Latest news with #MSSR
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Engineers flag safety concerns in old ATC system shift to new facility
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: A section of engineers in the communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) dept as well as controllers at Kolkata airport have raised apprehensions regarding the proposed relocation of existing air safety systems from the current air traffic navigation (ATN) building to the new ATC tower and technical block. These systems are crucial for maintaining air safety standards. The automation system plays a vital role in ensuring aviation safety, affecting both local flights and approximately 800 aircraft passing through the Kolkata flight information region (FIR). The Kolkata FIR oversees 18.5 lakh sq km of airspace, comprising 14.7 lakh sq km continental and 3.8 lakh sq km oceanic areas. Air traffic controllers in Kolkata supervise 15 international routes, 37 crossings and 10 converging points. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The relocation aims to utilise the newly completed ATN complex, operational since Feb 2024, and facilitate the old building's demolition for constructing a new terminal in the airport's expansion phase. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The place-to-be for automation and robotics Undo Relevant topics from automation, AI and robotics Undo Valuable contacts with international exhibitors Undo Fresh input at the top-class supporting program Undo The leading trade fair for automation & robotics Undo Sources informed TOI about worries regarding the durability of aged systems and equipment and their ability to withstand the relocation. "The system and equipment that are currently in use were purchased around 2012-13. They should have been replaced by now. But with the procurement being delayed, it is now being proposed to relocate the facilities with the old system to the new complex. That may lead to a compromise in safety. We strongly recommend the shift takes place after the new system and equipment is installed," an official said. The implementation of new systems would require approximately two years, encompassing tender processes, bidder selection, procurement, installation and testing procedures. The relocation involves multiple facilities, including the seventh-floor tower, third-floor area control, second-floor simulator training facility, ground floor offices (briefing, NOTAM, and Met), CNS department offices across various floors, and administrative sections. Officials highlight significant challenges in relocating the MSSR, used for precise aircraft tracking, and VHF transmitters.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kolkata airport considers early transfer of air traffic operations to new facility to avoid expansion delays
1 2 Subhro Niyogi & Tamaghna Banerjee | TNN Kolkata: The AAI is actively exploring the option to transfer air traffic navigation services from the current facility to the new ATC and technical block using existing systems, instead of waiting for new equipment procurement that could cause years of delay. This immediate transfer is crucial to utilise the new ATN complex, operational since February 2024, and to facilitate the demolition of the old structure for constructing a new terminal in the airport's second expansion phase. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata A senior AAI official informed TOI that the proposal was discussed in multiple meetings, with the AAI member Air Navigation Services expected to visit Kolkata for further discussions. The phase 2 expansion requires relocation within a year to avoid delays. Whilst the old domestic terminal allows for 70% construction of the new U-shaped integrated terminal, progress depends on the ATN building's demolition. The old domestic terminal's demolition is planned for this year. "Ideally, the relocation should have happened after the installation and testing of the new systems at the control tower and area control in the new facility. However, procurement of the new systems was delayed as the earlier tender was scrapped. Floating a new global tender, procuring and installing the equipment, and making them operational will take time. Since the existing system and equipment have to be used till then, we are looking at the feasibility of shifting the operations to the new facility after parallel operations for six months," an official said. Required procurements include a new generation automation system, approach radar, advanced surface movement guidance and control system, and VHF communication equipment. The current automation system exceeded its 10-year lifespan. "The automation system was implemented when the area control was shifted from the sixth to the third floor. At the time, parallel operations were carried out for six months," the official pointed out. Live trials at the new control tower commenced in March third week, operating two hours daily on weekdays. ATC officials report successful trials thus far. The ATC trials will continue for three months, with area control operations potentially shifting in phases, requiring additional three-month trials and parallel operations. The relocation involves multiple departments from the existing ATN building, including the seventh-floor tower, third-floor area control, second-floor simulator training, ground floor facilities (briefing office, NOTAM office, Met office), CNS department offices across various floors, and administrative offices. Officials note challenges in relocating the MSSR used for aircraft tracking and VHF transmitters. "The challenge is how to shift live traffic. For controllers, there is no real lean period. In Kolkata flight information region, the highest overflying traffic is at night till 3 am. During the day, the pressure of domestic flights is high. So there is no clear window," another official pointed out. Additional concerns include spare console and terminal availability. Despite having a contingency room for area control operations during emergencies, officials prefer maintaining this redundancy rather than using it for the transition to the new facility.
