Raviprasad Kamila for The Hindu Daily
MANGALORE, May 3: The 54-year-old Bajpe Airport in Mangalore has received a boost with the Union Government declaring it a customs airport on May 3. This makes it the second customs airport in the State, after Bangalore.
It will now be able to handle operation of flights to international destinations.Air India Express, Air India's low-cost airline, has proposed to start a Mangalore-Dubai service from the airport.
As the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has stepped up efforts to provide infrastructure for customs and immigrations counters, it will be able to allow Air India Express operate its first flight on May 21.
On Thursday, AAI gave final touches to the six counters for immigration clearance. It has set up a room for the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Immigration), a server room, and a deportee room for immigration officials. National Informatics Centre has supplied ten computers to the AAI for immigration clearance.
AAI has taken up work on fixing lights to provide night-landing facilities on the new runway, the second one at the airport. The 2,450-metre long and 46-metre wide concrete runway will be ready for commissioning soon, sources in the AAI told The Hindu .
AAI has kept a mobile tower ready for Air Traffic Control.
Air India Express' first flight from Dubai will land at Bajpe Airport at 8.20 p.m. and leave for Dubai at 9.20 p.m. on May 21.
On the Centre's notification, A. Srinivasa Rao, president of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) told The Hindu that it was a wonderful move.
"We expect heavy rush of non-resident Indian passengers at the airport shortly. It is an added advantage to exports.''
Hand over land immediately for airport lounge'
B. Janardhana Poojary, who is a member of a parliamentary committee on civil aviation, has appealed to the State Government to immediately hand over the land for the new arrival lounge for the Mangalore Airport.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Poojary on Thursday welcomed the customs airport status accorded to Mangalore Airport. He said this was cleared in the meeting of the committee in Delhi last week where the members observed that the State Government was dillydallying on acquiring the required land.
He thanked the Civil Aviation Ministry and the External Affairs Ministry for clearing the customs facility for the airport
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006
Mangalore:Mangalore airport: KCCI to push for international status
Our Bureau -Businessline
THE Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has initiated steps to seek international status to the Mangalore Airport.
A KCCI release here on Saturday said that a recent meeting of Mangalore International Airport Sub-Committee of KCCI, comprising officials and members from trade and industry, discussed various issues regarding this matter.
Participating in the meeting, the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner, Mr Aravind Srivastav, said the State Government has to submit a proposal to the Union Government on setting up an international airport in Mangalore. Before that, the State Government should receive requests from airport users in this regard.
It should also receive consent letters from the airliners on operating their aircraft from Mangalore. Only then, can the State Government submit a proposal to the Union Government.
Based on this, the Customs Department can consider giving permission for an international airport in Mangalore. Those concerned should work together to achieve this, said Mr Srivastav.
Construction of a second runway at Mangalore airport is on, and land acquisition and rehabilitation of displaced families will be completed within six months. This runway will help in operating international flights from Mangalore, he said.
The Airport Director, Mr M.R. Vasudeva, said work on runway construction is likely to be over by the end of this year.
Mr T. Subbayya Shetty, Chairman of KCCI's Mangalore International Airport Sub-Committee, spoke on the facilities needed at the airport for operating international flights.
Mr P. Karthikeyan, Commissioner of Customs, Mangalore, highlighted the role of Customs in establishing an international airport in the region.
The KCCI President, Mr A. Srinivasa Rao, presided over the meeting.
THE Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has initiated steps to seek international status to the Mangalore Airport.
A KCCI release here on Saturday said that a recent meeting of Mangalore International Airport Sub-Committee of KCCI, comprising officials and members from trade and industry, discussed various issues regarding this matter.
Participating in the meeting, the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner, Mr Aravind Srivastav, said the State Government has to submit a proposal to the Union Government on setting up an international airport in Mangalore. Before that, the State Government should receive requests from airport users in this regard.
It should also receive consent letters from the airliners on operating their aircraft from Mangalore. Only then, can the State Government submit a proposal to the Union Government.
Based on this, the Customs Department can consider giving permission for an international airport in Mangalore. Those concerned should work together to achieve this, said Mr Srivastav.
Construction of a second runway at Mangalore airport is on, and land acquisition and rehabilitation of displaced families will be completed within six months. This runway will help in operating international flights from Mangalore, he said.
The Airport Director, Mr M.R. Vasudeva, said work on runway construction is likely to be over by the end of this year.
Mr T. Subbayya Shetty, Chairman of KCCI's Mangalore International Airport Sub-Committee, spoke on the facilities needed at the airport for operating international flights.
Mr P. Karthikeyan, Commissioner of Customs, Mangalore, highlighted the role of Customs in establishing an international airport in the region.
The KCCI President, Mr A. Srinivasa Rao, presided over the meeting.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Mangalore: Flight Services to Dubai Likely to Start from Bajpe Airport on May 21
The Hindu
The first international flight services from Bajpe airport may start on May 21 if everything goes as discussed at a high-level meeting held at the airport on Thursday.
N Yogish Bhat, MLA, who attended the meeting, told the reporter that it was "very positive". The meeting discussed aspects related to setting up of immigration and customs facilities at the airport. "If everything goes as planned, the first international flight from Bajpe airport will take off on May 21," he said. The Government would cooperate and provide facilities, he said.
The meeting also discussed the need to set up a Police Commissionerate in Mangalore and upgrade the Bajpe police station.
Addressing presspersons before the meeting, Sudhakar Rao, Principal Secretary, to Government, said that the Department of Home Affairs would provide immigration facilities if other basic requirements were met at the airport.
However, Rao said that no compromise would be made with respect to security at the airport while providing immigration facilities. "Immigration facility will be provided at Bajpe airport when AAI is ready to handle international flight operations from the airport," he said.
Air India had sought 15 to 20 days to start its operation from the airport once all facilities were ready.
Air India Express, the low cost airliner of Air India, had proposed starting a Mangalore-Dubai service. According to a tentative schedule, its Boeing 737-800 will arrive here from Dubai at 8.20 pm and take off for Dubai at 9.20 pm.
M R Vasudeva, director, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bajpe airport, Raghavendra Auradkar, Inspector General Police, State Intelligence (Security), H V Parshwanath, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, B Dayananda, Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada, Manuskar Rao, Joint Commissioner, Customs, Mangalore, A Srinivas Rao, president, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Subbayya Shetty, former president, KCCI, Padmanabha Kamath, general secretary, KCCI, and other officials attended the meeting
The first international flight services from Bajpe airport may start on May 21 if everything goes as discussed at a high-level meeting held at the airport on Thursday.
N Yogish Bhat, MLA, who attended the meeting, told the reporter that it was "very positive". The meeting discussed aspects related to setting up of immigration and customs facilities at the airport. "If everything goes as planned, the first international flight from Bajpe airport will take off on May 21," he said. The Government would cooperate and provide facilities, he said.
The meeting also discussed the need to set up a Police Commissionerate in Mangalore and upgrade the Bajpe police station.
Addressing presspersons before the meeting, Sudhakar Rao, Principal Secretary, to Government, said that the Department of Home Affairs would provide immigration facilities if other basic requirements were met at the airport.
However, Rao said that no compromise would be made with respect to security at the airport while providing immigration facilities. "Immigration facility will be provided at Bajpe airport when AAI is ready to handle international flight operations from the airport," he said.
Air India had sought 15 to 20 days to start its operation from the airport once all facilities were ready.
Air India Express, the low cost airliner of Air India, had proposed starting a Mangalore-Dubai service. According to a tentative schedule, its Boeing 737-800 will arrive here from Dubai at 8.20 pm and take off for Dubai at 9.20 pm.
M R Vasudeva, director, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Bajpe airport, Raghavendra Auradkar, Inspector General Police, State Intelligence (Security), H V Parshwanath, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, B Dayananda, Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada, Manuskar Rao, Joint Commissioner, Customs, Mangalore, A Srinivas Rao, president, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Subbayya Shetty, former president, KCCI, Padmanabha Kamath, general secretary, KCCI, and other officials attended the meeting
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Mangalore:Mangalore airport Rehabilitation package soon
Our Bureau -Businessline
THE Dakshina Kannada district administration will acquire 158 acres of land for the expansion of Mangalore airport, under the emergency clause.
Of the 158 acres, only 28 acres will have to be acquired from 116 families residing in the area. The rest of the land belongs to the Government.
Speaking to presspersons here on Friday, the District in-charge Minister, Mr Jabbar Khan Honnali, said that the Government has given permission for the sanctioning of Rs 11 crore to rehabilitate 116 families residing there.
The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Aravind Srivastav, who was present at the press conference, said that the rehabilitation package for these families is being worked out. The rehabilitation process will be over in three to four months.
The Minister said that 187 acres of land has already been acquired for the airport expansion project.
The second runway of the airport is likely to be completed by October, and other infrastructure such as the construction of the second terminal building may take another 18 months.
THE Dakshina Kannada district administration will acquire 158 acres of land for the expansion of Mangalore airport, under the emergency clause.
Of the 158 acres, only 28 acres will have to be acquired from 116 families residing in the area. The rest of the land belongs to the Government.
Speaking to presspersons here on Friday, the District in-charge Minister, Mr Jabbar Khan Honnali, said that the Government has given permission for the sanctioning of Rs 11 crore to rehabilitate 116 families residing there.
The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Aravind Srivastav, who was present at the press conference, said that the rehabilitation package for these families is being worked out. The rehabilitation process will be over in three to four months.
The Minister said that 187 acres of land has already been acquired for the airport expansion project.
The second runway of the airport is likely to be completed by October, and other infrastructure such as the construction of the second terminal building may take another 18 months.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Mangalore: Civil Aviation Grants Immigration and Customs Facility to Mangalore Airport
Daijiworld News Network
Mangalore, April 3: A few weeks ago when Air India Express did their ground feasibility study of International flights landing at Mangalore airport, not many people believed this fact. Aftell, the cry for an international airport had fallen on deaf ears over the last so many years. But there were a few persistent ones who did not lose their hopes. They did not give up their struggle and spared no time and effort to put constant pressure to achieve this goal.
Still there was a fear lurking in the minds of many Mangaloreans that due to various factors that were influencing the upgradation resulting in a setback, the work in progress too would be hampered.
No sooner was announcement of the international flight by Air India Express made on May 7, 2006, than there was a change of guard at the state level and there were strong rumours that at the Civil Aviation Ministry Lalu Prasad Yadav would replace the current Minister Praful Patel. In the meantime, Sonia Ghandi resigned in a dramatical political development. Whilst the hopes of people were rising on one side, on the other side uncertainity started bothering their minds and create havoc.
Yet Air India Express has braved all these odds and have worked against the tide with great determination to move ahead on the project of their international flights landing at Mangalore.
It is not very far off when the dream of every Mangalorean of landing direct at their home territory is going to come true. The expected date mentioned earlier - May 7 - will soon be a Red Letter Day if Air India Express keeps up to its promise.
Air India express has announced the last date for filing of tenders for flight handling services at Mangalore airport as April 17, 2006. The company to bag the tender will have sufficient lead time to get itself in place to handle the job well on time.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Civil aviation has also granted permission for setting up Immigration and Customs at Mangalore Airport. This has been confirmed by a Mangalore Airport official while speaking to Daijiworld.com
Air India express is expected to announce the flight schedule by April second week. However, close sources disclosed to daijiworld that there would be four flights per week from Dubai. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Timing will be 2010hrs arrival Mangalore. Similarly, return flights from Mangalore will be around 2110 hrs.
Official confirmation regarding this is awaited from Air India Express.
"Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope hurdles don't come our way. Our wait has been long and the dream is nearing finish. With all hopes and high spirits, May 7 will be the day to make every Mangalorean NRI proud of landing on his / her homeland." says Dubai-based Rajesh Sequiera, main coordinator of Karnataka NRI forum of Dubai.
Rajesh has been regularly in touch with leading Mangalorean business community in India and UAE, the Airport authorities and Air India Express. He also added the Indian Aviation has really changed, thanks to the aviation Minister Praful Patel's efforts towards effecting changes in the industry. "It is my dream to see the first flight landing at mangalore non-stop from any foreign destination," he says while speaking to daijiworld.com
"It will be a drastic change which will result in a lot of improvement as well. Not only will Mangaloreans have the opportunity of saving on time, energy and sleepless hours of travel, but there will be better services that will be provided. Air India Express, known as budgetairlines offers a very reasonable rate for Dubai-Mangalore flight" he says
Mangalore, April 3: A few weeks ago when Air India Express did their ground feasibility study of International flights landing at Mangalore airport, not many people believed this fact. Aftell, the cry for an international airport had fallen on deaf ears over the last so many years. But there were a few persistent ones who did not lose their hopes. They did not give up their struggle and spared no time and effort to put constant pressure to achieve this goal.
Still there was a fear lurking in the minds of many Mangaloreans that due to various factors that were influencing the upgradation resulting in a setback, the work in progress too would be hampered.
No sooner was announcement of the international flight by Air India Express made on May 7, 2006, than there was a change of guard at the state level and there were strong rumours that at the Civil Aviation Ministry Lalu Prasad Yadav would replace the current Minister Praful Patel. In the meantime, Sonia Ghandi resigned in a dramatical political development. Whilst the hopes of people were rising on one side, on the other side uncertainity started bothering their minds and create havoc.
Yet Air India Express has braved all these odds and have worked against the tide with great determination to move ahead on the project of their international flights landing at Mangalore.
It is not very far off when the dream of every Mangalorean of landing direct at their home territory is going to come true. The expected date mentioned earlier - May 7 - will soon be a Red Letter Day if Air India Express keeps up to its promise.
Air India express has announced the last date for filing of tenders for flight handling services at Mangalore airport as April 17, 2006. The company to bag the tender will have sufficient lead time to get itself in place to handle the job well on time.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Civil aviation has also granted permission for setting up Immigration and Customs at Mangalore Airport. This has been confirmed by a Mangalore Airport official while speaking to Daijiworld.com
Air India express is expected to announce the flight schedule by April second week. However, close sources disclosed to daijiworld that there would be four flights per week from Dubai. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Timing will be 2010hrs arrival Mangalore. Similarly, return flights from Mangalore will be around 2110 hrs.
Official confirmation regarding this is awaited from Air India Express.
"Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope hurdles don't come our way. Our wait has been long and the dream is nearing finish. With all hopes and high spirits, May 7 will be the day to make every Mangalorean NRI proud of landing on his / her homeland." says Dubai-based Rajesh Sequiera, main coordinator of Karnataka NRI forum of Dubai.
Rajesh has been regularly in touch with leading Mangalorean business community in India and UAE, the Airport authorities and Air India Express. He also added the Indian Aviation has really changed, thanks to the aviation Minister Praful Patel's efforts towards effecting changes in the industry. "It is my dream to see the first flight landing at mangalore non-stop from any foreign destination," he says while speaking to daijiworld.com
"It will be a drastic change which will result in a lot of improvement as well. Not only will Mangaloreans have the opportunity of saving on time, energy and sleepless hours of travel, but there will be better services that will be provided. Air India Express, known as budgetairlines offers a very reasonable rate for Dubai-Mangalore flight" he says
Daijiworld News Network
Mangalore, April 3: A few weeks ago when Air India Express did their ground feasibility study of International flights landing at Mangalore airport, not many people believed this fact. Aftell, the cry for an international airport had fallen on deaf ears over the last so many years. But there were a few persistent ones who did not lose their hopes. They did not give up their struggle and spared no time and effort to put constant pressure to achieve this goal.
Still there was a fear lurking in the minds of many Mangaloreans that due to various factors that were influencing the upgradation resulting in a setback, the work in progress too would be hampered.
No sooner was announcement of the international flight by Air India Express made on May 7, 2006, than there was a change of guard at the state level and there were strong rumours that at the Civil Aviation Ministry Lalu Prasad Yadav would replace the current Minister Praful Patel. In the meantime, Sonia Ghandi resigned in a dramatical political development. Whilst the hopes of people were rising on one side, on the other side uncertainity started bothering their minds and create havoc.
Yet Air India Express has braved all these odds and have worked against the tide with great determination to move ahead on the project of their international flights landing at Mangalore.
It is not very far off when the dream of every Mangalorean of landing direct at their home territory is going to come true. The expected date mentioned earlier - May 7 - will soon be a Red Letter Day if Air India Express keeps up to its promise.
Air India express has announced the last date for filing of tenders for flight handling services at Mangalore airport as April 17, 2006. The company to bag the tender will have sufficient lead time to get itself in place to handle the job well on time.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Civil aviation has also granted permission for setting up Immigration and Customs at Mangalore Airport. This has been confirmed by a Mangalore Airport official while speaking to Daijiworld.com
Air India express is expected to announce the flight schedule by April second week. However, close sources disclosed to daijiworld that there would be four flights per week from Dubai. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Timing will be 2010hrs arrival Mangalore. Similarly, return flights from Mangalore will be around 2110 hrs.
Official confirmation regarding this is awaited from Air India Express.
"Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope hurdles don't come our way. Our wait has been long and the dream is nearing finish. With all hopes and high spirits, May 7 will be the day to make every Mangalorean NRI proud of landing on his / her homeland." says Dubai-based Rajesh Sequiera, main coordinator of Karnataka NRI forum of Dubai.
Rajesh has been regularly in touch with leading Mangalorean business community in India and UAE, the Airport authorities and Air India Express. He also added the Indian Aviation has really changed, thanks to the aviation Minister Praful Patel's efforts towards effecting changes in the industry. "It is my dream to see the first flight landing at mangalore non-stop from any foreign destination," he says while speaking to daijiworld.com
"It will be a drastic change which will result in a lot of improvement as well. Not only will Mangaloreans have the opportunity of saving on time, energy and sleepless hours of travel, but there will be better services that will be provided. Air India Express, known as budgetairlines offers a very reasonable rate for Dubai-Mangalore flight" he says
Mangalore, April 3: A few weeks ago when Air India Express did their ground feasibility study of International flights landing at Mangalore airport, not many people believed this fact. Aftell, the cry for an international airport had fallen on deaf ears over the last so many years. But there were a few persistent ones who did not lose their hopes. They did not give up their struggle and spared no time and effort to put constant pressure to achieve this goal.
Still there was a fear lurking in the minds of many Mangaloreans that due to various factors that were influencing the upgradation resulting in a setback, the work in progress too would be hampered.
No sooner was announcement of the international flight by Air India Express made on May 7, 2006, than there was a change of guard at the state level and there were strong rumours that at the Civil Aviation Ministry Lalu Prasad Yadav would replace the current Minister Praful Patel. In the meantime, Sonia Ghandi resigned in a dramatical political development. Whilst the hopes of people were rising on one side, on the other side uncertainity started bothering their minds and create havoc.
Yet Air India Express has braved all these odds and have worked against the tide with great determination to move ahead on the project of their international flights landing at Mangalore.
It is not very far off when the dream of every Mangalorean of landing direct at their home territory is going to come true. The expected date mentioned earlier - May 7 - will soon be a Red Letter Day if Air India Express keeps up to its promise.
Air India express has announced the last date for filing of tenders for flight handling services at Mangalore airport as April 17, 2006. The company to bag the tender will have sufficient lead time to get itself in place to handle the job well on time.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Civil aviation has also granted permission for setting up Immigration and Customs at Mangalore Airport. This has been confirmed by a Mangalore Airport official while speaking to Daijiworld.com
Air India express is expected to announce the flight schedule by April second week. However, close sources disclosed to daijiworld that there would be four flights per week from Dubai. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Timing will be 2010hrs arrival Mangalore. Similarly, return flights from Mangalore will be around 2110 hrs.
Official confirmation regarding this is awaited from Air India Express.
"Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope hurdles don't come our way. Our wait has been long and the dream is nearing finish. With all hopes and high spirits, May 7 will be the day to make every Mangalorean NRI proud of landing on his / her homeland." says Dubai-based Rajesh Sequiera, main coordinator of Karnataka NRI forum of Dubai.
Rajesh has been regularly in touch with leading Mangalorean business community in India and UAE, the Airport authorities and Air India Express. He also added the Indian Aviation has really changed, thanks to the aviation Minister Praful Patel's efforts towards effecting changes in the industry. "It is my dream to see the first flight landing at mangalore non-stop from any foreign destination," he says while speaking to daijiworld.com
"It will be a drastic change which will result in a lot of improvement as well. Not only will Mangaloreans have the opportunity of saving on time, energy and sleepless hours of travel, but there will be better services that will be provided. Air India Express, known as budgetairlines offers a very reasonable rate for Dubai-Mangalore flight" he says
Friday, March 24, 2006
Mangalore: Night Landing Facilities Getting ready at Mangalore Airport
M. Raghuram for The Hindu Daily
The Union Civil Aviation Ministry, which is examining the possibility of introducing a network of "chartered flights" in the country, is likely to feature Mangalore on the network.
According to sources in the Airports Authority of India here, Mangalore airport will have enough facilities for chartered flights to land. The airport will have night landing facilities after expansion. This is expected to boost the traffic of national and international chartered flights in Mangalore and the west coast.
At present, only Mumbai, Ahemdabad, Baroda, Goa and Kochi on the west coast get chartered flights. But if Mangalore becomes a chartered flights destination, then the entire west coast will get connected and tourism will get a boost, he said.
Major chartered flight operators in the country and Agents of international chartered flights in India have identified Mangalore as one of the destinations for their operations. The city has potential for global religious visitors.
But all that may have to wait till the airport project, which is progressing at a snail's pace despite the interest shown by the officials of the AAI, is completed. The sources say the 2.45-km runway with additional safety features is one of the best runways in the country and is the first concrete runway among thel 132 airports.
According to sources, the Customs and Immigration facilities should be ready for the airport to start receiving chartered flights.
The Union Civil Aviation Ministry, which is examining the possibility of introducing a network of "chartered flights" in the country, is likely to feature Mangalore on the network.
According to sources in the Airports Authority of India here, Mangalore airport will have enough facilities for chartered flights to land. The airport will have night landing facilities after expansion. This is expected to boost the traffic of national and international chartered flights in Mangalore and the west coast.
At present, only Mumbai, Ahemdabad, Baroda, Goa and Kochi on the west coast get chartered flights. But if Mangalore becomes a chartered flights destination, then the entire west coast will get connected and tourism will get a boost, he said.
Major chartered flight operators in the country and Agents of international chartered flights in India have identified Mangalore as one of the destinations for their operations. The city has potential for global religious visitors.
But all that may have to wait till the airport project, which is progressing at a snail's pace despite the interest shown by the officials of the AAI, is completed. The sources say the 2.45-km runway with additional safety features is one of the best runways in the country and is the first concrete runway among thel 132 airports.
According to sources, the Customs and Immigration facilities should be ready for the airport to start receiving chartered flights.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
New Delhi: Aviation Minister's Assurance Brightens Hopes of Mangalore Airport Cause
Exclusive from Rons Bantwal in DELHI for Daijiworld News NetworkNew Delhi, Sep 21: As the efforts towards the early upgradation of the Mangalore Aiport are picking up momentum, Indian aviation minister Praful Patel's assurance on Monday gives brighter chances to Mangalore airport in soon rising to international standards.
Rajesh Sequeira, who has taken the initiative by bringing together leading Karnataka NRI community leaders from Dubai made an exclusive trip to Delhi to meet the minister, with the help of Grace Pinto of Ryan Internations School and daijiworld.com Mumbai chief of bureau Rons Bantwal on September 20, 2005.
Rajesh has briefed the need and efforts taken by the NRI community. He has also informed Minsister about the assurances given by other national leaders.
The minister's assurance has given a bright ray of hope, and he has stated that he sees no hurdles in fulfilling the dream of Mangaloreans the world over.
"Mangalore region has been a place of rich natural resources, inhabited by kind-hearted people, who have to their credit a large contribution towards national development. Their contribution to the field of education has been tremendous. The people of the region have been living in absolute harmony and with their quality of working shoulder to shoulder towards all-round progress, they have the need of travelling regularly. Our attention has been drawn by several organizations like the Jaya Shri Krishna Parisara Seva Samiti and accordingly steps have been taken for immediate action towards the upgradatioon of the airport. The night-landing facilities are being installed, paving the way to make it an international airport."
This was the clear assurance given by union civil aviation minister Praful Patel to a delegation that met him with a memorandum in this regard, in the Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in the national capital here.
Ryan Schools International's director Grace Pinto, hailing originally from Bajpe, where the Mangalore airport lies, NRI Forum Karnataka's coordinator in UAE Rajesh Sequeira, Jaya Shri Krishna Parisara Samiti general secretary Rons Bantwal and others were in the delegation.
The minister's attention was also drawn to the efforts being made by daijiworld.com, which is enjoying the status of being one of India's topmost websites by conveying news and information to Mangaloreans all over the world so rapidly, towards the cause of the airport. A special mention was made about the personal dedication and enthusiasm shown by the present director of the Mangalore airport, M R Vasudeva.
Many Kannadigas, when contacted to react, have expressed joy over this momentous meeting and said they were grateful to public-spirited individuals like educationist Grace Pinto, journalist Rons Bantwal, aviation maintenance specialist Rajesh Sequeira, Jaya Shri Krishna Parisara Seva Samiti, NRI Forum Karnataka, UAE and daijiworld.com for their incessant efforts towards realizing this long-standing dream.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Dammam: Saudi Arabia NRI forum initiates 'signature campain' in support of M'lore airport
Daijiworld News Network - KSA
Dammam, July 18: West coast NRI forum members from Saudi Arabia continued their effort towards the realization of their dream of having International Airport at Mangalore. With support of NRIs belongs to Mangalore, Udupi and Bhatkal they have successfully completed the signature campaign throughout Saudi Arabia and collected about 5000 signatures identified with the Passport number of each member.
The forum members held a meeting in Sea and Shore Hotel Al-Jubail on July 13. President of West coast NRI forum Sabandari Farooque and the vice president Bajpe Zakaria appreciated all the members who have made this campaign a great success.
The meeting concluded with the following future plans :-
- The delegation including Sabandari Farooque, Bajpe Zakaria, Vishwanatha Kamath and other active members will meet Bajpe Air Port Director Vasudeva at Bajpe on August 19. Copy of memorandum and signatures will be submitted and discussion will be held with regard to the progress and if permitted delegation will visit the site.
-The memorandum and signatures will be submitted to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and to the Minister of Civil Aviation at New Delhi through same delegation by fixing an appointment.
-The delegation will meet the concerned officials /organizations like Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCCI), Deputy commissioner, Members of Parliament and will discuss the matter.
The meeting was concluded with vote of thanks by Narayan Bhat.
Dammam, July 18: West coast NRI forum members from Saudi Arabia continued their effort towards the realization of their dream of having International Airport at Mangalore. With support of NRIs belongs to Mangalore, Udupi and Bhatkal they have successfully completed the signature campaign throughout Saudi Arabia and collected about 5000 signatures identified with the Passport number of each member.
The forum members held a meeting in Sea and Shore Hotel Al-Jubail on July 13. President of West coast NRI forum Sabandari Farooque and the vice president Bajpe Zakaria appreciated all the members who have made this campaign a great success.
The meeting concluded with the following future plans :-
- The delegation including Sabandari Farooque, Bajpe Zakaria, Vishwanatha Kamath and other active members will meet Bajpe Air Port Director Vasudeva at Bajpe on August 19. Copy of memorandum and signatures will be submitted and discussion will be held with regard to the progress and if permitted delegation will visit the site.
-The memorandum and signatures will be submitted to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and to the Minister of Civil Aviation at New Delhi through same delegation by fixing an appointment.
-The delegation will meet the concerned officials /organizations like Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCCI), Deputy commissioner, Members of Parliament and will discuss the matter.
The meeting was concluded with vote of thanks by Narayan Bhat.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Dammam:Mangaloreans, North Kanarites Pitch in Support for the Airport Upgradation
Daijiworld News Network - Saudi Arabia Dammam, may 31:The NRIs hailing from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada district in Saudi Arabia are commited to unite together to achieve the goal of Mangalore attaining the International Airport status.
The first meeting in this regard was held on 20th April 2005 at the Sea and Shore Hotel Al-Jubail, by the West Coast NRI Forum - Saudi Arabia. The meeting was presided over by Vishwanath Kamath. The following office bearers were electedPresident : Mohammed AliVice President : Zakaria Organising Secretary : Shabbir AhmedSecretary : M. HebbarCoordinators : Mohammed Ali, Naveen Shetty and Jayram Shetty . The committee decided to collect all relevant data pertaining to the issue of the Mangalore Airport and to draft a Memorandum.
A fortnight later. the second meeting was held and it was further decided to conduct a signature campaign and discuss the further course of action.
The 3rd meeting was held on 26th May 2005 in Sea and Shore Hotel Al-Jubail and the attendance for this meeting was overwhelming. Hebbar welcomed the participants and Shabbir Ahmed present an update on the current status of the Airport issue. He stressed the need for the drive and initiative from like-minded people to work together towards this common goal with grit and determination.
The draft memorandum to be sent to Prime Minister of India was presented by K.Narayana for review. The members gave many valuable suggestions and felt that even though there are promises from the eminent politicians that the international flights will start from Jan 2006, the dream can only true if the central Government grants the international status to Mangalore Air port. It was very important that the Government should take wholehearted action in settling the hurdles of rehabilitation of people from the affected area, construction of new access roads etc...
Members pointed out that being Mangalore the only place in Karnataka which has a well developed sea port, connected by national highways and railway network, the up-gradation of existing air port into international air port would be a gateway to the outside world would usher development of this region. The members suggested to co-ordinate with all other NRI forums in the Gulf region and work together in order to achieve this common goal.
Members discussed the matter with the Indian Embassy consulate officials who were present in Al-Jubail Sharq hotel and they agreed to send the memorandum to Prime Minister’s office through the Embassy of India, Riyadh.
The President concluded the meeting with the following resolutions: -- The signature campaign will be carried through out Saudi Arabia starting from 27th May 2005.- The target date to complete the signature campaign is set for 9th June 2005.- The Bhatkal shops and Udupi/Mangalore restaurants will be the collection points for signed papers.- The memorandum will be sent to Prime Minister through Indian Embassy at Riyadh and to the other relevant dignitaries through DHL.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by Mohammed Ali.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Mangalore : Appeal to Allow International Airlines to Land at Bajpe Airport
Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (SS)
Mangalore, May 23 : An appeal to grant permission to international airlines to operated through the city's airport has been submitted by the Karnataka NRI Forum (UAE) to union minister for civil aviation Praful Patel.
The Forum stated that since the runway at Bajpe was expected to be operational by the end of 2005 and it would be able to handle the Airbus 310 and 320 of national carriers Indian Airlines and Air India, the permission would be a dream come true for every NRI from Mangalore. The copies of the letter given to Praful Patel, union minister, civil aviation were released to the press.
The airline services for which the Forum has appealed to the Union Ministry to grant permission include : Sharjah-Mangalore-Sharjah (Indian Airlines) ; Dubai-Mangalore-Dubai (Air India) ; Dubai-Mangalore-Dubai (Emirates) ; Abu Dhabi-Mangalore-Abu Dhabi (Gulf Air) ; Kuwait-Mangalore-Kuwait (Kuwait Airways) ; Muscat-Mangalore-Muscat (Oman Air) and Doha-Mangalore-Doha (Qatar Airways).
Rajesh Sequeira, forum co-ordinator stated that Mangalore has a great inflow of NRI passengers mostly from the Gulf region, and there would be tremendous benefits in various fileds once Mangalore airport was raised to international standards.
Mangalore, May 23 : An appeal to grant permission to international airlines to operated through the city's airport has been submitted by the Karnataka NRI Forum (UAE) to union minister for civil aviation Praful Patel.
The Forum stated that since the runway at Bajpe was expected to be operational by the end of 2005 and it would be able to handle the Airbus 310 and 320 of national carriers Indian Airlines and Air India, the permission would be a dream come true for every NRI from Mangalore. The copies of the letter given to Praful Patel, union minister, civil aviation were released to the press.
The airline services for which the Forum has appealed to the Union Ministry to grant permission include : Sharjah-Mangalore-Sharjah (Indian Airlines) ; Dubai-Mangalore-Dubai (Air India) ; Dubai-Mangalore-Dubai (Emirates) ; Abu Dhabi-Mangalore-Abu Dhabi (Gulf Air) ; Kuwait-Mangalore-Kuwait (Kuwait Airways) ; Muscat-Mangalore-Muscat (Oman Air) and Doha-Mangalore-Doha (Qatar Airways).
Rajesh Sequeira, forum co-ordinator stated that Mangalore has a great inflow of NRI passengers mostly from the Gulf region, and there would be tremendous benefits in various fileds once Mangalore airport was raised to international standards.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Dubai:Fight for the International Status - Kannur Vs Mangalore Airport
Daijiworld News Network - Dubai
Dubai, March 14: The much awaited budget session of Karnataka State government has greatly disappointed the pro-Mangalore international airport activists. To everyone's dismay, no funds have been allotted by the state government for the progress of Mangalore airport. Though central government has allotted Rs40.60 crore for the expansion of Mangalore airport, Karnataka government is yet to rehabilitate the affected, without which the second runaway will be an impossible task.
Reviver of the dream – Rajesh Sequeira
Initiative was taken for the international status to the Mangalore airport during the early eighties. But it could not carry on perhaps due to the lack of leadership or support from like-minded people. Until last year the issue was not taken so seriously, but Rajesh Sequeira, an aeronautic engineer from Kulshkar, who was working for Jet Airways at Mangalore Airport revived the big dream. It was his initiative to see at least one flight to be landed at Mangalore airport from abroad, preferably from Middle-East. He started it in a very lower level, by meeting Mangaloreans at his works and bringing this noble idea to their notice, discussing the issue and requesting for their support to make thousands of Mangaloreans’ dream come true.
After he landed in Dubai for better prospects, he managed to bring like-minded people under one umbrella explaining the cause and possibility of establishing a Mangalore airport which should facilitate itself to land an international aircraft on its runway. 'Lot of ground has been covered, we are on right track, but we are yet to reach the target' he says with brightened eyes. “Anything is possible from now on”, he exclaims. “The support is good; there are lots of promises, but active participation is very less” he says while talking to daijiworld.
“Many people discourage me saying that it is a mammoth task and it is impossible to fulfill such a huge dream at the individual level”, Rajesh says painfully. “Either you should be a businessman or a politician to take such a lead. And I am neither!”
Rajesh has that continuing courage. “Despite of all the discouragements, my efforts are on. The positive thing is, there are many who appreciate and are ready to render their support”
“Whatever may come, we MUST get at least a few flights to land at Mangalore airport”, his enthusiasm speaks.
Sets of setbacks:
There are more reasons for disappointed of late and there are many setbacks at various levels of the progress.
Kannur Airport which belongs to Kerala state is just a few kilometres away from Mangalore. Leading businessman from Kannur, Krishnan Nair of the Leela Penta Hotel has taken the lead in order to get the approval for this airport.
Needless to mention here that Kerala has already THREE airports of international facilities and the international passenger traffic is high. All these three airports have received the international status today just because of their unity and a strong support from business community in the state.
There is a general thought. Kannur airport activists assume that if they attain the international status, they will get huge traffic from NRI Mangaloreans. They are ready to spend money, and they have very high-level political influence.
Considering all the money and might people of Kannur display, if Kannur airport gets approval for an international airport, it should be considered as a full-stop on the story of Mangalore airport activists.
Rays of hope, any?
That’s why we too must show our muscle power, Rajesh remarks. He has a few interesting suggestions to be made, including having a strong and an able leader. “Without the support from the local business community, no airport in India can get an international status”, Rajesh explains. “Mangalore needs a few good, committed leaders preferably NRI business persons who can take a lead”.
The director of Mangalore airport Vasudeva is highly supportive towards this mega task. He has promised his whole-hearted support and is trying to help wherever, in whatever way.
Mangalore chamber of Commerce chairman Srinivas, is also trying his level best to reach the top people to convince the need for international airport in Mangalore.
Imminent blessing, business-wise:
Mangalore is going to be one of the best tourist destinations in South India, if the airport projects gets a final nod. Already there is a talk about another IT Park apart from the existing Infosys setup. Lots of developmental works are underway in connection with promoting tourism in Mangalore.
Already planned mega projects like Nagarjuna and others will spot Mangalore in a firm place in India's map. Education sector is going take a big boom here, as more than 50% non-Mangaloreans are studying in various colleges, educational institutions of twin districts.
Need of the hour – unity:
To come anywhere closer to the dream, the most important thing needed is a good back-up from Mangalorean business community without taking caste, creed and gender into consideration.
Rajesh has a simple request with the Mangaloreans worldwide. “I am not collecting donations. I don't need it. But all I need is, if you are an influential person at any level, please come forward and contribute your source the fulfillment of this dream. If you are a Mangalorean and wish to give your moral support to our efforts, please send an email of your support at rajseq@yahoo.com
Dubai, March 14: The much awaited budget session of Karnataka State government has greatly disappointed the pro-Mangalore international airport activists. To everyone's dismay, no funds have been allotted by the state government for the progress of Mangalore airport. Though central government has allotted Rs40.60 crore for the expansion of Mangalore airport, Karnataka government is yet to rehabilitate the affected, without which the second runaway will be an impossible task.
Reviver of the dream – Rajesh Sequeira
Initiative was taken for the international status to the Mangalore airport during the early eighties. But it could not carry on perhaps due to the lack of leadership or support from like-minded people. Until last year the issue was not taken so seriously, but Rajesh Sequeira, an aeronautic engineer from Kulshkar, who was working for Jet Airways at Mangalore Airport revived the big dream. It was his initiative to see at least one flight to be landed at Mangalore airport from abroad, preferably from Middle-East. He started it in a very lower level, by meeting Mangaloreans at his works and bringing this noble idea to their notice, discussing the issue and requesting for their support to make thousands of Mangaloreans’ dream come true.
After he landed in Dubai for better prospects, he managed to bring like-minded people under one umbrella explaining the cause and possibility of establishing a Mangalore airport which should facilitate itself to land an international aircraft on its runway. 'Lot of ground has been covered, we are on right track, but we are yet to reach the target' he says with brightened eyes. “Anything is possible from now on”, he exclaims. “The support is good; there are lots of promises, but active participation is very less” he says while talking to daijiworld.
“Many people discourage me saying that it is a mammoth task and it is impossible to fulfill such a huge dream at the individual level”, Rajesh says painfully. “Either you should be a businessman or a politician to take such a lead. And I am neither!”
Rajesh has that continuing courage. “Despite of all the discouragements, my efforts are on. The positive thing is, there are many who appreciate and are ready to render their support”
“Whatever may come, we MUST get at least a few flights to land at Mangalore airport”, his enthusiasm speaks.
Sets of setbacks:
There are more reasons for disappointed of late and there are many setbacks at various levels of the progress.
Kannur Airport which belongs to Kerala state is just a few kilometres away from Mangalore. Leading businessman from Kannur, Krishnan Nair of the Leela Penta Hotel has taken the lead in order to get the approval for this airport.
Needless to mention here that Kerala has already THREE airports of international facilities and the international passenger traffic is high. All these three airports have received the international status today just because of their unity and a strong support from business community in the state.
There is a general thought. Kannur airport activists assume that if they attain the international status, they will get huge traffic from NRI Mangaloreans. They are ready to spend money, and they have very high-level political influence.
Considering all the money and might people of Kannur display, if Kannur airport gets approval for an international airport, it should be considered as a full-stop on the story of Mangalore airport activists.
Rays of hope, any?
That’s why we too must show our muscle power, Rajesh remarks. He has a few interesting suggestions to be made, including having a strong and an able leader. “Without the support from the local business community, no airport in India can get an international status”, Rajesh explains. “Mangalore needs a few good, committed leaders preferably NRI business persons who can take a lead”.
The director of Mangalore airport Vasudeva is highly supportive towards this mega task. He has promised his whole-hearted support and is trying to help wherever, in whatever way.
Mangalore chamber of Commerce chairman Srinivas, is also trying his level best to reach the top people to convince the need for international airport in Mangalore.
Imminent blessing, business-wise:
Mangalore is going to be one of the best tourist destinations in South India, if the airport projects gets a final nod. Already there is a talk about another IT Park apart from the existing Infosys setup. Lots of developmental works are underway in connection with promoting tourism in Mangalore.
Already planned mega projects like Nagarjuna and others will spot Mangalore in a firm place in India's map. Education sector is going take a big boom here, as more than 50% non-Mangaloreans are studying in various colleges, educational institutions of twin districts.
Need of the hour – unity:
To come anywhere closer to the dream, the most important thing needed is a good back-up from Mangalorean business community without taking caste, creed and gender into consideration.
Rajesh has a simple request with the Mangaloreans worldwide. “I am not collecting donations. I don't need it. But all I need is, if you are an influential person at any level, please come forward and contribute your source the fulfillment of this dream. If you are a Mangalorean and wish to give your moral support to our efforts, please send an email of your support at rajseq@yahoo.com
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Dubai:Karnataka NRI Forum Meets to Discuss Mangalore Airport Issue
Daijiworld News Network - Dubai
Dubai, Feb 17: The NRIs of Karnataka spread over the UAE got together under the banner 'Karnataka NRI Forum' for furthering their common interests. The recent vital issue being the Mangalore International airport, which is now underway due to the pressure from different lobbies, needs a constant and regular follow up from the NRIs who will be greatly benefited once this project is accomplished.
At the recent meeting convened by the Coordinator Rajesh Sequeira, at the Winny's Restaurant in Dubai, he briefed the members about the latest developments and expressed his satisfaction about the cooperation and assistance that has been assured from all angles - right from the Airport authorities, to the local administration and political higher ups. He felt that this project would lose its momentum due to the various obstacles due to the instability of the Government and other unforeseen vagaries, but if the NRIs from all over, kept on putting constant pressure, the day to land in Mangalore would surely be close.
The forum comprises of all the representatives of the various associations and also great personalities from Karnataka which will be the common body to unitedly stand up for pressurising the above issue. The President of all the organisations belonging to Karnataka State around the world, who are interested in joining this forum should contact :Email: rajseq@yahoo.com Tel: 00971-50-8456858
Dubai, Feb 17: The NRIs of Karnataka spread over the UAE got together under the banner 'Karnataka NRI Forum' for furthering their common interests. The recent vital issue being the Mangalore International airport, which is now underway due to the pressure from different lobbies, needs a constant and regular follow up from the NRIs who will be greatly benefited once this project is accomplished.
At the recent meeting convened by the Coordinator Rajesh Sequeira, at the Winny's Restaurant in Dubai, he briefed the members about the latest developments and expressed his satisfaction about the cooperation and assistance that has been assured from all angles - right from the Airport authorities, to the local administration and political higher ups. He felt that this project would lose its momentum due to the various obstacles due to the instability of the Government and other unforeseen vagaries, but if the NRIs from all over, kept on putting constant pressure, the day to land in Mangalore would surely be close.
The forum comprises of all the representatives of the various associations and also great personalities from Karnataka which will be the common body to unitedly stand up for pressurising the above issue. The President of all the organisations belonging to Karnataka State around the world, who are interested in joining this forum should contact :Email: rajseq@yahoo.com Tel: 00971-50-8456858
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Mangalore: NRI Team Visits New Runway Site to Study and Plan Course of Action
Daijiworld News Network - suburban beat - pics. GeekayMangalore, Jan. 12: A team of Gulf-based non-resident Indians (NRI's), with a keen wish to ensure expeditious upgradation of the Mangalore airport, in association with Daijiworld.com, paid a spontaneous visit to the Bajpe airport on Tuesday, January 11.
(Photo1)'Keep up the good work, I will do my best...", Oscar Fernandes appears to tell Rajesh
(Photo 2)Rajesh Sequeira submitting a memorandum to state minister P G R Sindhia
(Photo 3)Entrepreneurs Rohan Monteiro, Jerome Saldanha, Ivan Fernandes, Rajesh Sequeira and the Daijiworld.com team with airport director Vasudeva
Among others, Dubai-based Ivan Fernandes of Du Cont, Sharjah-based Jerome Saldanha of Modern Graphics and Rajesh Sequeira, coordinator of the NRI airport action committee in the UAE and local entrepreneur Rohan Monteiro were part of the team.
Rajesh has already done a lot of groundwork by submitting a memorandum each to union minister of state for statistics and programme implementation Oscar Fernandes and state infrastructure minister P G R Sindhia, during their visit to Mangalore.
The purpose was to make a spot study of the work in progress at the new, extended runway and find out ways and means to clear the possible obstacles by approaching the proper channels.
They also had a meeting with airport director M R Vasudeva, who apprised them of the progress in the runway work and immediate procedural requirements.
With the information collected, the team will report to the committee in the UAE so that a concerted plan of action could be chalked out.
The visit gave an opportunity to the NRI's as to the exact position of progress as well as the exact steps to be taken at the official and as well as international levels.
They were highly appreciative of contribution of the Airports Authority of India towards the progress of the project, which had to be matched with a similar support from the state government, especially in the matter of acquisition of additional land and rehabilitation of the displaced families.
Abu Dhabi-based entrepreneur and managing director of New Medical Centre group of firms Bavaguttu Raghuram Shetty, who could not join the meeting owing to preoccupations, has assured the action committee of his full support and assistance in following up matters at official levels.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Mangalore: Interview with M R Vasudeva -- By Richie Lasrado
(Seen in the PhotoL to R : Walter Nandalike, M R Vasudeva, Richie Lasrado)
M R Vasudeva -Airport Director Mangalore
The talk has been going on for almost two decades. But everything has been moving at a snail's pace. Much water has flowed down Chandragiri, Netravati, Phalguni, Shambhavi, Swarna and Souparnika ever since. Things have stood almost as they were.
With Mangaloreans having conquered every continent and country with their skills and interlligence for decades, we shouldn't have been still left with a mere table-top airport after 50 years of its opening. For long there was a talk of an entirely new airport coming up at Padubidri. That remained still-born.
Then came the idea of a new runway to be extended towards the western side, which would have gobbled up the entire town of Bajpe. The vested interests stalled it.
As all this went on at a snail's pace, the Karippur airport in Kozhikode (Calicut) and the Kannur airport came up quietly taking a large chunk of passengers from northern Malabar, for whom Mangalore was a convenient outlet all this while. Our elected representatives spent all their lives pulling each other's legs and in the game of one-upmanship, passing the buck on to each other.
A good 15 years have been lost in dragging one's feet over various tangles and disputes. But now things are looking up. At the helm of the Mangalore operations of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) now is a man whom we can proudly call our own, for once.
Being a well-travelled person and having worked in different parts of country, occasionally breaking into free Hindi, he can be taken for a 'northerner' at the very first encounter. But MARPALLI RAMAYYA VASUDEVA, originally hailing from Udupi, makes us feel comfortable with a typical 'DK-style' hospitality. He has a single-minded mission of seeing the dream of a modern airport in Mangalore realized as soon as possible.
He needs everyone's support. It is not one man's dream. It is the dream of the entire undivided Dakshina Kannada's populace, one that would win support from a lot of our brethren from Kasaragod in the south and even Bhatkal in the north.
In an exclusive interview given to Daijiworld.com, M R Vasudeva, throws light on some interesting, but quite a few so far unknown, matters regarding the expansion project.
Model of proposed new run-way at Mangalore Airport
"Efforts are needed from all directions. Everyone has to work for it. It is for everyone's benefit....." says Airport Director M R Vasudeva about airport upgradation, speaking exclusively to Richie Lasrado, Resident Editor of Daijiworld.com
In which year was it opened and who was the main person to have worked for it?
The airport was opened in 1951. The late MP Ullal Srinivas Mallya was the main person who was responsible for the setting up of the airport.
Can you please give us a brief on and the history of the Mangalore airport?
It started as the Bajpe aerodrome in 1951. The late prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru is said to have arrived by the maiden flight to Mangalore. Initially only Dakota aircraft landed here. Later on Fokker and Avro began to operate. From 1983 onwards Boeings began landing here.
What are the improvements made and facilities added ever since?
The main improvements made have been the new terminal building, installation of runway lights, Very High Omni Range (VOR) near Kaikamba becoming operational in 1989, instrument landing system (ILS) in 1998, the Mono-pulse Secondary Surveillance Radar introduced in 2000 and many others.
The talk of Mangalore becoming an international airport has been going on for over five years. What are the reasons for the delay?
Probably the main hurdle was the land acquisition. The proposal for a second runway was taken up the Airports Authority of India as early as in 1986.
What is the length of the present runway?
The present runway is 5330 ft-long.
What is the stretch of the runway under construction and which aircraft can be handled by it?
The one under construction when completed will stretch up to 8045 feet. It can handle aircraft up to Airbus 310.
Does the runway under construction have any scope for further upgradation to accommodate heavier aircraft later on?
There may not be much scope for further extension.
Any information available on the number of Gulf-bound passengers boarding in Mangalore every day?
That data would be available only with the airline companies and travel agents.
Will there be a new terminal building?
A report said that a new terminal building is being proposed which will cut down the distance to the city quite considerably.
Can you throw some light on this, in case such a plan is under way now?
Yes, there will be a new terminal building. If everything goes as planned, the new terminal building will come up at the present Dakkan Park premises. The entire stretch of distance from the entrance of Dakkan Park up to the present terminal will be eliminated, thereby bringing down the distance from the city by about 8 kilometres.
What is the height of the new runway?
The elevation of the airport and the runway from the sea level is 337 feet.
When is the new runway expected to be completed? If all goes well, it should be completed by January 2006.
Is the current upgradation process going according to your plans?
Except for some hiccups like the problem of land acquisition, the work is going on schedule. There is a feeling among the public that the fee of Rs 20 for access to the visitors' gallery is not justified on two counts. One, the visitors cannot view the aircraft, especially children, who would be eager to see how an aircraft is and how it lands, two - the visitors have to wait in the hot sun all the time without any shade.
Do you have to say anything about this?
A new visitors’ gallery is being planned. It will provide much more comfort to visitors and full view of the aircraft landing and taking off. But this will be complete only in about one-and-a-half year’s time. Can you give us some details of the progress made and current state of affairs of the upgradation work? Excavation, digging, levelling etc. is going on. The laying of the concrete layer of the runway will be started by November 2004.
What are the hurdles that are still left to be tackled? Any acquisition or legal hurdles still left?
As already said, the main hurdle is of acquisition. While 190 acres of land has been acquired already, another 140 acres is yet to be acquired. Further, a lot of infrastructure like BSNL, MESCOM power lines etc. will have to be relocated. We need full cooperation from these departments. When the new runway becomes operational, what will happen to the old runway? It can be still used by smaller aircraft, besides being used as an additional taxiway for the larger aircraft for its movement to and from the present apron.
When the boundary wall is completed, how many families will be affected by the evacuation process?
Already 214 families have been evacuated. Another 68 families have to be rehabilitated. Lately union minister Oscar Fernandes has assured of his earnest efforts and personal interest in expediting the airport project. That's encouraging news to you. Definitely it is good news. The honourable minister, being in charge of programme implementation, has called meetings in this regard and he will certainly be able to use his good offices with the state government to expedite matters.
With the current upgradation under way, could there be a possibility in the near future of Air India Airbus 310 and Indian Airlines 320 landing in Mangalore?
Certainly. The new runway is meant for aircraft of that capacity.
What is total cost incurred so far on this project and what is yet to be sanctioned?
Rs 55 crore has been sanctioned by the AAI. The state government has spent Rs 12 crore and another 12 crore are expected from them. Besides, the state government will have to provide multi-lane approach road to the city at a cost of Rs 17.5 crore. In addition, the AAI’s plan for new terminal and taxiway will mean an additional Rs 20 crore.
People in the Gulf, especially NRI's of Karnataka origin have recently got together and are pressing the union government to complete the upgradation of the airport at the earliest. What do you have to say about it?
It is certainly great news. Efforts are needed from all directions. The airport upgradation with its spin-off effects will give a great boost to education, IT, banking and other fields of the economy of this region. The software industry will receive a big push upwards. But everyone has to work for it. It is for everyone’s benefit.
(with support from Rajesh Sequeira, Dubai)
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