Aerobridges to finally start operations in Jan

The airport is finally going to get an international look. By January-end next year, two aerobridges that are operationally ready at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport will be commissioned and start operations. The bridges have been ready for months, but have not been pressed into service, despite the airport having promised to install them five years ago.

Taking cognisance of recent TOI reports that highlighted the aerobridges are mere showpieces, Mihan India Private Limited (MIPL) has moved to start this facility by January-end. Currently, passengers are transported from the airport building to the plane by buses. While disembarking, passengers have to walk from the plane.

MIPL chief operating officer Abadesh Prasad said, "Indonesian manufacturing and construction firm PT Bukaka completed installation of both bridges just two months ago, but some fault had remained. A team from the company will arrive and clear the faults. Soon after that a team of Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will inspect the facilities and clear it for operations. Then, we will inform all the airlines to avail the facility at Nagpur airport."

Another MIPL official said on condition of anonymity, "MIPL authorities just wanted to show their upper hand over AAI officials, who had got the aerobridges installed. So the commissioning of the bridges was deliberately delayed. The technical problems they are talking about are minor, which can be solved by Bukaka technicians in a day."

Kishor Anand, a frequent flyer, said, "If AAI had installed the aerobridges two months back, MIPL should have started operations. Like at Mumbai and other airports, these aerobridges will benefit passengers the most, as they will be protected from inclement weather," he said.