Project report for airport

KOCHI: Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has successfully completed its first airport consultancy assignment. Within five months of taking up the assignment for the Kannur International Airport project, CIAL delivered a detailed project report to Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL).It was submitted about four months ahead of the schedule, said a statement.“A detailed assessment of the technical feasibility, including traffic forecast, cargo movement and tourism potential, has been conducted,” said V J Kurian, Managing Director, CIAL.It was Excise Minister K Babu who roped in CIAL to fast track the Kannur Airport project. It formed an expert team of engineers and professionals from various disciplines under Executive Director A M Shabeer. The team was assigned to prepare the detailed project report. They set up an office at the Kannur project site and commenced the geo-technical investigations to assess its technical feasibility.“The greatest challenge encountered was the topography of the terrain at the site. The obstruction survey conducted by CIAL stated that the alignment originally proposed for the runway required modifications. After a detailed study of the terrain and soil characteristics, we were able to identify and recommend a modified alignment. The new alignment was suggested to minimise natural obstructions, enhance the safety of the airport operations and minimise the construction cost,” said Kurian.The report was handed over to the board of directors of KIAL last week, followed by the tender documents for the runway.This will help KIAL start the project by inviting the tender for the runway.As a part of its diversification plans, CIAL has announced the setting up of a consultancy wing for airport projects, with the completion of the Kannur assignment being the entry point.“We are keen on exploring such opportunities in other Tier II and Tier III cities,” said Kurian.