New BIAL agreements after redesigning to be signed shortly

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has received all the in-principle approvals for the redesigning from the stake holders.

The formal signing of the amended agreements by the Centre and state government is expected shortly.

According to a BIAL press statement, the construction work on the basis of the redesigned project has already started.

"The additional costs involved with the redesign are approximately Rs 530 crore. The new airport will be able to handle up to 11 million passengers. It is scheduled to commence operations in April 2008," BIAL said.

The Rs 1,930 crore project (inclusive of the additional cost on account of redesign) is being executed by the BIAL, a company formed to design, build, own and operate the airport.

The equity holders include Karnataka State Investment and Industrial Development Corporation (13 per cent), Airports Authority of India (13 per cent), Siemens Projects Ventures (40 per cent), Larsen and Toubro (17 per cent) and Unique Zurich Airport (17 per cent).

Outlining the progress in the work, BIAL said the casting of the first pre-cast roof element for the terminal building has been completed. About 23 per cent of the runway work has also been completed.

"On the taxiway, earthwork over the full length is completed and construction over a length of 2,000 metres is in progress. At the apron area, installation of the storm water drainage pipes is in progress," BIAL added.

At the main access road, airside service road and secondary access road, earthwork and construction work are on. Civil works for the administration office block, all the ancillary buildings and equipment housing are in progress, BIAL said.