Delhi airport: New 100-m traffic control tower by mid '12

A new 100-metre high air traffic control tower, with special features and state-of-the-art equipment and software, will be established at the Indira Gandhi International airport in  New Delhi by mid-2012.

"Delhi International Airport Limited and Airports Authority of India have planned to develop a new ATC tower for IGI airport at a centralised location," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The proposed 100-metre tower, estimated to cost Rs 350 crore and with a completion date of mid-2012, will provide a clear view of aprons, taxiways, runways and airspace surrounding the airport, particularly approach and departure areas, he said.

"It would have state-of-the-art equipment and software to support modern air traffic control at a busy growing airport and provide much higher levels of operational safety and efficiencies," Patel said.

It would also check delays in air traffic services like ground movement control, aerodrome control, arrival and departure control, en-route control, traffic flow management with a view to minimise delays through automation, predictive analysis and collaborative decision making features at the IGI airport.

The visual control tower at 95 metre would provide all-round view of the airport. The complex will also have meteorological facilities, search and rescue and anti-hijacking measures.

"Special attention would be given in design of the new facilities for training of controllers and navigational aid technicians to constantly improve their skills.

"Facilities are also planned for their fitness and recreation so as to promote high level of mental alertness and physical fitness to the controllers and other staff members who work under high stress while controlling air traffic services," Patel said.

Apart from it, the tower would have two lifts -- one of which offer a panoramic view with a glass enclosure.