Teething problems at new Delhi airport terminal: Patel

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel on Thursday admitted to teething problems at the newly built international terminal at the Delhi Airport relating to congestion at peak hours and said that services are being improved continuously.

Replying to a supplementary in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour, Patel said the number of passengers and flight operations have increased significantly and that is causing some congestion at peak hours.

He, however, dismissed allegations that basic facilities like drinking water for passengers were lacking. "The Delhi airport has completed all the 33 Mandatory Capital Projects as envisaged in the provisions of Operation, Management and Development Agreement (OMDA).

The Phase-I of the development work has been completed and new terminal (T3) has been operationalised with additional capacity of 34 million passengers annually," the Minister said.

To a query about setting up an airport in Bodoland, raised by S K Bwiswmuthiary from Assam, the minister said a site was suggested but it was not found technically suitable.

He, however, assured the House that the government in association with the Department of North East would decide and look for a suitable site.

On the progress of airports at other location, Patel said at Kolkata work relating to extension of secondary runway, construction of taxi track, apron lighting aids and other facilities are underway. The scheduled date of completion is August next year, he added.