Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Civil Aviation dedicated the Delhi Air Traffic Services (DATS) Complex of Airports Authority of India (AAI) to the nation on September 2.
Speaking on the occasion the minister noted, “With a phenomenal growth, the Civil Aviation Sector is driving economic growth of the country.”
In his welcome address Anuj Aggarwal, Chairman, AAI said, “With the new ATC Tower, AAI aims to improve the operational efficiency of IGI Airport. The state-of-the-art automation systems will ensure reliable and efficient air navigation services.” The new complex comprises of three buildings namely Aerodrome Control Tower, Area & Approach Control Services Building and the Administrative Block constructed at the cost of approximately Rs 2.5 billion and Rs 1 billion for equipment. Most Modern Air Navigation Systems and Advanced ATC Automation System have been installed to enhance safety and capacity of Air Traffic operations.
At 102 metres, the ATC Tower at DATS is not only the tallest air traffic control tower in India but it is also among the tallest in the world. The New Control Tower gives panoramic view of large operational area including the runways, taxiways and parking stands for real time awareness of aircraft movements to air traffic controllers.
Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation complimented AAI’s consistent efforts towards ensuring safe air navigation operations. He also appreciated the work of ATCOs and highlighted the significance of the role they played in ensuring safe, secure and expeditious air transportation.
The new air navigation services set-up, with upgraded equipment and systems, is designed to enhance the safety and the efficiency of air traffic management services at the Delhi’s IGI Airport. The control tower has an additional 21 controller Positions at level 26 and 12 ground controller positions at level 25.
These positions enable the new ATC Tower to be future ready for the massive expansion planned at IGI Airport, which includes a fourth runway and several new parking bays and taxiways.