AAI receives environmental nod for Shimla airport runway restoration

Airport Authority of India (AAI) has got green signal for restoration and expansion of the existing runway of Shimla airport at a cost of Rs 105 crore.

Shimla Airport has a table top runway on a mountain close to Jubbarhatti village. No commercial operations are taking place at this airport since September 2012 when Kingfisher Airlines ceased its operations. Its basic strip has been eroded due to rains over the years. 

“Based on the information submitted by the project proponent, the Environment Ministry has given environment clearance to the AAI’s proposal on restoration of basic strip, prevention of soil erosion and feasibility study for extension of Shimla airport,” a senior government official said.

The green nod to the project has been given subject to compliance of some conditions, the official added.

The cost of the proposed project is estimated to be Rs 105.02 crore.

As per the proposal, AAI wants to do restoration and grading of runway strip. Put runway markings and signs as also runway-end safety area on either side of the runway strip.

The authority has proposed extension of apron to accommodate VIP aircraft along with the schedule of aircraft operation of ATR-42.

It proposed to construct taxi link and take remedial measures to check soil erosion of airstrip including side slopes.

That apart, AAI wants to improve drainage including repairs of existing cross and longitudinal drains of airstrip, construct six meter wide road to connect fire station to operational gate.