(Commonwealth_India) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata has recently initiated the operational trials for its new, state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, marking a significant development in the airport’s modernization efforts. The trials, which commenced on Monday, are part of a larger expansion project that aims to enhance the airport’s infrastructure and capacity. The new ATC tower is being built as a part of a Rs 130 crore modular expansion plan, and airport officials expect it to be fully operational by late 2025 or early 2026. This expansion includes not just the new ATC tower but also a complete upgrade of the complex for air traffic navigation, which will house critical areas like the area control and technical blocks, all slated for completion around the same time.
The new ATC tower stands at an impressive height of 86 meters and features a distinctive spiral torch-shaped design. During the trial phase, which will last for the next three months, the tower will operate for two hours each day, from 2 pm to 4 pm. Both the old and new ATC towers will function simultaneously during this trial period, ensuring that there is no disruption to air traffic operations. Airport officials have confirmed that around 40 aircraft will land and take off during the two-hour trial, providing valuable data to ensure a smooth transition once the new tower becomes fully operational.
In the long run, the new ATC tower is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and efficiency of air travel at the Kolkata airport. It is equipped with advanced digital technology that will significantly improve communication systems and air traffic management. This upgrade is particularly important as the old ATC tower had certain limitations in terms of monitoring aircraft, particularly in the apron areas of the international wing of Terminal 2. The space constraints in the existing tower also hindered the modernization of the ATC system. With the new tower, these issues are expected to be resolved, providing more room for the automation and management of air traffic.
As part of the expansion, the new air traffic navigation complex will also house critical systems, including flight data processing systems, radar data processing systems, and advanced monitoring technologies. These upgrades will enable more efficient and safer management of air traffic in and around Kolkata’s airspace. Additionally, the security arrangements for the new tower and its associated complex are being carefully planned. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will oversee the security of the ATC tower, while private security personnel will secure the rest of the complex, including the area control and technical blocks.
Once the tower is fully operational, it will be manned by approximately eight technicians specializing in communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. These professionals will ensure the tower functions efficiently and safely, providing support for the growing number of flights at the airport. Overall, the operationalization of the new ATC tower represents a major milestone in the airport’s efforts to upgrade its infrastructure and improve the overall passenger experience. It underscores Kolkata Airport’s commitment to keeping pace with the increasing demands of air travel, offering a safer and more efficient environment for both passengers and airlines.
