Imphal Airport Expansion : Justified ?

By Ramananda Wangkheirakpam *

There has been much talk about upgrading the Imphal airport (Also known as Tulihal Airport) to an international standard one. Many in their mind, somewhat immaturely, were already celebrating a flight to Bangkok (from Imphal)!

While there are valid arguments to doubt the need for an international flight from Imphal considering the present economic and political situation, this current upgradation of course does not mean 'an international airport'.

Moreover, it is not at all clear what upgrading to an international standard signifies. From a lay man's perspective, there are several questions that come to mind.

Does it mean installing night landing system so that there are night flights ?
Does it mean better navigation and safety equipment ?
Does it mean more infrastructure and facilities that cater to national and international travellers ?
Does it mean more runways and parking facilities with a possible forecast of high domestic and international traffic in the future ?
Or does it at all mean an economic boom for Manipuris to be able to travel aloft ?

One would suggest a little bit of scratch on the surface and will expose the hollowness of this expansion move at this present time. Why then an airport expansion is what everybody should be asking.

The current airport definitely will need better facilities for passengers such as bigger lounge, more space for flight counters, eateries, waiting room, improved restrooms etc. There are existing land area within the current airport which can be better managed.

Lands used by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) or the one used by the security force can be acquired for these purposes if required. As a matter of fact, there is no need for dilapidated CPWD office to be close to the airport, they can consider shifting to some other place.

And for the security force, they have become redundant and the current security arrangements by the CISF serve the purpose. If these two non-airport related structures are acquired, there may be even space for all of the passenger facilities and may be for cargoes too.

For a small State like Manipur one cannot afford to imitate Delhi or Bangalore. There should be people who are able to think and plan, based on the State's requirements and land affordability or else we will greatly lose.

To upgrade to an international standard, what is critically required is improvement on the safety front. While night landing facility might serve both night service (with more disturbing sounds at night) and safety concerns, much more important are better safety equipments that conform to international standards.

India's Airport Authority of India has concentrated more on short term profit through innumerable cheap flights but has neglected safety issues, and much of the norms adopted are not in sync with those of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Does any of this upgradation of the Imphal airport include such more critical factors to convert into an international standard? If not, the people must demand that safety is utmost urgent before anything else.

A quick glimpse of the current flight volume of Imphal airport shows that the airport can handle more flights than what it currently serves.

According to the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR of 31 JULY 2006), as laid down by the Director General of Civil Aviation, Government of India, if the number of flight movements in the mean busy hour is not greater than 15 per runway or typically less than 20 total aerodrome movements the airport is considered as Light Traffic Density.

Information available indicates that there are only about 7 - 8 flights at an average at the Imphal Airport indicating that even the existing runway has not even been optimally utilised.

While there seems to be no study for future traffic, an imaginary future projection with all possible scenarios and variables considered, such as population increase over the years or bigger trade flows, is not likely to yield double the existing traffic.

The CAR standard clearly states that a high traffic movement in the mean busy hour is of the order of 26 or more per runway or typically more than 35. If this is the case, where then is the need to acquire more land for a brand new runway or a taxi way. An expansion scenario of such magnitude might be considered when there are too many flights making it difficult for the existing runway to handle.

An additional note, one should not miss, is the issue of nearness to the main city of Imphal. Airports are supposed to be little far away from the city and residential areas. 6.3.1 Standard 3.3.1.1 on page 6 of the National Building Code (NBC) of India states: Aircraft noise may disturb sleep, rest and communication and as such may be considered potentially harmful to health.

It is important that no new development is carried out within areas where the expected noise levels will cause mental and physical fatigue or permanent loss of hearing. In case development in such areas is essential, adequate sound insulation shall be provided for the building."

The Imphal airport expansion is not more than 4 Kms from Imphal and this has already caused several pollution already. Locals are particularly affected due to the increased number of flights. If there is a forced expansion at the current site, the resultant will be sleepless nights, disturbance of social and economic activities.

Clearly with such a short distance from Imphal, the Government or the Airport Authority of India (AAI) cannot provide building insulation for all not only those at the immediate vicinity but also for those in Imphal. It's no wonder that there are people fighting airport expansion in Bangkok (Subharnabhumi International Airport), London (Heathrow) and elsewhere.

The State must respond to the ongoing protest too. If it can provide proper justification, and wider consultation, not restricted to some closed door Government meetings, resulting in approval, then the State may not face such 'hurdles'.

The State politicians and policy makers should not just go by what the Centre wants or decides. Delhi's priorities need not necessarily fit us; and our politicians, policy makers and planners (if there are any!) must apply their mind to decide on their own.

India's federal structure allows us the benefit to deny, delay or re-design projects if it is harmful for us.