Question : UNSAFE RUNWAYS

(a) whether several runways/airstrips at airports in the country are reportedly either unsafe or short for smooth landing and takeoff;

(b) if so, the details thereof, airport-wise and airstrip-wise;

(c) whether the Government has conducted any survey in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) the steps taken by the Government to improve/modernise/expand the runways of various airports in the country; and

(f) the time by which th« repair/ renovation work is likely to be carried out/ completed, along with the expenditure likely to be incurred thereon, airport-wise and airstrip-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL)

(a); There is no operational aerodrome wjhich can be termed as unsafe. Information on facilities available at aerodromes is published through Aeronautical Information Publication for use by airline operators.This includes the information on non-compliance on applicable standards. Aircraft operations are carried out by the aircraft operators after assessing the availability of facilities and their suitability for the type of aircraft, including operational mitigation measures.Declared runway lengths at all the operational airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) where scheduled flights fly are safe to operate,;

(b): Does not arise;

(c): Regular inspections are carried out by the DGCA (Regulator) and the directorate of Aviation Safety in AAI and action taken accordingly;

(d): Does not arise;

(e) & (f): Expansion and Modernization of runways is subject to requirements projected by the airlines for operation of wide bodied aircraft and availability/handing over of land by the State Governments to AAI.
Extension and strengthening of runway for operation of wide bodied aircraft at Jaipur airport in : Rajasthan is being taken up at a cost of Rs. 76.47 crores and the work is targeted for completion by March, 2015.
Extension of runway and parallel taxi track at Gondia Airport in Maharashtra is in progress at a cost of Rs. 34.49 crores and the work is likely to be completed by June, 2013.