_447147&a_no=35)(1900 crores) at grade on the proposed 21kms fully-fenced 60m wide Airport Expressway.

For a short-term solution, existing NH7 and ORR can be made traffic-free by diverting trucks to NH207 and DMUs (modern coaches) can be run on existing rail tracks from Yeswantpur-BIAL and Byappanahalli-BIAL.

bgguy

December 24th, 2007, 02:26 PM

My suggestion would be to scrap the 80kmph Airport rail link & tunnel road; instead build a 300 kmph maglev system (http://www.transrapid.de/cgi-tdb/en/basics.prg?session=3ba2e967476f7c7e_447147&a_no=35)(1900 crores) at grade on the proposed 21kms fully-fenced 60m wide Airport Expressway.

.

I agree with you .. Tranrapid one of the partner is Siemens.. incidently BIAL's one of the partner is Siemens.. I think Siemens should seriously think about this.

voryaa

December 24th, 2007, 04:52 PM

I agree with you .. Tranrapid one of the partner is Siemens.. incidently BIAL's one of the partner is Siemens.. I think Siemens should seriously think about this.

we dont even have high speed trains in india, why are you guys talking about maglav? with present maglav technology, even the first world countries are thinking twice of using it. its not profitable or even sustainable. I would rather see 80kmph (avg) trains running between cities and airports with lot more frequency. lets just give maglav another 10 or 20 years wait time. But, i would like to see 300kmph bullet trains between cities.

maritimer

December 24th, 2007, 07:05 PM

we dont even have high speed trains in india, why are you guys talking about maglav? with present maglav technology, even the first world countries are thinking twice of using it. its not profitable or even sustainable. I would rather see 80kmph (avg) trains running between cities and airports with lot more frequency. lets just give maglav another 10 or 20 years wait time. But, i would like to see 300kmph bullet trains between cities.

^^ Nothing wrong in talking about alternate long-term solutions. I have personally traveled on the Shanghai maglev (not in a first word country) earlier this year (airport to city) and it was a great experience. It felt like the airport itself is extended to the city and not a drop of oil is spent in running the train. The point is why are we spending 3700 crores on a 80kmph speed train cutting through the only road connecting to the airport. This speed can be achieved by modern DMUs running on existing rail tracks. It is time for Indians and the govts to think big and futuristic.

voryaa

December 24th, 2007, 08:03 PM

^^ Nothing wrong in talking about alternate long-term solutions. I have personally traveled on the Shanghai maglev (not in a first word country) earlier this year (airport to city) and it was a great experience. It felt like the airport itself is extended to the city and not a drop of oil is spent in running the train. The point is why are we spending 3700 crores on a 80kmph speed train cutting through the only road connecting to the airport. This speed can be achieved by modern DMUs running on existing rail tracks. It is time for Indians and the govts to think big and futuristic.

Its good to plan for the future, but i dont see how such big projects are sustainable in india at the moment. I guess if we start thinking and planning about it now, maybe in 10 years the contruction would start, which would probably be an ideal time to begin such projects.

dreadathecontrols

December 24th, 2007, 09:37 PM

^^ Nothing wrong in talking about alternate long-term solutions. I have personally traveled on the Shanghai maglev (not in a first word country) earlier this year (airport to city) and it was a great experience. It felt like the airport itself is extended to the city and not a drop of oil is spent in running the train. The point is why are we spending 3700 crores on a 80kmph speed train cutting through the only road connecting to the airport. This speed can be achieved by modern DMUs running on existing rail tracks. It is time for Indians and the govts to think big and futuristic.

Agreed nothing wrong with talking about long term solutions.But The Shanghai maglev is not one of them.Most poeple in China think its a bloody waste of money seing as all it does is impress the few flying guilos who use it.
But to put it in perspective.I think there are at least 4 or 5 multi lined metro systems already operational in chinese cities, so in that sphere, infrastructuraly, its what, 15-20 years ahead of India?Its also at least 3 times as rich as india.(ppp)
When India is that prosperous it may well be entitled to waste its money on Maglev systems, eh?

arijeetb

December 24th, 2007, 10:33 PM

80km/hr seems fine considering the stoppages in-between. Whtz the max speed?

IndiansUnite

December 25th, 2007, 02:49 PM

80km/hr seems fine considering the stoppages in-between. Whtz the max speed?

Delhi metro will touch 135kmph so expect BM to touch speeds of around that figure.

________

Regarding the alignment of the HSR, I wish they leave enough space on NH7 so that it can later be expanded to an expressway with 4x4 lanes or atleast 3x3 lanes + 1x2 service roads in the future.

luvBlore

December 26th, 2007, 09:54 AM

Bangalore international airport rail link alignment changed

Tuesday, December 25, 2007 (15:30 IST)
By TBM Staff | Bangalore

The Karnataka Government recently changed the track alignment of the proposed rail link between the Bangalore International Airport near Devanahalli and BRV Grounds, off MG Road. The project cost is estimated at Rs 3,716 crore. The preliminary work is expected to commence by December, 2008 and the project is expected to be operational by January, 2011.

The state government has proposed to lay a fresh track along the National Highway 7 (Bangalore-Hyderabad section), which will connect the city to the new international airport. The 34-km railway line will start from BRV Grounds and connect Police Thimmaiah Circle, Raj Bhavan Road, Sankey Road, Windsor Manor junction, Mehkri Circle and Hebbal flyover.

luvBlore

December 26th, 2007, 09:57 AM

http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/20/stories/2007122059460400.htm

luvBlore

December 26th, 2007, 10:04 AM

Staff Reporter

Corporation to induct Toyota Innova vehicles to pick up and drop passengers

Pick-up and drop facility is being launched on a pilot basis
It is based on the Singapore Tourism model

BANGALORE: By promising to run 40 ultra-modern Volvo buses from eight destinations in the city to the new international airport at Devanahalli, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) hopes to ease air passengers’ anxiety to a large extent. But, the first and last mile connectivity for outbound and inbound travellers still remained the issues to be addressed......

http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/22/stories/2007122260950400.htm

mhp

December 26th, 2007, 05:30 PM

^^ Nothing wrong in talking about alternate long-term solutions. I have personally traveled on the Shanghai maglev (not in a first word country) earlier this year (airport to city) and it was a great experience. It felt like the airport itself is extended to the city and not a drop of oil is spent in running the train. The point is why are we spending 3700 crores on a 80kmph speed train cutting through the only road connecting to the airport. This speed can be achieved by modern DMUs running on existing rail tracks. It is time for Indians and the govts to think big and futuristic.

Maglevs essentially work on electro magnetism. The huge magnets involved in levitating a train draw power that is generated in coal/oil fired stations. Unfortunately we cant produce electricity from air as of yet.. Where is John Galt?! :)

maritimer

December 26th, 2007, 07:07 PM

Maglevs essentially work on electro magnetism. The huge magnets involved in levitating a train draw power that is generated in coal/oil fired stations. Unfortunately we cant produce electricity from air as of yet.. Where is John Galt?! :)

^^Hasn't one heard of wind energy?? I'm glad that maglev is being discussed in Indian forums. There are two views about magnets being a source of energy or not......this debate is going in exactly the same direction as in one of the Lonely Planet forums (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1476744&start=30&tstart=0). If interested we can continue this discussion on the Trains/ MRTS thread.

BTW, I took a trip to Devanahalli last weekend on the PWD-developed roads and surprisingly found these roads to be in good shape. There is construction work going on at a few stretches, but overall the journey was smooth. I managed to take some pics too. Will be posting them soon.

dreadathecontrols

December 27th, 2007, 09:17 AM

no offence to LP, we used the very first guide to india back in '83 wen travelling was exotic...But LP forum is not known for its super high standard of debate....

maritimer

December 27th, 2007, 12:44 PM

Okay..before I post pics, just want to put in a map of the newly upgraded roads connecting BIAL/ Devanahalli. The 2-lane newly upgraded roads are the green ones. NH7 and NH207 n red. ORR in blue.

I drove last weekend from Hennur-ORR junction on SH104 through Bagalur and hit the BIAL compound wall in about 25 mins (22 kms roughly) on a Maruti Swift. On the return journey, I continued along the BIAL compound wall toward Budigere to reach NH4 junction in about 15 mins (23 kms).

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7430/airportraodsni5.jpg

maritimer

December 27th, 2007, 01:10 PM

This is on SH104 via Bagalur village

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3379/dsc00453an7.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4583/dsc00454dt4.jpg

maritimer

December 27th, 2007, 01:17 PM

Approaching BIAL southern boundary walls on SH104. There are two or three villages on this entire stretch of SH104. Road works (culverts, asphalting) are underway at about 4 or 5 patches. Otherwise it was a breeze....speeds touching 90 kmph.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/7184/dsc00456kn3.jpg

ATC tower and other buildings visible in the distance.

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/4274/dsc00455fu6.jpg

maritimer

December 27th, 2007, 01:23 PM

The return journey was on the completed section of the road through Budigere. Here the roads have lane markings, signboards and very less traffic.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3202/dsc00461vb8.jpg

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2962/dsc00463db1.jpg

maritimer

December 27th, 2007, 01:37 PM

After Budigere the road runs parallel to NH207 (ref map posted above) and touches NH4 near Avalahalli passing through the factories of Grindwell Norton, Amway and Siemens. Some smart truck drivers have started using this road instead of the ORR.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/1141/dsc00459vc6.jpg

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2458/dsc00460as8.jpg

And the last pic.....had taken some more (but not of good quality, not posting them).

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/269/dsc00457sa3.jpg

Interesting to note from a signboard that one of the stretches near Bagalur village, the road was made with plastic-waste mix.

mhp

December 27th, 2007, 05:29 PM

^^Hasn't one heard of wind energy?? I'm glad that maglev is being discussed in Indian forums. There are two views about magnets being a source of energy or not......this debate is going in exactly the same direction as in one of the Lonely Planet forums (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1476744&start=30&tstart=0). If interested we can continue this discussion on the Trains/ MRTS thread.

BTW, I took a trip to Devanahalli last weekend on the PWD-developed roads and surprisingly found these roads to be in good shape. There is construction work going on at a few stretches, but overall the journey was smooth. I managed to take some pics too. Will be posting them soon.

sure Maritimer, lets take this to the Trains/MRTS thread. I am not sure how to forward this message to that thread though.

Wind Energy is a separate topic from Maglev. So let me know what you wanna discuss -- Maglev or Alternate sources of energy. I am happy to learn.

I truly apologize for spamming this thread on BIAL.

bgguy

December 28th, 2007, 04:32 AM

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: The proposed high speed rail link to the International Airport at Devanahalli has picked up speed with a Government Order on Wednesday approving the project and authorising the infrastructure development department to hasten work.
On Saturday the cabinet had okayed the introduction of a highspeed rail link connecting B R V Grounds (M G Road) to Bangalore International airport at an estimated cost of Rs 3,716 crore. A Special Purpose Vehicle will be created for the project and work will commence by Dec 2008.
A City Air Terminal (CAT) will be built on BRV Grounds to enable air passengers to check-in here along with the baggage. A boarding pass will be issued, and the passengers can take the train to the airport and board the aircraft. At Hebbal too, similar facilities will be set up. However, in Yelahanka, passengers can board the train without check-in procedures.
It will be a 25-30 minutes journey to the International airport, which is 34 kms from MG road. There will be two stops, at Hebbal and Yelahanka.

THE MODALITIES

KSIIDC appointed as a nodal agency.
DMRC will appoint consultants to study the impact of CAT on MG Road traffic.
BMRC to be project consultants.
40 hectres of land required for the project, including 26.65 hectres of private land Eco-friendly electric train will run upto Hebbal on the median. Thereafter the track will run on the left hand side of the road till the airport.
Tree felling would be minimum during implementation of project.
Commuter fee will be Rs 200 from BRV Grounds; Rs 150 from Hebbal; Rs 100 from Yelahanka

IndiansUnite

December 28th, 2007, 04:39 AM

^^ Old news from Saturday

Klpvrksh

December 28th, 2007, 07:25 AM

From the Business Standard

New B'lore airport raises worry: getting there
Anjuli Bhargava / New Delhi December 27, 2007
A 2- to 3-hour commute is in store once the HAL facility closes.

Apart from air pollution, poor infrastructure and a wobbly state administration, Bangalore has a new worry from March — how to leave town and get back to it once the new Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) opens its doors and the existing HAL airport on Airport Road shuts its doors.

http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=308866&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

bgguy

December 28th, 2007, 11:06 AM

^^ Old news from Saturday

No it is from Today paper.. Please check times of india bangalore edition

IndiansUnite

December 28th, 2007, 01:40 PM

Isn't it time that someone started talking about THIS!!!

We actually did talk about it before. Sudheesh and Robin drove up NH7 to the road that connects to the airport. They concluded that the ride from Hebbal will take around 30 mins (on a weekday) and the connectivity issue isn't at all bad as it is portrayed in the media.

check this:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=248849&page=16

No it is from Today paper.. Please check times of india bangalore edition

apart from the first line, the rest of the stuff is old. nevermind.

Cov Boy

December 28th, 2007, 02:31 PM

One will have to wait and see by March 2008 with regards to the connectivity via road.

Ideally there should be a four laned highway or even a six laned highway connecting the new airport from and to NH7. The SH roads (above) are nice but my March 08 these roads will be heavy with traffic no doubt. These roads are for local traffic and should not be the main connections to the airport.

Transport should have also been given consideration & priority as the airport was being constructed in my opinion but we all know that.

Klpvrksh

December 28th, 2007, 07:02 PM

[QUOTE=IndiansUnite;17360441]We actually did talk about it before. Sudheesh and Robin drove up NH7 to the road that connects to the airport. They concluded that the ride from Hebbal will take around 30 mins (on a weekday) and the connectivity issue isn't at all bad as it is portrayed in the media.

check this:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=248849&page=16

^^

I meant someone in the media - should have made that clear:) - I know SSCI has been discussing connectivity to BIAL for quite some time. Thanks IU!

bgguy

December 30th, 2007, 09:33 AM

Path paved for train to Devanahalli - DH 30th Dec

By P M Raghunandan, DH News Service, Bangalore:

Work on the elevated, high-speed rail link to the Devanahalli international airport is all set to begin at full pace.

With an aim to avoid any delay in preparing the ground for the project launch, the State government has decided to appoint the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as the project consultant. The DMRC has been authorised to prepare the tender document, official sources told Deccan Herald.

The State Executive Committee headed by Governor Rameshwar Thakur cleared the project only last week.

Tender document
Once the tender document is ready, the process of inviting tenders will be taken up. On the other end, the Karnataka State Industrial Investment and Development Corporation which has been appointed the nodal agency to implement the project, will simultaneously call for expression of interest from investors, besides setting up a special purpose vehicle on the lines of the Bangalore Metro Railway Corporation (BMRC).

All these steps are likely to be completed in the next few days, the official sources said.

“The government move will save a lot of time, as inviting tenders for appointing a consultant would itself have taken months,” they added.

In fact, the DMRC is the only government agency in the country having expertise in designing and implementing high speed rail projects.

The DMRC is currently implementing a similar project in Delhi.

“The State government is keen on utilising the expertise of DMRC for speedy implementation. The aim is to start the civil works by 2008-end and complete it by 2011,” the sources said.

And officials do not see any hurdle in the way of the project. For, unlike the Bangalore Metro, land required for this project is much less.

High-speed LINK
*Actual work to begin by 2008-end
* 34-km rail from BRV ground to airport
* Train frequency is 10 minutes initially
* Maximum speed of 160 kmph
* Each train to have 6 coaches
* Scheduled to be operational from 2011

phaedrus

December 31st, 2007, 01:15 AM

deleted

bgguy

January 2nd, 2008, 09:25 AM

NHAI to take over peripheral ring road, expressway work

Loans to be sought from Japanese bank, ADB for projects

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BMRDA will acquire the land for 21.5-km expressway

K-SHIP will take up work on 584 km of State highways

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BANGALORE: The executive committee chaired by Governor Rameshwar Thakur on Tuesday decided to hand over the two major works of developing the expressway from outer ring road to the Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli and peripheral road in the northern and eastern portions under the first phase to the National Highway Authority of India.

Mr. Thakur told presspersons here on Tuesday that the development of the Rs. 1,080-crore 21.8-km expressway to the airport, for which the Karnataka State Highway Improvement Project (K-SHIP) had a proposal, would be handed over to the NHAI.

S. Krishna Kumar, Advisor to the Governor, said the land acquisition work for this road would be done using the Karnataka State Highway Act by the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority.

He said the 65-km stretch of the peripheral ring road in the northern side at a cost of Rs. 1,600 crore for which the Bangalore Development Authority had done the preliminary work would be executed by the NHAI. He said the expenditure for the land acquisition would be met by the Central agency. The final notification for the acquisition of land between Tumkur Road and Hosur Road had been completed. The NHAI would reimburse the amount that would be paid to farmers.

The Advisor said the committee decided to take up the work on 584.5 km out of the 3,400 km of the State highways at a cost of Rs. 1,200 crore through the K-SHIP. The Government is getting a Rs. 1,000 crore World Bank loan. The bank had offered to reimburse any amount that was spent by the Government till the loan was sanctioned. The K-SHIP could start preparations and tendering process.

Major highways

The stretches of different roads where the K-SHIP would take up development works were: Gangavati-Saundatti, Haveri-Hanagal, Bagewadi-Bailhongal, Choudapur-Gulbarga, Mundaragi-Hadagali, Koudli-Mandya, Hosakote-Hindiganal Cross, Hindiganal Cross-Chintamani Cross, Buntwal-Belthangadi, Malavalli-Maddur, Maddur-Huliyurdurga, Huliyurdurga-Kunigal, Kunigal-Tumkur, Tumkur-Koratagere, Hassan-Arkalgud, Koratagere-Madhugiri, Madhugiri-Pavagada and Chikodi-Nippani.

The Government had decided to seek loan from either the Asian Development Bank or the Japanese Bank of International Cooperation for funds to complete the rest of the 3,400 km roads.

P.P. Prabhu, Advisor to the Governor, said it was decided to buy copra, both the mill and ball varieties in Tumkur, Tiptur, Channarayapatna and Puttur, if the price fell below the minimum support price.

The Governor said the committee would decide the list of reservations for the posts of president and vice president of the urban local bodies and it would be announced next week.

Mr. Krishna Kumar, who admitted that the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike had increased the building licence and other fees, said it had not been revised for the last 13 years. The BBMP, he said, required funds for providing quality service.

At last .!

bgguy

January 4th, 2008, 04:42 AM

Bangalore, Jan. 3 Bangalore’s new international airport has entered the trial mode as it races towards the opening date of March 30. The trials have been on for a few days at the Devanahalli site, 40 km away, where the Rs 1,900-crore greenfield project is coming up.

Next, all systems will be taken up for basic trials on January 15 after designated airport readiness experts approve the individual processes, a company release said. Currently, the buildings and systems are being commissioned, while the land and air sides are getting landscaped. All nine passenger boarding bridges are close to being commissioned. The airport company is readying the Universal Flight Information System, Flight Information Display System monitors, terminal building lights and CCTV cameras. Escalators and elevators, water and electricity systems are being tried out. On the airside, concreting of the pavement layer in the apron is on, as also the marking of the runway, taxiways and the construction of the airside perimeter road.

kronik

January 4th, 2008, 05:22 PM

ooh, can't believe 2008 is here already!

sudheeshnairs

January 5th, 2008, 09:05 AM

^^Hmmm...time runs fast

Looking forward to see BIAL, but anyway my 'troubled days' to begin just withing 3 months..:shifty:

bgguy

January 6th, 2008, 01:05 PM

BIAL began construction of the new Bangalore International Airport on 2 July 2005. The construction is progressing on schedule and BIAL will open the airport for commercial operation in April 2008.

Construction progress update for December 2007

As the new Bangalore International Airport nears opening date on March 30, 2008, trials began in December 2007. Designated Airport Readiness Experts (AREXs) are testing basic processes post which, the basic trials will begin on January 15, 2008. During the trial phases facilities, procedures, systems and trained staff will be tested.

A number of “Train the trainer programmes” have been completed successfully and trainers are preparing their training sessions for airport owned equipment and systems for the various trial phases. Facilities are operational, information (rules/regulations) is specified, systems are available and human resources have been employed and trained. In addition, the elementary processes are established and signed off.

The Terminal Building
All the check-in counters are installed. Installation of the Universal Flight Information System (UFIS), Flight Information Display System (FIDS) monitors, speakers, terminal building lights, CCTV cameras, etc are in progress. Installation of all elevators and escalators is complete and installation of furniture in the terminal building has commenced.

Airside Works
The concreting of the pavement layer in the apron, the construction of the airside perimeter road and the painting of the markings on the runway, taxiways and the apron is nearing completion.

Airport rescue and fire fighting
The airport rescue and fire fighting team has reached a high degree of airport readiness and is ready to participate in the basic trials. The four heavy duty crash fire tenders arrived at the project site.

Other buildings & infrastructure
The grading and road construction works around buildings, pavement layers, duct banks and cable trenches are in progress. The finishing works, mechanical and electrical works in the landside office building are in progress.

bgguy

January 8th, 2008, 04:22 AM

Police brace up for security at Devanahalli airport

K.V. Subramanya

CISF will patrol inside the airport while police will keep a vigil on the periphery

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three new police stations and a new division proposed

No right turn on Bellary Road from High Grounds

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
BANGALORE: As the countdown begins for the launch of Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli on March 29, the police plan to establish three new police stations and create a North-East Police Division headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police to provide security to the airport and surrounding areas.

Bangalore Police Commissioner Neelam Achutha Rao told The Hindu that to ensure better security and traffic management, Devanahalli and some of its surrounding areas that were now part of the Bangalore Rural district, would soon be brought under the jurisdiction of the city police.

Formal proposal soon

The police will make a formal proposal to the State Government about the new police division and establishing two police stations — one each for law and order and traffic— at the Devanahalli airport as well as a traffic police station at Chikkajala, Mr. Achutha Rao said.

The existing law and order police stations at Devanahalli and Chikkajala, now under Bangalore Rural district, would become part of the city police unit and would be upgraded.

Division of labour

As the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) took care of the internal security of the airport, the police would provide peripheral security, he said.

Explaining the need for heightened security around the airport, Mr. Rao said commercial activity would take place in the area once the airport became operational.

Besides, there would be frequent and heavy movement of VVIPs. Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) had agreed to provide space on the airport premises to house the two police stations and an office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, he said.

The Emigration Desk at the airport would be handled by the local police until the Intelligence Bureau eventually took over.

The BIAL had agreed to allot space to accommodate 18 tables each at the arrival and departure terminals.

“We had sought space for 20 tables and they were initially willing to provide space for only 15,” the Police Commissioner said.

Land for quarters

The BIAL had been asked to provide land to build residential quarters for the emigration staff as it would be difficult for them to commute from Bangalore everyday.

“As the BIAL has said the Police Department should buy land from it at the market price, the Government is negotiating with the company,” Mr. Achutha Rao said.

Traffic

Meanwhile, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) K.C. Ramamurthy said plans had been drawn up to ensure uninterrupted flow of traffic from the High Grounds Police Station junction to the airport via Hebbal flyover on Bellary Road, which is also a National Highway.

There would be no provision for right turns or U-turns right through this stretch. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike would construct underpasses at certain junctions, as suggested by the traffic police, to enable motorists take such turns.

Series of underpasses

“Until the underpasses are constructed, we will put necessary signage and regulate the traffic,” he said.

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, the Department of Public Works and the National Highways Authority of India had already started the work on barricading the entire stretch of road on both the sides, Mr. Ramamurthy said.

“We are working on installing traffic signboards and hoardings on the entire stretch of the road connecting the airport from the city,” he added.

raghussc

January 8th, 2008, 03:16 PM

Hindustani

January 8th, 2008, 08:54 PM

mooktada

January 8th, 2008, 09:10 PM

B'lore's airport dont impress me that much for some reason. as its taking its final shape, its looking worse n worse. for some reason, B'lore missed a huge trick here. no wonder they wanted to change the whole design even when construction started. This is a total disaster from 21st century standards.

wow.. some people here just blab all sorts of declarations without thinking!

the only time any of us has seen the bial airport is in the mediocre sub par images uploaded on their website. It's a bit too much to call it a disaster just based on that.

Just take a look at India's newest airport (cochin) built only about ten years ago and then you'll be able how far BIAL is in terms of design and standards.

voryaa

January 8th, 2008, 09:40 PM

wow.. some people here just blab all sorts of declarations without thinking!

the only time any of us has seen the bial airport is in the mediocre sub par images uploaded on their website. It's a bit too much to call it a disaster just based on that.

Just take a look at India's newest airport (cochin) built only about ten years ago and then you'll be able how far BIAL is in terms of design and standards.

why are you comparing it with cochin, that was last decade? compare it to something like hyd airport, which is being built at the same time. i agree with hindustani, i had hopes for a better interior than exterior, but man that baggage claim area looks very suffocating. maybe it just me, we will just wait until some one gets a first hand experience, hopefully it wont be disappointing.

bflychaser

January 8th, 2008, 10:06 PM

BIAL website updated the pictures ... :)

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//1_jan.jpg

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//5_jan.jpg

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//10_jan.jpg

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//12_jan.jpg

HIAL updated the pictures too but still lot of work there to do ...

... already I am worried about the 'Baggage claim' area. Look at the width on the left side. It is so narrow. Just imagine people standing atleast 2 feet away from the baggage track with a cart and luggages... There is no space to turn the cart and go... Now itself I can visualise some stampede there..

Illusionist

January 8th, 2008, 10:06 PM

as long as it is modern in terms of functionality , ease of use, commuter comfort and looks pleasant from inside then i dont know what the big deal is. To me it looks fine, interior looks good.
there is lot of room for expansion.... as the traffic increases it can be extended with the new design pattern... ofcourse we need to implement the lessons learnt from this experience.
i myself is a lil bit disappointed but this is not a hopeless case....

Illusionist

January 8th, 2008, 10:10 PM

... already I am worried about the 'Baggage claim' area. Look at the width on the left side. It is so narrow. Just imagine people standing atleast 2 feet away from the baggage track with a cart and luggages... There is no space to turn the cart and go... Now itself I can visualise some stampede there..

i wouldnt worry about it too much... if you look at the right side there is plenty of space... now this is not the only baggage track... at most two sides of the whole area will have uncomfortable space....
it looks like good 10-15 ft space though.... thinking about stampede would be too much..

bflychaser

January 8th, 2008, 10:18 PM

i wouldnt worry about it too much... if you look at the right side there is plenty of space... now this is not the only baggage track... at most two sides of the whole area will have uncomfortable space....
it looks like good 10-15 ft space though.... thinking about stampede would be too much..

considering international flights, number of passengers, luggage size and people attitude (how they encircle the entire bagage track)... 8 feet width (compare the floor line) is going to be a disaster.

mooktada

January 8th, 2008, 11:11 PM

hehe... these people using some of the worst airports in the world are fretting about space between he baggage claim area in a modern airport. How much time do people spend in the baggage claim area? Personally as soon as I get my bags, I am right out the door. The BIAL designers have done the right thing by allocating space and money to locations where people spend a lot of time in, i.e ticketing, departure hall and less time in the baggage claim area. KUL which is one of the best airports doesn't have a spacy airy baggage claim area. It's functional and aesthetically pleasing.

rkramesh

January 9th, 2008, 12:11 AM

I hope they used these Kind of Aerobridges as seen in HIAL for the subsequent BIAL expansion phases...
http://www.newhyderabadairport.com/img/live_footage/16.jpg

Instead of these boring ones at BIAL where one feels like they r walking through a claustrophobic tunnel into the aircraft.

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//10_jan.jpg

Also the HIAL glass walled Aerobridges are so much more bright ,modern and a bonus for us plane spotters...:) Fab Photo ops of Aircraft Close-ups

phaedrus

January 9th, 2008, 12:26 AM

Illusionist

January 9th, 2008, 12:36 AM

considering international flights, number of passengers, luggage size and people attitude (how they encircle the entire bagage track)... 8 feet width (compare the floor line) is going to be a disaster.

The only problem i see is attitude of people and sadly we cannot do anything about it.
in new delhi airport there is plenty of room at the baggage track but still people flock around like some one is distributing free sweets..:bash:

bgguy

January 9th, 2008, 05:01 AM

I hope they used these Kind of Aerobridges as seen in HIAL for the subsequent exapansion phases...

Also the HIAL glass walled Aerobridges are so much more bright ,modern and a bonus for us plane spotters...:) Fab Photo ops of Aircraft Close-ups

^^
rkramesh please note BIAL also has Glass walled Aerobridges.. this is one of aerobridges which is on side .. please check the earlier photos of aero bridges.

mooktada

January 9th, 2008, 05:05 AM

The fixed section of the BIAL aero bridges are glass while the mobile section isn't. I have agree with kramash, the hyderabad aerobridges look a lot better....

bgguy

January 9th, 2008, 05:15 AM

I hope they used these Kind of Aerobridges as seen in HIAL for the subsequent exapansion phases...
nstead of these boring ones at BIAL where one feel like they r walking through a claustrophobic tunnel into the aircraft.

Also the HIAL glass walled Aerobridges are so much more bright ,modern and a bonus for us plane spotters...:) Fab Photo ops of Aircraft Close-ups

^^
Also rkramesh request you to stop comparing things with HIAL, we aware of its features and it "greatness"..lets wait and see once the airport opens...

p2p4

January 9th, 2008, 07:39 AM

Agree. Too many comments flying before even any ONE of us has set foot on these premises to compare the two. Let's wait till the airports are FUNCTIONAL in their entirity.

Having said that, BIAL could have incorporated slanted luggage carousels instead of flat horizontals. IT's easier to pick heavy luggage if the luggage belt carousel is at an angle (and yes, less spinal injuries )

CHeers
P2P4

^^
Also rkramesh request you to stop comparing things with HIAL, we aware of its features and it "greatness"..lets wait and see once the airport opens...

luvBlore

January 9th, 2008, 07:41 AM

B'lore's airport dont impress me that much for some reason. as its taking its final shape, its looking worse n worse. for some reason, B'lore missed a huge trick here. no wonder they wanted to change the whole design even when construction started. This is a total disaster from 21st century standards.

Your comments did not impress me either...:)

that is too big a judgement to pass on. This is beginning of Phase1 and yet to take off.....let them finish the job and after initial reports starts coming in then you are welcome to give one big speech on that....we will listen to it.....till that point kripeya karke.....

sudheeshnairs

January 9th, 2008, 08:37 AM

^^Guys, hope this is the end of the debate.

In SSC, we do not encourage comparisons, but perhaps in this context, I too feel the observations are ok. It is better to have see through/glass walls for the Aerobridges.

And yes, Baggage claim section often gets crowded as sometimes you have to wait for longer periods. I am facing it atleast twice a month at HAL Airport.

carlcox

January 9th, 2008, 11:08 AM

well said sudheesh^^....
i being an architect really like the ATC of BIAL, it definitely is one of a kind....
each of these airports will have their own unique features. it dosent make sense comparing em':bash:.... looks of an airport never matter, its the efficiency that matters...
how many of us actually remember an airport based on its shape? once in an airport the only thing in a passengers mind is the quickest way to get out...the quicker , the better. thats what matters...

Hindustani

January 9th, 2008, 04:00 PM

Well. I'm not here to impress anyone or everyone. I'm here to express my opinion. I'm neither comparing nor contrasting nor insulting B'lore as some of you may feel. Its just my personal opinion that B'lores airport falls well short of 21st century standards of greenfield airport design & engineers screwed this up royally with the amount of funds they had. They could have done much better job architecturally. Thats about it. Its nice if some of us here learn to develop a thick skin & not take things too personally. :)

Your comments did not impress me either...:)

that is too big a judgement to pass on. This is beginning of Phase1 and yet to take off.....let them finish the job and after initial reports starts coming in then you are welcome to give one big speech on that....we will listen to it.....till that point kripeya karke.....

voryaa

January 9th, 2008, 04:44 PM

whats the big deal with comparisons? i like comparisons, its healthy for developing countries...trying to outsmart, think and achieve is always good. And besides how can you not compare when two indian cities are finishing airports at the same time and are fairly close to each other...hell we compare everything else...IT, manufacturing, agriculture...

this forum is to share opinions, as long as they are not offensive. i seriously hope, the powers that be are also doing comparisons, so they can learn from mistakes and improve in the future...

in the end, its the public that really benefits from these comparisons...as long as we dont go overboard like comparing mumbai to shangai :nuts:

luvBlore

January 9th, 2008, 07:23 PM

Well. I'm not here to impress anyone or everyone. I'm here to express my opinion. I'm neither comparing nor contrasting nor insulting B'lore as some of you may feel. Its just my personal opinion that B'lores airport falls well short of 21st century standards of greenfield airport design & engineers screwed this up royally with the amount of funds they had. They could have done much better job architecturally. Thats about it. Its nice if some of us here learn to develop a thick skin & not take things too personally. :)

I aggree with some of your thoughts but not on blore airport falling short of 21t century standard. the new airport will gradualy become a monster in the final design and will be known for its functional efficiency. Bangalore airport will be developed in phases continously to sustain the phenominal air traffic growth.

You are passing a judgement as a whole on a project which has 2-3 phases to go and current phase is not finished yet. You are only entitled to say on its exterior look. it is a known fact.

Illusionist

January 9th, 2008, 11:36 PM

Few More Pics
:cheers:
http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//4_jan.jpg

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//7_jan.jpg

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//9_jan.jpg

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//11_jan.jpg

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//2_jan.jpg

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//6_jan.jpg

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//8_jan.jpg

praanthan_chaannaan

January 10th, 2008, 12:15 AM

how many of us actually remember an airport based on its shape? once in an airport the only thing in a passengers mind is the quickest way to get out...the quicker , the better. thats what matters...

Excellent and might I add the only point that is of importance for a long term traveler?

While I accept this is a skyscraper/infra thread and that aesthetics have its place in construction, no amount of twentyfirst century chrome, glass, cladding or curvy shapes are going to soothe a passenger, whose immigration or customs routine got botched. Or if a traveler, in order to catch a taxi, has to walk for miles. After the first couple of photos in even the supposedly sleek East Asian terminals, one generally hunts for good food, baggage claims, immigration lines, rentals etc. Not even a second look back, once we are in a transit vehicle. Same when taking off. You spent more time either fingering your ear for decompression or praying to all and sundry divine beings, rather than admire the receding terminals.

They are just utility buildings. Only the local people will continue to look at any swank terminals approvingly, because it is a landmark for their locality. And I respect that. The rest will just use them and forget about it after the novelty wears off.

I am sure they both (BLR and Hyd) will do much better than those that AAI runs out of banana boxes that some of us are saddled with..

scorpiogenius

January 10th, 2008, 12:33 AM

Excellent and might I add the only point that is of importance for a long term traveler?

While I accept this is a skyscraper/infra thread and that aesthetics have its place in construction, no amount of twentyfirst century chrome, glass, cladding or curvy shapes are going to soothe a passenger, whose immigration or customs routine got botched. Or if a traveler, in order to catch a taxi, has to walk for miles. After the first couple of photos in even the supposedly sleek East Asian terminals, one generally hunts for good food, baggage claims, immigration lines, rentals etc. Not even a second look back, once we are in a transit vehicle. Same when taking off. You spent more time either fingering your ear for decompression or praying to all and sundry divine beings, rather than admire the receding terminals.

They are just utility buildings. Only the local people will continue to look at any swank terminals approvingly, because it is a landmark for their locality. And I respect that. The rest will just use them and forget about it after the novelty wears off.

I am sure they both (BLR and Hyd) will do much better than those that AAI runs out of banana boxes that some of us are saddled with..

Bulls eye PC! That's the point! :okay:

I dont think many passengers would choose an airport just because it looks better than some other. Although I agree the outer design of BIAL could have been made better, it always the amnities & streamlining of passenger services which must be taken care of.

p2p4

January 10th, 2008, 03:43 AM

Referring to the picture, the baggage carousel on a raised platform makes sense for Indian conditions where travellers tend to bang their trolleys into the converor belts. However, I am just wondering if the platform will be friendly for people - especially seniors with weaker constitutions - be able to handle the lift off from the moving conveyor, to pulling it off, to landing it on the trolley. In a nutshell, would the design be ergonomic? What do fellow forumers think?

p2p4

[QUOTE=Indrajal.com;17594911]Few More Pics
:cheers:
http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures//4_jan.jpg

sammyk

January 10th, 2008, 04:13 AM

^^ That area pictured above does not seem to be for passengers.

rkramesh

January 10th, 2008, 04:18 AM

I read with curiosity and interest the various unexpected comments about my glass wall aerobridge observation.

Would like to state that I had no intention to compare them and my apologies to all those whose raw nerve my post might have touched.

Please do correct me if I am wrong but I feel there exists the possibilities of suggestions in these dicussion threads, reaching the powers that be at these 2 new Indian airports.

Suggestions can make a constructive impact on future expansion etc. As a person who feels passionately about aircraft especially passenger airliners - I felt I needed to voice this suggestion - that aerobridges for FUTURE EXPANSION at BIAL be glass walled - I used HIAL simply because it is in India rather than a similar design in an other country as an example to visually illustrate what I meant but not to start a comparo debate.

Photo opportunities of aircraft close ups possible in this design do make a difference - as can be seen in many web sites worldwide like http://www.airliners.net/ etc. and in sites like these http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=236286&page=46
Having read some of the Flight trip reports - the images in these reports make a lot of personal 'word- of-mouth' kind of powerful impact on people - the best way to share/popularise our country/ Bangalore/Airport etc.

I for one believe in looking at future possibilities - both BIAL and HIAL are really the best thing that has happenned to Indian airports scenario since independence. They have turned out in the best possible way given their unique circumstances/ requirements each one has individually come up in. But that doesn,t mean one should not learn from the other. They are like two siblings in the same Bharathiya family. If I mindlessly pull one down to glorify the other - I will end up hurting myself as an Indian.

If they lead to future progress and desirable outcomes then suggestions and responsible constructive criticism must be encouraged in discussion threads such as these me thinks.:)

Thanks for uploading the Pics Indrajal.

castlerock

January 10th, 2008, 05:34 AM

sammyk

January 10th, 2008, 05:51 AM

Just to take the discussion further, on the flip side(if there is one), wont all aerobridges being glass walled be a security hazard. I mean a VVIP passing through a Glass walled aerobridge would be sitting duck to a sharpshooter from a close by building. - Just letting my imagination go wild :-)

They could always cover the windows in such a situation.

Anyway, don't these folks usually board their plane on a remote stand and not through an air bridge?

p2p4

January 10th, 2008, 07:38 AM

[QUOTE=rkramesh;17599983]I read with curiosity and interest the various unexpected comments about my glass wall aerobridge observation. ...

Rkramesh - thanks for putting things in perspective. IMHO, weather you use glass-cage or metal-boxed aerobridges, one should consider one major point. And that is, how much time does a passenger (weather deplaning or enplaning) spends on these aerobridges?

My guess from experience is that pax typically spend a median of 20 seconds while enplaning and 21-26 seconds while deplaning. The difference is due to the descending angle while boarding (enplaning) and ascending angle whilst deplaning.

The debate can go on about what looks good aesthetically but if function - as a lone factor is taken into account, then it doesn't really make any difference if either type of the aerobridges are brought into use.

Thanks for your valid points & Warm Regds
p2p4

Illusionist

January 10th, 2008, 07:41 AM

sammyk

January 10th, 2008, 08:54 AM

I still think that picture shows the area where bags are placed ON the belt and not off. That is a big curb for just keeping carts away. Seems it's designed to keep tugs and baggage carts away. Also there are exposed ramps , concrete floor and the ceiling is really low. I know it's not complete but it doesn't look like it's meant for passengers. Also it says Baggage Handling Area as opposed to Baggage Claim.

This is the passenger area, and it's marked as Baggage Claim also:

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures/5_jan.jpg

raghussc

January 10th, 2008, 05:47 PM

keeping aside the aesthetics, my only concern abt BIAL is that same doors will be used by both outgoing and incoming passengers and their friends .. same road by both arriving and departing passenger's and their vehicles ... it's always better to have to separate levels outside the terminal building for arrivals and departures. And I believe there will be a majority here who will say that is a problem in BIAL without the need to wait for airport to open. Right ?

luvBlore

January 10th, 2008, 07:51 PM

Bangalore, January 10: A high level delegation from Zurich, which is also a stake holder in the Bangalore International Airport Limited,called on Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur here on Wednesday.

The delegation headed by Dr Lukas Brinar, politician on National level at Zurich, consisted of Reta Furher, Chief Minister of Canton of Zurich, Dr Elmar Ledergerber, Mayor of city of Zurich, and others.

The delegation expressed satisfaction over the progress of construction of Bangalore International Airport and hoped that the Airport will become operational on time.

They opined that the quality of construction and other details are up to the expectations and the Airport complex is being developed on international standars.

The new airport was expected to become operational from this April.

Illusionist

January 10th, 2008, 09:00 PM

sammyk

January 10th, 2008, 09:38 PM

i agree with you here. also it says in the pic as baggage handling area, and how could i have missed the warning light on the belt.

I was going to mention the warning light and switch but I have seen those in passenger areas as well.

IndiansUnite

January 10th, 2008, 10:00 PM

from the hindu-

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/8554/2008010850250101hp8.jpg

rkramesh

January 11th, 2008, 12:58 AM

[QUOTE=p2p4;17602028]

Rkramesh - thanks for putting things in perspective. IMHO, weather you use glass-cage or metal-boxed aerobridges, one should consider one major point. And that is, how much time does a passenger (weather deplaning or enplaning) spends on these aerobridges?

My guess from experience is that pax typically spend a median of 20 seconds while enplaning and 21-26 seconds while deplaning. The difference is due to the descending angle while boarding (enplaning) and ascending angle whilst deplaning.

Dear p2p4
thanks for your kind rejoinder and valid points you made about time spent on the aerobridge. Also an additional constraint might even be the cost - surely the glass walled aerobridge will cost more to commission - structional rigidity / materials use and maintenance to keep glass clean. Just felt it would be a fabulous place to stop n take snaps. Also the bright airy feeling will add to the ambience and user experience...

These points are seemingly getting into trivialities like the luxury of look and feel , ambience of these small details but happily it opened my eyes to the fact that to get to a stage where we talk of such things - we talking about luxury here beyond the mere coldness of necessities - it goes to show how much our expectation have grown as Indians and what possibilities we see of a new way of life - not just in the aviation circles but in India itself.

Where people look at delivering customer delight , exceeding their expectations. To this I close my eyes and pray that may this herald a new way of doing things in our blessed country.

sammyk

January 11th, 2008, 01:57 AM

I would say one spends more than 20-30 seconds in a airbridge. Sure, if all is flowing well that's probably all they spend but c'mon, how often is that? People always slowing down to put their bags up, find their seats or who knows what? Things always seem to get backed up a little.

bgguy

January 11th, 2008, 04:20 AM

BIAL landing trials likely in February

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The first trials of landing and take-off of aircraft at Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL) at Devanahalli are likely to commence in February.

Trial runs of other facilities will begin from January 15.

BIAL Chief Executive Officer Albert Brunner told presspersons here, “Once radar and air traffic control are installed, trial runs will commence. However, we are trying out trials of individual equipment before synchronising all operations.” He said that BIAL had submitted the operation manual to the Director General of Civil Aviation. The operation manual was being reviewed at present. “Physically, the runway is ready,” he added.

heavenlyabode

January 11th, 2008, 06:16 AM

Hi guyz.. I have been reading the discussions in SSC on various infra projects in india and my first post in this thread.

The baggage claim area (if it is as others here have suggested here) looks like current Delhi domestic terminal baggage claim area. Modern airports in asia (I have seen KL, HK and BKK) have more innovative designs than this. The height is very low and definitely 'Feels suffocating and let me get out of here fast' feeling if i were to be collecting my bag there.

People arguing 'How much time we spend here' is not a valid reason for ordinary design of BIAL in general and i saw a comparison of the BIAL and HIAL in 'Livemint' sometime back and both the airports cost the same. I don't buy the argument that designs could not be changed as the project was conceived in 90's and hence up to to 90's standard. With today's advancements in construction and engineering and marvels being built all around the world, i am sure they could have changed design. But they did not for whatever reason. At least we expected better from a foreign agency building this airport. Anyways this is my opinion and I may be in-correct.

Raw deal for my Bangalore...

castlerock

January 11th, 2008, 07:31 AM

heavenlyabode>> This is precisely what I was trying to bring out in one of my earlier posts.
Time has come when we should be discussing what went wrong where with respect to the architecture/design of the BIAL( even if it does work to be functionally efficient which I hope to GOD it does).

Cov Boy

January 11th, 2008, 03:18 PM

bgguy

January 11th, 2008, 03:44 PM

The baggage claim area (if it is as others here have suggested here) looks like current Delhi domestic terminal baggage claim area. Modern airports in asia (I have seen KL, HK and BKK) have more innovative designs than this. The height is very low and definitely 'Feels suffocating and let me get out of here fast' feeling if i were to be collecting my bag there.

Raw deal for my Bangalore...

^^
The whole comparison discussion has become "obession".. We should wait till airport opens... No need to pass the judgement.

heavenlyabode

January 11th, 2008, 03:58 PM

Shall we wait until the airport opens?

What is the BIAL web-site?

How the airport looks is not that important...beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the discussions about how its looks has got out of hand. Why is it so important how it looks? Yes it should look nice but forumers are obsessed with looks.

The functionality of the airport is far more important.

I have not spoken about the looks here. I am speaking about the spaciousness of the baggage claim area as an example. I am talking about efficiency here and spending same money as another airport if the spaciousness and convenience is not there. But we should wait and see for the opening of the airport. I agree.

raghussc

January 11th, 2008, 04:23 PM

I have not spoken about the looks here. I am speaking about the spaciousness of the baggage claim area as an example. I am talking about efficiency here and spending same money as another airport if the spaciousness and convenience is not there. But we should wait and see for the opening of the airport. I agree.

true .. low-ceiling make it more suffocating when there are more no. of ppl standing ... no one gives the right explanation as to why comparisons are not needed ... yet it's inevitable ... doesnt b'lore deserve better or do we want to just compromise n keep saying "let's wait n see the functionality" ?? come on now, don't take it hard ... forummers got nothin to lose or gain by appreciating one or blaming another ... it's just all in the game ... be positive ...

isn't this better ?

http://hyderabad.aero/img/live_footage/3.jpg

than this ??

http://www.bialairport.com/img/pictures/5_jan.jpg

voryaa

January 11th, 2008, 05:20 PM

[QUOTE=p2p4;17602028]

My guess from experience is that pax typically spend a median of 20 seconds while enplaning and 21-26 seconds while deplaning. The difference is due to the descending angle while boarding (enplaning) and ascending angle whilst deplaning.

even if they spend 10 secs, its all in the feel. With all the stresses one has to endure during a short/long journey, you want the passenger to feel comfortable where ever he/she may be.

glass bridges looks and feels better because they not only provide good views of the surrounding, but also make people feel less Claustrophobic (there may be passengers who hate closed spaces and tunnels? who knows). my 2 cents, for what they are worth.

heavenlyabode

January 11th, 2008, 05:43 PM

My argument on BIAL is - if for the money spent here better things have been bought elsewhere then it is common to feel agitated. Whether we spend few minutes or seconds does not matter. Its the cost we are paying and the quality we are getting for it. Probably the revenue models are different or something else between the various airports and BIAL. But whatever the reason for me 'quality for the cost paid' matters. All the agencies involved making more profits i guess.

In this case we can just see it happen and let it be - the airport has already taken shape. Operational efficiency is the only hope for BIAL experience to be as good as other airports.

But i feel this thread should not put a -ve feeling on other passive readers about BIAL. We can judge it correctly when we use it ourselves in few months time. Lets reserve our final decision for March/April 08.

raghussc

January 11th, 2008, 07:43 PM

http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/11/stories/2008011154560100.htm

In today's Hindu paper

BIAL sticks to decision on new airport user fee

Domestic user fee is Rs. 675; international traveller levy Rs. 955

It is the core of our revenue stream: BIAL CEO : “It is the core of our revenue stream without which the operations would not be viable.”

“Some people say that we are going to get more passengers than what was projected when the agreement was signed. It is true. But it is also true that our investments on the airport increased from the estimated Rs. 1,400 crore to Rs. 2,400 crore at present,” Brunner said.

rkramesh

January 12th, 2008, 01:41 AM

^^

Hmm in the same vein I do remember reading earlier in this thread that HIAL says they are considering a lower fee or it might even be zero for the passenger - wonder how the revenue earning models work in the 2 places - What might the alternative areas of income be for the Airport authorities especially in an aerotropolis? Will it be subtantial enough to cover costs (set up and operating) or a major part of it? If anyone can throw some light on this...

I am a bit perturbed at the though of paying about Rs. 200 - 600 to get to the Airport., then another Rs. 675/- - 955 to use the airport apart from the airfare which might be just 20% more than this in some cases...

Hope the user fees get rationalised in different places so that passengers wont have to pay too much like Rs 900/- just to get into an aircraft out of the city.

Frenzyrider

January 13th, 2008, 07:10 AM

idontspam

January 13th, 2008, 10:00 AM

video01 (http://bialairport.com/img/flash/video01.htm)
video02 (http://bialairport.com/img/flash/video02.htm)
video03 (http://bialairport.com/img/flash/video03.htm)

luvBlore

January 13th, 2008, 02:50 PM

And if every airport starts charging this then it will be a big pain. You pay 675/- in blore and 700/- in hyderabad...Man that is a air ticket right there...
I dont know how stupidly the companies think that passengers should pay this. Which idiot did the revenue stream planning. I mean 100 bucks is understable but 675/-... I mean seriously... I will have to get back to trains I guess :)

Thats interesting. Is Laloo Prasad Yadav Listening ? May be Bullet trains will do now. I heard Cochin Airport charges 500 bucks but only for international travellers. I think BIAL and HIAL must exclude domestic travellers.Govt and Corporates should do something about it.

rkramesh

January 13th, 2008, 05:30 PM

Good point there Frenzyrider and luvBlore. On my part I feel domestic passenger fees should not be more than Rs 150/-200/- max and International passenger (except for SAARC countries which are close by) fee about Rs 700-800/-

I say this because international passengers do shell out substantially larger sums of money and Rs 700 - 800 makes a much smaller % of the airfare so is less of a pinch.

Also with charge like these proposed fees - I'd be happy to pay this towards a clean second or first class rail fare for travel on mid/ high speed trains for shorter less than 6 hour journeys coz railway stations r in the town centre - less time and expense getting to them - and less cost - with mid/ high speed trains (AVGERAGE speeds of 150 - 300 kmph), distances covered in say 6 hours can be like 700 kms including stops on the way. This would cover high density short to mid rnage routes like Blore Chennai, Mumbai Pune, Blore Mysore, and so on
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8655/virgintrainslm5.th.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/my.php?image=virgintrainslm5.jpg)
If all this was provided in clean quiet comfy trains at 50 - 75 % of the airfare in even 2nd class chair class - well air transport for shorter distances will be incompetant with all these high airport charges and distant airports.

bgguy

January 14th, 2008, 05:41 AM

When press starts comparing .. :ohno:

Check the highlighted items .. it is very much true. GHIAL benfitted a lot in the process.

GHIALs first flight on March 16

Hyderabad steals march over Blore

New Delhi, B S Arun, dhns:

What Bangalore does, Hyderabad seems to do one better.

After Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) announced launching of its new airport on March 30, the GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited said its first flight will take off on March 16. It has stolen a march over its tech-hub competitor.

“The first flight from the GHIAL will take off on March 16 after the inauguration, which will be done a week before that, around March 10,” airport Chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi told Deccan Herald here on Sunday.

Greenfields

BIAL and its partners , the Karnataka government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) launched the concept of greenfield airports in the country, and after countless meetings over several years, began work on the airport in July 2005.

The groundwork for the GHAIL airport, however, started much later but it had the advantage of all the policy and procedures laid out thanks to the BIAL. Hyderabad airport’s civil work began in December 2005 after financial closure in August that year.

The BIAL went through some rough times, the last being redesigning of the airport because of which the project cost went up from Rs 1,400 crore to nearly Rs 2,400 crore. Still, BIAL has adhered to its schedule and will be launching operations five days ahead of the earlier schedule of April 2.

The new Hyderabad airport, which will be A380 compatible, will have a capacity of 12 million passengers per year compared to 10.5 m of Bangalore.

User fee

GHIAL sources indicated that they too would be charging user development fee (UDF) on the embarking passengers but declined to get into the specifics saying talks were still on with the project partners.
Civil aviation ministry sources had earlier told that BIAL has suggested user fee of Rs 675 for embarking domestic passengers and Rs 955 for international passenger.

However, the ministry is understood to have suggested that the final arbitrator in the matter would be the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority which is likely to be set up shortly.

india

January 14th, 2008, 07:03 AM

This proves that lack of vision, will and timing coupled with acute indecisiveness on behalf of the powers that be can result in a much delayed yet substandard job despite having huge financial resources at ones disposal. Kudos to BIAL for initiating this trend that has now caught on like wildfire. It could have given BIAL an undisputed lead over the others but it spoiled it's own chances because of the aforementioned reasons. We ought to be glad that GHIAL did not commit the same mistakes that the BIAL did.

The tortoise surely did benefit from the hare's laziness.

jammy97

January 14th, 2008, 08:29 AM

BIAL was definitely lacking in 'futuristic' design aspect. GHIAL only took advantage of it. There is nothing one can do if one company only takes advantage of the mistakes made by another. Credit to GHIAL for a much superpior look at this stage. I guess GHIAL is looking more at having a better airport than BIAL rather than focus on 'originality' and 'smooth operations'.

BIAL's focus on customer service and smooth operations may not come true due to the explosive growth in Bangalore's population. But they have stuck to their vision of the airport. And they have to be given their due share of credit just to get the airport finished on time amidst all the politics.

phaedrus

January 14th, 2008, 01:01 PM

well whatever, as long as the overall experience in the airport is good i wont be complaining. and i am quite sure that would be the case at the BIAL

that said, the fee of Rs. 675/- is just too steep..

sudheeshnairs

January 14th, 2008, 02:34 PM

Right, esp when you travel frequently, that too personal trips just like my case. Rs. 675/- is rather a big sum when the minimum base fare of Deccan for say, BLR-TRV sector is only Rs. 500(which becomes around 2500 after all surcharges). One way ticket for me in the BLR-TRV on average costs around 2500-3500. (Jet & KF included, early prices). On a Rs. 2500 ticket, Rs 675 is a considerable amount. Presently I incur around Rs. 250 as cab charges total, one way at TRV and BLR. Now there would be much increase in the cab fares as BIAL is 30 km away.

So it means that the additional expense on my part would be around Rs. 1500-2000 per trip, along with the time delays.

The net result would be that I would be cutting down my trips, or else relocate to either Bangalore or Trivandrum fully. On both cases airlines may lose some traffic. It is not my case alone, we have here forumers like Robin_a_p, Sajith Vijayan who are among many who fly between TRV and BLR.

. On my part I feel domestic passenger fees should not be more than Rs 150/-200/- max and International passenger (except for SAARC countries which are close by) fee about Rs 700-800/-

luvBlore

January 14th, 2008, 03:54 PM

One more Shocker...i wonder what else is in the offing :ohno:

Sharath S. Srivatsa
Cars in premium segment to be introduced; BIAL invites tenders for travel partner

Professional bus services also to be in place
Five firms bid for taxi and limousine services

BANGALORE: Your ride back home from the new Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli could just become expensive as cars in the luxury segment, which are now available at the pre-paid KSTDC counter at the HAL airport, could give way to those in the premium segment.

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which has floated tenders to identify travel partner, has sought cars in the premium segment, including Tata Indigo and Maruti Esteem and above, in place of cars in the luxury segment that includes Tata Indica and Maruti Omni.

The KSTDC counter at the HAL airport operates a fleet of 350 cars in the luxury segment and around 50 meter-taxis are operated through the Bangalore Airport Taxi Drivers’ Union.

Sources familiar with the tendering process said that BIAL had sought brand new vehicles in the premium segment that would match “international quality standards”.

“BIAL has asked the bidders to quote the rates and will be negotiating the same with them.

“Travel partner could be identified shortly,” the sources added.

Apprehension

Expressing apprehension about the rates, the sources said, “Everyone will not be in a position to afford premium segment cars. For those taking a short air journey, the rates could become very expensive.”

Drawing comparison on the rates between the two segments, the sources said, a ride to Banashankari from the HAL airport by luxury cars could cost around Rs. 300, while it could cost around Rs. 500 in premium segment cars.

The sources expressed fear that many vehicles plying from the airport now would not qualify for the bid, and attempts had been made to secure a year’s time for the operators, who had licence from the KSTDC, to upgrade the vehicles.

However, BIAL sources said that professional bus services would also be in place for those who could not afford to travel by premium segment vehicles.

The sources said that at least five companies had participated in the bid for taxi and limousine services, which were being evaluated. The travel partner would be selected shortly.

“We require around 1,000 vehicles to start with, and we will select the bidder, who is capable of increasing the number when there is demand,” the sources added.

Besides, the partner for these professional taxi and limousine services would be selected keeping in view the cost and quality of international standards, the sources said.

Choppers

For those eager to avoid traffic snarls, BIAL is also in talks with some helicopter operators to provide heli-services to the airport from the city.

The sources said that it was up to the operator to secure permits from the authorities concerned.

raghussc

January 14th, 2008, 04:05 PM

at this time, this seems to be like one step forward and two steps backward ...

guess as soon as the airport starts functioning, the 'shared autos' will start their service too :)

bgguy

January 15th, 2008, 04:49 AM

BIALs basic trials from today

Bangalore, dhns:

The countdown for the launch of Indias first greenfield airport, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) at Devanahalli, has just begun.

Basic trials of the facilities, procedures, systems and trained staff will commence on Tuesday.

This stage is an indication that the airport project is well on track for its scheduled opening on March 30.

Critical development

Although flight trials are expected only in February, the basic trials are considered an equally critical development in the run-up to the airport’s formal launch in March.

BIAL, which commenced the airport construction in July 2005, had announced that the Rs 2,400-crore project would be ready for commercial operations on March 30.

Prior to the basic trials, the Designated Airport Readiness Experts (AREXs) conducted testing of basic processes at the greenfield airport last December.

A number of “Train the trainer programmes” have been completed successfully and trainers have prepared their sessions for airport- owned equipment and systems for the various trial phases, said BIAL officials.
Trial runs will be conducted in three phases. The basic trials will be followed by advanced and integrated trials.

The Devanahalli airport project which is promoted by the Karnataka State Investment and Industrial Development Corporation, the Airports Authority of India, Siemens-Zurich Airport and an L&T consortium, was conceived in 1991; since then, it has seen several ups and downs.

The airport site was shifted and consortia and high-profile stake-holders had pulled out before all issues were sorted out in 2005.

bgguy

January 15th, 2008, 04:50 AM

Towards smoother road to BIAL

DH News Service, Bangalore:

Taking the first step towards a smoother passage, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will on January 16 begin building an underpass using pre-cast box structures on T Chowdaiah Road near Kaveri junction. The Palike had proposed seven such underpasses to ease traffic movement to Devanahalli.

The ride to the Bangalore International Airport in Devanahalli may not be that rough after all. Taking the first step towards a smoother passage, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will on January 16 begin building an underpass using pre-cast box structures on T Chowdaiah Road near Kaveri junction.

The Palike had proposed seven such underpasses to ease traffic movement to Devanahalli.

Palike commissioner Dr S Subramanya on Monday detailed the process: The first day’s work will commence with ground digging at 10 am on January 16. On Day Two, all the 20 pre-cast elements (pre-cast structure models) will be placed. Day three will see the underpass asphalted, and the approach up and down ramps completed. The road will be free for vehicular on the fourth day, he assured.

Subramanya said an underpass could not be built at the Kaveri Junction (Palace Road) since shifting seven pipelines under the junction was tough. “For the last 14 years, a grade separator and underpass were planned at Kaveri junction. But it was not successful as shifting the utilities was difficult. Moreover hard rock is located 4.5 metres below the ground. These difficulties forced the Palike to build an underpass on Sankey Road,” he explained.

Once the Chowdiah Road work is completed, vehicles moving from BDA junction towards Mekri Circle should turn left at Kaveri junction and take a U-turn at the underpass to join the Bellary Road. “There will be no traffic movement between Bhashyam Circle (Sadashivanagar) and Kaveri junction while the work is on. Traffic on adjoining roads will be diverted accordingly for the three days,” he said.

Deadline

Subramanya said the BDA junction underpass work will begin on January 19, once the Sankey Road work is completed. For Bellary road commuters, an overbridge will be built. The underpass work at Windsor Manor junction will be done from January 28 to 31. The facility will allow three rows of traffic movement.

Assuring that the deadline will be met, BBMP commissioner said seven underpasses will be ready by March 28.

Underpasses will come up at CBI office junction, Sanjay Nagar Junction, Hebbal junction and Hebbal police station junction

mooktada

January 15th, 2008, 08:26 PM

Found some more images of the airport from flickr User:http://flickr.com/photos/toufeeq/page2/
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2194525035_f267644ba4_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2226/2194526291_91f98be9f0_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/2195315444_c9675c8211_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2393/2194533175_e2c379515c_b.jpg

Suncity

January 15th, 2008, 08:40 PM

Found some more images of the airport

Cool photos! Thanks.

:cheers:

Illusionist

January 15th, 2008, 09:19 PM

prolly the best pics of BIAL so far..
when i saw the first pic i thought i was looking at renderings..
good find..

Illusionist

January 15th, 2008, 09:22 PM

btw they could have extended the outside canopy to cover or partially cover the road . it would have protected travelers while loading/unloading from their vehicle during rain etc..

Illusionist

January 15th, 2008, 09:26 PM

few more from the same source..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2195313378_41f132f96b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/2194529015_7d4b0a38e8_b.jpg

Sridhar

January 16th, 2008, 01:04 AM

I must say that I am quite disappointed with how the PTB looks, both from outside and inside. Hopefully, after all the cladding and finishing works are completed, it will look better. In any case, it will be a far better airport than the current one and in efficiency, hopefully one of the country's good airports. But there was an opportunity here to make a statement about a new Bangalore and a new India and that, I am afraid, has been squandered.

Illusionist

January 16th, 2008, 01:24 AM

^ ^ Sadly that is true. i hope in the future after the airport is functional and starts making money they hire some nice interior designer and do a make over. a good interior can make up for the box shape exterior.
good landscaping outside and some exceptional landmarks will make BIAL world class. not everything has lost.

saurabh85

January 16th, 2008, 01:33 AM

^^ Yes the box shape can be seen only from a height. Once ur on ground u would never notice it. Good landscaping, wide access roads and a metro connection in future etc will certainly provide a good overall experience.

harsh1802

January 16th, 2008, 02:21 AM

Suncity

January 16th, 2008, 03:39 AM

It will probably have an improved look, when the next phases add to the length.

1
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/2195315444_c9675c8211_b.jpg

2
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7830/blrairportlengthzg1.jpg

sammyk

January 16th, 2008, 03:41 AM

One can look past the box shape but the most ridiculous part of the design is that it's only one level.

heavenlyabode

January 16th, 2008, 06:22 AM

One can look past the box shape but the most ridiculous part of the design is that it's only one level.

It is two level (not one). Arrival and Departure on first floor while check-in and baggage claim is on ground floor.

Illusionist

January 16th, 2008, 07:23 AM

^ ^ are you sure? i dont see any ramp leading to the second level.

idontspam

January 16th, 2008, 11:14 AM

Those aerobridges look like they are made of glass half the way. Satisfies both the glass and opaque fans.

idontspam

January 16th, 2008, 11:23 AM

It will probably have an improved look, when the next phases add to the length.

2
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7830/blrairportlengthzg1.jpg

...and a mirror image of this extended terminal on the other side of the parking lot (right of the picture)after the 2nd runway comes up. A link between the runways for planes to cross over is planned over the approach road from the highway to the PTB. A link between the PTB's is also planned according to the master plan at the far end(top of the picture). If the parking lot gets insufficient they have the option of making it multilevel. So I think we have seen less than 25% of the overall terminal master plan being executed so far. Not to mention the downtown area, industries, hotels etc along the approach roads

idontspam

January 16th, 2008, 11:25 AM

^ ^ are you sure? i dont see any ramp leading to the second level.

...there is an escalator and elevator inside to get you to the first level.

stillwater

January 16th, 2008, 11:53 AM

Illusionist

January 16th, 2008, 12:13 PM

...there is an escalator and elevator inside to get you to the first level.
well that would make it two story building....
to reap the full fruits of having a multilevel airport you need to have two different access roads to the each levels..
like sillwater said, it will be a traffic nightmare..

idontspam

January 16th, 2008, 12:44 PM

well that would make it two story building....
to reap full fruit of having a multilevel airport you need to have two different access roads to the each levels..
like sillwater said, it will be a traffic nightmare..

...they probably have a plan. If they dont I am sure people will complain when it starts getting messy and the BIAL folks will have to come up with a solution. 'Cos the impression I get from all the shortlisting on premium taxis etc. they want it to look spiffy.

voryaa

January 16th, 2008, 04:24 PM

...they probably have a plan. If they dont I am sure people will complain when it starts getting messy and the BIAL folks will have to come up with a solution. 'Cos the impression I get from all the shortlisting on premium taxis etc. they want it to look spiffy.

its too late now, i dont know how they can turn this into two level entrances and exits...anyway

how are they planning on extending this terminal? can someone post a final render of map of how it might look like? thanks

indianocean

January 16th, 2008, 04:39 PM

Im a bit concerned about how design is going to handle the traffic outside the building. People arriving and departing at the same level seems like a traffic mess in the making. I think the movement of people inside the terminal should not be such a big issue because it will be seperated but it certainly seems like traffic outside would be a mess. any thoughts ?

someone said foreign contractors could do NO wrong. Well, here you have it. It pains me to see the ridiculous warehouse design and the silly front entrance to BIAL. What the hell did they do to the 2000 crores ?

When I said such things a few weeks ago, two morons (yyzhd and mooktada) started jumping up and down.

I dont know when my countrymen will start respecting and appreciating the capabilities of our own. sad. :ohno:

As for BIAL, I am sure in a couple of years the people will start protesting the logjams and something will be done by our politicians. The other possible fate is that it will become a second tier intl airport, catering to nearby countries like lanka, maldives, etc. (just my humble predictions).

heavenlyabode

January 16th, 2008, 04:56 PM

someone said foreign contractors could do NO wrong. Well, here you have it. It pains me to see the ridiculous warehouse design and the silly front entrance to BIAL. What the hell did they do to the 2000 crores ?

When I said such things a few weeks ago, two morons (yyzhd and mooktada) started jumping up and down.

I dont know when my countrymen will start respecting and appreciating the capabilities of our own. sad. :ohno:

As for BIAL, I am sure in a couple of years the people will start protesting the logjams and something will be done by our politicians. The other possible fate is that it will become a second tier intl airport, catering to nearby countries like lanka, maldives, etc. (just my humble predictions).

IndianOcean, chill! Airport is required and rightly it should be worth the money spent. I too am frustrated with the cheap design of both interiors and exteriors and everything else. But the no. of travelers or the destinations it will serve will depend on the business in Bangalore and that alone and not by the look of the airport. If we look at current bangalore airport - it does handle 6-7 million passengers annually despite its crap capacity and infrastructure.

This not to say that BIAL can be excused. As more and more pictures come out, it more or less establishes the fact that airport will be a big let down to current engineering capabilities. It is like a large size version of the current Bangalore Airport.

Illusionist

January 16th, 2008, 05:35 PM

we all need to chill a bit. like i said earlier that not all has lost. even in next 10 years BIAL will be in top 5 airports of india.
little modification here and there, and better designed second phase can make a whole lot of difference.
I am disappointed but didnt loose hope. We are fairly new in big construction projects and a bump can teach us to be better in the future projects.
i will feel better if our planners learn a lesson and implement it to the other new airports.
but i still want to see some heads rolling over this issue :grrrr:

mooktada

January 16th, 2008, 05:43 PM

we all need to chill a bit. like i said earlier that not all has lost. even in next 10 years BIAL will be in top 5 airports of india.
little modification here and there, and better designed second phase can make a whole lot of difference.

I am in complete agreement here. I am surprised at how some of this people act like they are whining like they are used to the having the best airports in the world and now they have to ge used to it. All they need to to do is go to current airport to appreciate how much better this is. Just the scale of this airport compared to the old one should be enough to make people appreciate this. It's amazing how ungrateful some people can be.

india

January 16th, 2008, 06:11 PM

:blahblah:

It's better than the current HAL airport (yeah, yeah) but I still can't help but wonder where all the $600 million went. It's amusing to see people defend this poor excuse for an airport so vehemently. A'right, let's get this straight. Taking baby-steps towards improvement with the amount of (financial!) resources available at hand instead of a giant leap is inexcusable, come on.

Maybe they should convert it into a 'cargo terminal'. It pretty enough to be that, ain't it? Food for thought.

luvBlore

January 16th, 2008, 06:46 PM

I hope by seeing the response....some one from BIAL should pen and calm the crowd here. I aggree with all that BIAL falls short of modern marvels. Govt. also must be blamed equaly which gave the final approval for such a design with so much investment. Bangalore deserved better then this.

In the end, it is the business which matters and Bangalore has plenty to feed BIAL. I believe considering the stakes involved it will be a successful one in the longer run....

Klpvrksh

January 16th, 2008, 07:12 PM

I am probably as confused as everybody else here about separate arrivals and departures but I dug out some info from the BIAL website

Layout:The passenger terminal is proposed as a single, fully air-conditioned, two-level building capable of accommodating international and domestic operations. The basement houses the retail storage, rest areas and services. The arrival and departure areas are separated vertically with a modern, simple, straight-ahead flow system. The domestic and international departure lounges, and the majority of the retail outlets are located on level 2 (first floor). The check-in facilities and baggage reclaim are located on level 1 (ground floor). The terminal is designed for ease of operation and minimum maintenance.

Here is the link:
http://www.bialairport.com/project_facilities_infrastructure.htm?cid=contentarea&ses=bial#1

indianocean

January 16th, 2008, 07:20 PM

I am in complete agreement here. I am surprised at how some of this people act like they are whining like they are used to the having the best airports in the world and now they have to ge used to it. All they need to to do is go to current airport to appreciate how much better this is. Just the scale of this airport compared to the old one should be enough to make people appreciate this. It's amazing how ungrateful some people can be.

No offence meant but you positive thinkers dont pay taxes, do you? and all of you havent seen any large intl airports either, it seems.

So, you will be happy with an incremental improvement. If that is the case the govt could have purchased a few adjacent bldgs and expanded the current airport for far less. Throw in a direct flyover and we are home.

We Bangaloreans have lived with that crappy HAL airport for so long (atleast it is in the city). We know what a mess this new larger model of HAL airport will be.

I still cant believe they spent 2500 crores on a warehouse.

voryaa

January 16th, 2008, 08:09 PM

No offence meant but you positive thinkers dont pay taxes, do you? and all of you havent seen any large intl airports either, it seems.

So, you will be happy with an incremental improvement. If that is the case the govt could have purchased a few adjacent bldgs and expanded the current airport for far less. Throw in a direct flyover and we are home.

We Bangaloreans have lived with that crappy HAL airport for so long (atleast it is in the city). We know what a mess this new larger model of HAL airport will be.

I still cant believe they spent 2500 crores on a warehouse.

<rant_on>
i wonder if they really did? i bet, i can come up with a better design that would facilitate twice the amount of people for the same cost. saying its way better than current airport sounds just silly. why do people have to compromise when they spent such big money. lets not compare with current indian AAI airports please, lets not go down to that level. its not like they made up thier mistakes with interior either, nothing impressed me so far from looking at interior pics. i kid you not, it will have an AAI feel in about 3 to 6 months of opening, when the newness washes out.:nuts: Bangaloreans deserve something better being the tech city and all.
<rant_off>

mooktada

January 16th, 2008, 08:27 PM

No offence meant but you positive thinkers dont pay taxes, do you? and all of you havent seen any large intl airports either, it seems.

So, you will be happy with an incremental improvement. If that is the case the govt could have purchased a few adjacent bldgs and expanded the current airport for far less. Throw in a direct flyover and we are home.

We Bangaloreans have lived with that crappy HAL airport for so long (atleast it is in the city). We know what a mess this new larger model of HAL airport will be.

I still cant believe they spent 2500 crores on a warehouse.

There's no need to get so emotional and start calling it a warehouse. No amount of improvement on the current airport could bring it to this standard because there simply isn't enough land to build even this first phase of the airport. A modicum of gratitude wouldn't be out of line here. How can you throw such a hissy fit when you haven't even been at the airport once? All you've seen is the some amateur photographs which only give you 50% of the picture.

BTW, if you had done you're research you would know that the is a BOT (build operate transfer) airport. your tax money wasn't used here so don't bring that up.

maritimer

January 16th, 2008, 08:42 PM

how are they planning on extending this terminal? can someone post a final render of map of how it might look like? thanks

Here's the model of the terminal when all the phases are completed. The red box is the one which is completed.
(pic earlier posted on SSC by forumer Magestom)

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/3439/bialterminalvs9.jpg

The new airport is better than the existing HAL-AAI, but definitely the roofing architecture could have been a lot better (sure it looks like a warehouse). The only hope is that the phase 2 work may start immediately, coz BIAL will go over-capacity in the very first year of operations.

voryaa

January 16th, 2008, 08:45 PM

mooktada

January 16th, 2008, 08:58 PM

"BTW, if you had done you're research you would know that the is a BOT (build operate transfer) airport. your tax money wasn't used here so don't bring that up."

think through what you just wrote there, if its not coming from us, then where do you think 2500 crores are coming from? airports tax airlines, airlines tax people.

Why don't you research do a little research on BOT project financing before you shoot your mouth off , OK? Here's something to help you out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Build-Operate-Transfer

"Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) is a form of project financing, wherein a private entity receives a franchise from the private or public sector to finance, design, construct, and operate a facility for a specified period, after which ownership is transferred back to the funding entity."

india

January 16th, 2008, 09:03 PM

BTW, if you had done you're research you would know that the is a BOT (build operate transfer) airport. your tax money wasn't used here so don't bring that up.

:rofl:!

voryaa

January 16th, 2008, 09:04 PM

i know the process behind BOT, regardless of how you look at it, its the people that pay in the end. more money you put into a project, more time it takes to pay it off...

"During the time that the project proponent operates the facility, it is allowed to charge facility users appropriate tolls, fees, rentals, and charges stated in their contract to enable the project proponent to recover its investment, and operating and maintenance expenses in the project."

raghussc

January 16th, 2008, 09:25 PM

yea this picture sounds much better and deserved for bangalore ... but for now until the end of phase 2, it'll stay as a warehouse kinda building .. it's not offence, it's a fact - digest it !

Internally almost every airport is two level but what really matters is whether there are two levels from the outside, one for arrivals and one for departures ... like the one in Chicago or JFK or Newark or the upcoming HIAL ... the approach road itself splits to the two levels which is always better ...

Here's the model of the terminal when all the phases are completed. The red box is the one which is completed.
(pic earlier posted on SSC by forumer Magestom)

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/3439/bialterminalvs9.jpg

The new airport is better than the existing HAL-AAI, but definitely the roofing architecture could have been a lot better (sure it looks like a warehouse). The only hope is that the phase 2 work may start immediately, coz BIAL will go over-capacity in the very first year of operations.

yyzhyd

January 16th, 2008, 10:44 PM

I just cannot believe they let that airport (with that design) to be constructed in Bangalore. That is just a bad deal for the city. Even after a redesign and the cost going up to 2000+ crores it is just not what the tech city should have received.

:no:

Couldn't agree with you more... just wait until all hell breaks loose when all the international flights carrying tired and cranky NRI's arrive and have to fight to exit the terminal from the same entrances that the departing NRI's are entering in a rush to check-in for their flight!
Someone should film it... it will a great video to post on YouTube.

Imagine the glut of cars, taxis, buses etc. for both arriving and departing passengers utilizing the same curbside... a traffic disaster for sure.

As I have said many times here before... Bangalore deserved much better than this second-rate terminal.

mooktada

January 17th, 2008, 12:03 AM

Couldn't agree with you more... just wait until all hell breaks loose when all the international flights carrying tired and cranky NRI's arrive and have to fight to exit the terminal from the same entrances that the departing NRI's are entering in a rush to check-in for their flight!
Someone should film it... it will a great video to post on YouTube.

Imagine the glut of cars, taxis, buses etc. for both arriving and departing passengers utilizing the same curbside... a traffic disaster for sure.

As I have said many times here before... Bangalore deserved much better than this second-rate terminal.

Cranky NRI's or not, This airport's primary concerns are the residents of bangalore and India, and a huge majority of them would appreciate this airport.

jammy97

January 17th, 2008, 02:30 AM

If you look at two level terminal buildings (one for arrival and one for departure), there is a single access road to the first floor (which usually happens to be the departure for easy baggage drop off and boarding).

Now, because there is a single access road, there are all the more chances of overcrowding especially in major centres like Bangalore, Delhi, and even Hyderabad.

Sure, two level terminals work well in most cases...Melbourne, Sydney are two i can think off. But the traffic is far less than probably most parts of India. Another classic example is that flyovers never really served their purpose in India. Most Bangloreans will agree that short distance flyovers only added to traffic woes in most cases. And in the case of BIAL, with people unloading baggage etc, it might get really bad.

With a single level terminal (atleast externally) for BIAL, it can reduce the congestion for both arrival and departure. Of course, they have to do a good job of maintaining a good traffic flow and redirecting traffic. I dont think we can be too sceptical of single level terminal buildings.

All we can do is just hope that BIAL or the responsible people do a decent job in maintaining the traffic flow.

Sridhar

January 17th, 2008, 03:07 AM

sammyk

January 17th, 2008, 04:11 AM

To say the airport is acceptable because it is better than the existing is ridiculous. I'd imagine most any design, good or bad, will be better than the existing facility. One shouldn't settle when something better can be had.

If the other phases, as shown in the model pictured above, pan out then they should seriously consider building them with a different design and possibly converting this one down the line or using it as some sort of low cost terminal.

d_rk

January 17th, 2008, 04:37 AM

nobody can deny that Bangalore deserves better with the money spend.. even the Aviation ministry complained abut the design, but they did it very very late when nothing can be done.. so only solution i find is to redesign the whole Phase II terminal... Bigger and make it two level entry-exit one.. on a later stage they can use the new terminal for budget airlines and phase II airport as international one...

bgguy

January 17th, 2008, 05:08 AM

Green signal for expressway

DH News Service, Bangalore:

The Union Minister of State for Surface Transport K H Muniyappa on Wednesday said the Centre has agreed in principle to implement the proposed expressway to the new international airport and the peripheral ring road in Bangalore.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the final decision in this regard will be taken on January 23 when a meeting of National Highway Authority (NHA) officials has been convened.

The State Executive Committee headed by Governor Rameshwar Thakur recently decided to handover these long-pending projects to NHA.

The expressway is proposed to be 21.2 kms -- from outer ring road to Devanahalli international airport. While the State Government proposes to acquire the land, the project will be implemented by NHA.

Besides, to ensure smooth traffic flow to the new airport, NHA has plans to construct additional flyovers, underpasses and service roads, wherever necessary, on the existing six-lane road from Hebbal to Devanahalli.

Besides, to ensure smooth traffic flow to the new airport, NHA has plans to construct additional flyovers, underpasses and service roads, wherever necessary, on the existing six-lane road from Hebbal to Devanahalli.

This is a very good move..

heavenlyabode

January 17th, 2008, 07:07 AM

Why don't you research do a little research on BOT project financing before you shoot your mouth off , OK? Here's something to help you out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Build-Operate-Transfer

"Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) is a form of project financing, wherein a private entity receives a franchise from the private or public sector to finance, design, construct, and operate a facility for a specified period, after which ownership is transferred back to the funding entity."

State govt has given concessions to the builder and provided land. Is that not enuf? All this belongs to public. And i believe part funding is also being done by the State and Central govts and rest raised by BIAL on its own.

rkramesh

January 17th, 2008, 12:07 PM

Certainly better than the current HAL airport - and honestly it even looks like a more sophisticted version of it.
Rectangular design theme, in this 1st phase about double the height & width, similar single level entrace, more than 4 times the aerobridges etc. But not good enough for our future aspirations - As even the Govt. officials mentioned that the current Hafeez Contractor designed Mumbai National terminal looks nicer.

So what next? What can be done to address these issues. If the BIAL powers that be are positively reacting to this and working on these factors for the next phase, I would agree with SammyK and d_rk

If the other phases, as shown in the model pictured above, pan out then they should seriously consider building them with a different design and possibly converting this one down the line or using it as some sort of low cost terminal.

so only solution i find is to redesign the whole Phase II terminal... Bigger and make it two level entry-exit one.. on a later stage they can use the new terminal for budget airlines and phase II airport as international one...

A multilevel car parking building can be good looking - it is what people will see when they step in and out - also can free up more space for some landscaped gardens , fountains/ water features etc. to give the impression of the high tech 'garden (is it still) city' moniker.

Current building could be future LCC terminal given it's 'very plain' form follows function design.

Future terminal expansion phases especially for the other side could be 2 tier even on city side for segregating arrival and departure traffic streams.

Also taking a look at this snap with the parking space:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/2195315444_c9675c8211_b.jpg
I do see a parking stand for buses on the right side of the picture. But will the BMTC Vajra Volvo services drop off passengers at the terminal and perhaps pick them up from there or at this small parking bays? Hope they have in their traffic flow plan - a designated space for the Vajras and other buses (given the distance / cost - many might choose this option therefore more buses likely) to drop and pick up a largish number of people with all their luggage in tow.

I feel at least in new greenfield airports passengers must not be exposed to traffic (crossing the road) with their luggage trolleys in tow - this can lead to chaos and potentially dangerous stituations, especially with last minute passengers rushing in...

Really wonder how traffic flow has been planned with the current layout - any info anyone? Hope the BIAL guys have an effective system in place to address the apprhensions voiced in this discussion thread...

Also HIAL have clearly stated that they are A380 ready from day 1. BIAL has been resoundingly silent here - mentioning that the runway can accomodate a B 747 - Given that an A 380 can operate on such a runway ( a it of widening is recommended for it) hope the taxiways and parking aprons will be widened and ready to accomodate the Double decker A380 by 2010 when Kingfisher takes delivery of their A380s. Else till then this ultra high capacity jumbo will not fly into Blore. Maybe KF is in talks with BIAL on this count since this will be their home ground when it opens...

jammy97

January 17th, 2008, 12:23 PM

I don't see the logic how overcrowding will be different based on single vs. two levels. In both cases, the approach road is the same. In one case, departing and arriving traffic are segregated, providing more space for pick-up and drop-off. In the other, they happen at the same level. Further, passengers are segregated throughout the city side in one case - arriving and departing passengers are not at the same level except at the gate (in some designs, not even there, particularly at international terminals where there is a need for such segregation). So if anything, overcrowding is lower in the case of the two-level terminal.

There is no escaping the fact that this is not the best design that could have been achieved, even within similar budgets. Yes, it will be better than the existing airport and that will be welcomed. But will it the best that can be achieved with available resources? No. The people of Bangalore, of India and all others who uses the airport deserve better. This decision has long-term consequences. Bangalore will have to live with this terminal for its useful economic life of at least 30 years (unless they decide that it is worth the expense of tearing it down or remodeling it extensively). It could potentially be converted into a two-level terminal, but not without severely disrupting operations and the additional costs that would be involved in remodeling an operational terminal.

When even smaller airports in India are being built as two-level terminals on the city side, it is hard to understand the logic behind this design. Yes, they can do things to manage the traffic (for instance, like in San Jose California, where arrivals and departures are on two sides of the access roads, with walkways to allow passengers to safely cross). But that is a solution used for an airport built long ago and it is a less than ideal solution in any case. When they had the opportunity for a fresh design, it seems short-sighted to go for this design, particularly when the incremental cost of a better design is not too high.

In any case, all this discussion is moot now. They need to ensure that they have a good traffic plan to manage this situation to the best extent possible. It will be hard to do, as a visit to Chennai airport (which is a two level terminal inside, but with a single level for entry/exit - i.e. just like BIA) will prove. Hopefully, BIAL will manage it better than AAI, though I can't see how they can be dramatically better with the current terminal.

Sridhar, two level designs are better in any case. But, there are some things to consider. I dont know if u are from Bangalore, but there are flyovers which are overcrowded only because of the volume in traffic and ever increasing population. My point here is that approach road onto a flyover and ground level roads has the same concept as the approach road onto two different levels in an airport.

Diversion from one access road onto the arrival and departure levels work well as far as the approach road is wide enough (atleast 4 lanes...and that is being optimistic of the fact that lane rules are followed). And in most cases, the diversion of the road into two different levels occur a long way before the terminal building. There should be smooth and organised flow of traffic long before the approach road. That definitely doesnt happen in most cities in India. That is one of the main reasons that flyovers are not really ideal for overcrowded streets. All they have done is worsened the traffic in most cases. To add to it, it cannot be removed.

With the design, yes they could have done much better. But, finally it all comes down to functionality.

yyzhyd

January 17th, 2008, 02:30 PM

Cranky NRI's or not, This airport's primary concerns are the residents of bangalore and India, and a huge majority of them would appreciate this airport.

We shall see...
especially when EVERY major airport in the world has a two level design from curbside.

Okay, let's say I accept to your apologist remarks about BIAL, can you answer me one question?
How efficient, smart, feasible a design is it when passengers with carts packed with suitcases have to try to fit into a limited number of elevators make it to the second level for check-in? Because they certainly wont be able to put the carts on the escalator.

indianocean

January 17th, 2008, 02:55 PM

indianocean

January 17th, 2008, 02:59 PM

There's no need to get so emotional and start calling it a warehouse. No amount of improvement on the current airport could bring it to this standard because there simply isn't enough land to build even this first phase of the airport. A modicum of gratitude wouldn't be out of line here. How can you throw such a hissy fit when you haven't even been at the airport once? All you've seen is the some amateur photographs which only give you 50% of the picture.

BTW, if you had done you're research you would know that the is a BOT (build operate transfer) airport. your tax money wasn't used here so don't bring that up.

aah!!! mea culpa... how did I miss that? :banana:

I suppose all the land and the infrastructure, roads, rail, utilities associated with this project comes free or maybe your rich family is bankrolling that...

Also, is BIAL mgmt a charity setup? Maybe they want to spend 2500 crores so that the people of Bangalore can have a large FREE international airport.

you are really funny.....

heavenlyabode

January 17th, 2008, 04:13 PM

We shall see...
especially when EVERY major airport in the world has a two level design from curbside.

Okay, let's say I accept to your apologist remarks about BIAL, can you answer me one question?
How efficient, smart, feasible a design is it when passengers with carts packed with suitcases have to try to fit into a limited number of elevators make it to the second level for check-in? Because they certainly wont be able to put the carts on the escalator.

Check-in is at ground level in BIAL. Then the passenger proceeds to first level for departure. And in Hongkong airport check-in is at first level. Over there one needs to use the escalator/elevators to get to first floor.

yyzhyd

January 17th, 2008, 07:55 PM

Check-in is at ground level in BIAL. Then the passenger proceeds to first level for departure. And in Hongkong airport check-in is at first level. Over there one needs to use the escalator/elevators to get to first floor.

Sorry but Hong Kong Airport's Level 7 is a dedicated floor for check-in, not on the same level as arrivals nor do departing passenger flows mix with arriving passengers so your comparison is fundamentally flawed.
The whole argument with respect to BIAL's terminal design is the common passenger movement areas for both arriving and departing passengers.
It's clearly an inferior design despite what the apologists on here write.

cbeboy

January 17th, 2008, 10:55 PM

Deccan to launch copter service in Bangalore (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/01/18/stories/2008011850871100.htm)

Passengers will now be able to travel to the new international airport, which is about 40 km from Bangalore within 10 minutes.

The Deccan Aviation Executive Chairman, Capt G R Gopinath, told Business Line that his airline will launch a helicopter shuttle from the city to carry passengers to the new international airport which will take about eight minutes from the central business district and about 20 minutes from the Electronic City which houses IT giants such as Infosys and Wipro.

Capt Gopinath said the passengers can board the helicopter at the helipads located in UB City, Palace Grounds and at the Electronic City. The helicopter shuttle will start on March 30 this year, when the international airport will be officially opened for traffic.

“The helicopter service will be for those who are not price conscious but for those for whom time is money,” Capt Gopinath said.

Initially, the airline plans to use two Bell seven-seater helicopters to carry passengers and more will be pressed into service once the traffic increases.

Both Air Deccan as well as Kingfisher Airlines will also start city check-ins for their passengers who will also be taken to the airport in special buses.

mooktada

January 17th, 2008, 11:19 PM

aah!!! mea culpa... how did I miss that? :banana:

I suppose all the land and the infrastructure, roads, rail, utilities associated with this project comes free or maybe your rich family is bankrolling that...

Also, is BIAL mgmt a charity setup? Maybe they want to spend 2500 crores so that the people of Bangalore can have a large FREE international airport.

you are really funny.....

oh well... all I can say is that you better learn to be satisfied with this airport, and if you can't than that's just tough for you guys. With the way the way the leadership and people are in that place you can't really expect much. Frankly it's a miracle that we've even gotten what we have so far.
No point trying to ridicule what I say when the Gowdas/.Kumaraswamy who have the real power to give you the things couldn't a fat rats ass as to what you think or what's really the best for the state.

p2p4

January 18th, 2008, 02:19 AM

Check-in is at ground level in BIAL. .. And in Hongkong airport check-in is at first level. Over there one needs to use the escalator/elevators to get to first floor.

Heavens ! Technically, it is true that you can go up to the departures FROM the arrivals by using the escalator or even the lifts but such conveyance is not used much, since there are dedicated levels - one for departure and another for arrivals - and the twain never meet :) Do check the www.hongkongairport.com website for self verification.

Cheers
p2p4
Hong Kong

luvBlore

January 18th, 2008, 03:30 AM

Helihop to international airport
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: For upper-income flyers, here’s some good news. Deccan Aviation will begin shuttle helicopter services from Bangalore city to the upcoming international airport at Devanahalli from March 30, the day the airport becomes operational.
The shuttle service will operate from four prime locations that sport helipads or have the space to allow a helicopter to operate from. These are UB City, Palace Grounds, Infosys campus and Electronic City.
Capt G R Gopinath, Deccan Aviation executive chairman, told The Times of India: “Many like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Nandan Nilekani and Mohandas Pai have been asking me to start a chopper shuttle service to reduce the commuting time for corporate passengers to and from the new airport. So we have finalized our plans to offer such services, which will begin on the day the new airport opens. The Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has granted us space to operate at the new airport.’’
This service will, in effect, bring down the arduous commuting time of 2-3 hours from the airport to the city via road to just 10-15 minutes.
Deccan will initially operate two helicopters — a seven-seater Bell helicopter and a five-seater Eurocopter. The frequency of the service is likely to be between half-an-hour and one hour. “Depending on the response, we will add bigger choppers and increase the frequency,” added Gopinath.
Asked about the fare, he said: “We are finalizing it. As this service will attract only first- and business-class passengers, fare will not be an issue.”

READY FOR TAKE-OFF

Check in at the new airport!
Anshul Dhamija | TNN

Bangalore: The upcoming Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli is bustling with activity. Passengers hurriedly going through the check-in, completing other formalities and finally passing through the boarding gate. Only what is missing is an aeroplane!
Dedicated mock trials for handling passenger traffic have begun at the airport. To ensure a smooth opening of the much-awaited greenfield airport, the Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has set up a start-up team that has put together a pool of mock passengers — volunteers — to test the different functions and standard operating procedures at the airport.
The start-up team had approached many event management companies to get volunteers, who according to BIAL, “are an ideal mix that typifies actual passengers as best as possible.”
The trials, held twice a week, are conducted during peak-hour traffic. Volunteers have been a given a script to follow for the departure process: checkin at 10 am with or without baggage, use the various boarding facilities, security check and finally pass through the boarding gate before departure time. A similar script is followed for the arrival processes.
“These trials will test the capacity of different sub-processes and eventually show critical areas and possible obstacles. Based on the feedback of their (mock passengers) experience, BIAL will improve and finetune the processes,” said an official spokesperson of BIAL. The airport is expected to handle 10.5 million passengers a year.
“If the trial performance does not reach the required quality standards, it will have to be repeated on another day of the week,” added the spokesperson.
However, it is still not sure whether these mock passengers would be boarded on a plane and taken for a ride. Airport officials are still discussing the idea. BIAL has approached various airlines requesting them to land some of their aircraft at the airport, which would help test the landing and takeoff facilities, and also assist in these mock passenger trials.
A CAT I instrument landing system has been put in place, which allows pilots to go in for a touchdown at 200 ft above the elevated portion of the runway with a visibility range of not less than 1,800 feet. This landing system is geared to allow safe landing of flights during fog as well.
“Airline ground staff and concessionaires will also be part of these trials to make sure that their staff members and systems have been checked out and can guarantee smooth operations from the first day,” said the spokesperson.

p2p4

January 18th, 2008, 04:09 AM

Wish I was one of the volunteers. Would have given them multiple profiles eg, psychotic passenger irate with the check-in staff, making all kinds of verbal threats, creating a ruckus.. or perhaps give the setup a scare giving a bomb scare etc etc.. Or better still holding a fellow passenger at 'makeshift-ballpoint-pen-knife' point... thus testing the rapid reactions of the working personnel at both the counters and then the security et al.

Wishful thinking apart, it's good they have started mock-up trials and while they are at it, we hope all problems they encounter, will be ironed out. Very good luck BIAL and the workforce that will be working in it.... way to go.

Cheers
p2p4

READY FOR TAKE-OFF

Check in at the new airport!
Anshul Dhamija | TNN

Bangalore: The upcoming Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli is bustling with activity. Passengers hurriedly going through the check-in, completing other formalities and finally passing through the boarding gate. Only what is missing is an aeroplane!
Dedicated mock trials for handling passenger traffic have begun at the airport. To ensure a smooth opening of the much-awaited greenfield airport, the Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has set up a start-up team that has put together a pool of mock passengers — volunteers — to test the different functions and standard operating procedures at the airport.
The start-up team had approached many event management companies to get volunteers, who according to BIAL, “are an ideal mix that typifies actual passengers as best as possible.”
The trials, held twice a week, are conducted during peak-hour traffic. Volunteers have been a given a script to follow for the departure process: checkin at 10 am with or without baggage, use the various boarding facilities, security check and finally pass through the boarding gate before departure time. A similar script is followed for the arrival processes.
“These trials will test the capacity of different sub-processes and eventually show critical areas and possible obstacles. Based on the feedback of their (mock passengers) experience, BIAL will improve and finetune the processes,” said an official spokesperson of BIAL. The airport is expected to handle 10.5 million passengers a year.
“If the trial performance does not reach the required quality standards, it will have to be repeated on another day of the week,” added the spokesperson.
However, it is still not sure whether these mock passengers would be boarded on a plane and taken for a ride. Airport officials are still discussing the idea. BIAL has approached various airlines requesting them to land some of their aircraft at the airport, which would help test the landing and takeoff facilities, and also assist in these mock passenger trials.
A CAT I instrument landing system has been put in place, which allows pilots to go in for a touchdown at 200 ft above the elevated portion of the runway with a visibility range of not less than 1,800 feet. This landing system is geared to allow safe landing of flights during fog as well.
“Airline ground staff and concessionaires will also be part of these trials to make sure that their staff members and systems have been checked out and can guarantee smooth operations from the first day,” said the spokesperson.[/QUOTE]

bgguy

January 18th, 2008, 04:10 AM

Dedicated mock trials for handling passenger traffic have begun at the airport. To ensure a smooth opening of the much-awaited greenfield airport, the Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has set up a start-up team that has put together a pool of mock passengers — volunteers — to test the different functions and standard operating procedures at the airport.
[B]The start-up team had approached many event management companies to get volunteers, who according to BIAL, “are an ideal mix that typifies actual passengers as best as possible.”
The trials, held twice a week, are conducted during peak-hour traffic. Volunteers have been a given a script to follow for the departure process: checkin at 10 am with or without baggage, use the various boarding facilities, security check and finally pass through the boarding gate before departure time. A similar script is followed for the arrival processes.
.

^^
Excellent move ... I have only seen such things in Discovery Channel.. Good to see best practices like trails are being implemented at BIAL.