Punj Lloyd bags Rs264 crore contract to build Sikkim's first greenfield airport project

Diversified EPC contractor Punj Lloyd Group today said that it has won the contract to build Sikkim's first greenfield airport project in Pakyong.

Awarded by Airports Authority of India, this contract is valued at Rs264 crore and is scheduled for completion in 24 months.  Once completed, the new airport is expected to provide a significant oost to the landlocked mountain state's tourism infrastructure.

The scope of work for the airport includes construction of the 1.7 km runway with a width of 30 metres, taxiway, apron drainage system and electrical works.

"Building tourism infrastructure is the prime call of the Indian tourism industry, especially for a state like Sikkim that is yet unexplored and has the potential to become a preferred tourist destination for families, adventure sports, village and eco tourism," said Atul Punj, chairman, Punj Lloyd Group. "This airport will ensure better connectivity of Sikkim with the rest of the country."

The company says building an airport in the hilly terrain of Sikkim will be a challenge as it will be built at a height of 1404 metre above mean sea level. The scope of work involves excavation at depths of 100 metres and earth filling of slopes to a height of 80 metre, stabilised with Geogrid-reinforced retaining wall.

A large volume of earthwork of 6.5 million cubic metres, with blasting hard rock apart from excavation in soft rock and soil will go into the construction. To protect the environment, the 100 metre high excavated slopes will be planted with local varities of trees.