Second runway by 2013/14: BIAL CEO Albert Brunner

13 July 2007

Meanwhile, complying with suggestions from the ministry of civil aviation, BIAL will soon initiate work on a canopy as part of the terminal building of the upcoming greenfield airport at Devanahalli.

According to BIAL CEO, Albert Brunner, the canopy was part of the original plan but was dropped in 2002 due to the cost involved. "Now, with the Ministry suggesting the canopy, we will build it," he said. Brunner was talking to reporters at the project site on Thursday.

Brunner also said that civil aviation minister, Praful Patel, had written to BIAL in May, citing the ministry's apprehensions on two technical and one aesthetic aspects of the airport, set to start operations on April 2, 2008. The minister was now satisfied with the airport design and architecture, as expressed by him during a recent visit to the site.

"His concerns on possibilities of the terminal getting flooded during rains were due to a misunderstanding. We have a very effective drainage system and are also addressing his concerns about the look of the terminal," he said.

On enhancing the passenger capacity, Brunner said enhancements could be made when the need arises.

On the question of connectivity, BIAL is in "serious discussions" with private bus operators on starting services in two segments - express and ordinary - from Bangalore and Devanahalli, around 35 km off the City.