Vizag Airport resurfacing work on track: ENC chief
Says the work is being carried out in phases to minimize disruption to civil flying
I would like to express our gratitude to all commercial flight operators, the Airport Director, Airport Authority of India and other stakeholders for their forthright cooperation in the matter. I would like to assure each of them that the Indian Navy is cognisant of the disruptions caused as a result, and will take every measure to ensure that the work is progressed in accordance with the stipulated timelines - Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar
Visakhapatnam: The resurfacing work, now under implementation at the Visakhapatnam International Airport is right on track to enhance flight safety, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) said here on Sunday.
Briefing the media in connection with the Navy Day celebrations, he said the command has undertaken various projects to enhance flight safety in accordance with internationally mandated regulations. In accordance with safety norms for runways, the resurfacing of Vizag Airport runway is in progress. Further, the upgradation of the airfield lighting system has now enabled low visibility flight operations at INS Dega. The air station is a civil enclave and the largest airport of Andhra Pradesh. At present, it has a direct flight to Singapore and talks are in progress to have flights to Dubai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Ho Chi MInh City and Hanoi.
The ENC chief said resurfacing of the runway at Dega will be completed by March next year. The work is being progressed in phases to ensure minimal disruption to civil flying. During the planning phase of the resurfacing project, extensive consultations were done with all concerned stakeholders including the commercial operators, to arrive at the most optimal way ahead to progress the resurfacing.
“I would like to express our gratitude to all commercial flight operators, the Airport Director, Airport Authority of India and other stakeholders for their forthright cooperation in the matter. I would like to assure each of them that the Indian Navy is cognisant of the disruptions caused as a result, and will take every measure to ensure that the work is progressed in accordance with the stipulated timelines. The Indian Navy is committed to providing a world-class airfield to the city of Visakhapatnam, which meets the highest standard of aviation safety,” he stated.
With a vision to keep pace with new platforms and technologies under induction, ENC has made considerable headway in augmentation of technical infrastructure. The Vice Admiral said 37 projects costing over Rs 2192 crore are underway at Visakhapatnam which will enhance the capabilities of the naval base here.
Pendharkar said the premier repair yard, Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam has been actively providing employment to a large number of local population at various work centres. ENC participated in eight Rozgar Melas over the last one year and provided employment to 809 personnel. Further, recruitment of over 400 chargeman to meet pan Navy requirements and 107 boat crew personnel is under progress by Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
He said the Indian Navy has taken significant steps in its quest of becoming a true gender-neutral and inclusive force. The induction of women in all branches of the Navy, both as officers and Agniveers, bears testimony to this approach.
