VISAKHAPATNAM: Indian Navy’s Visakhapatnam airport runway resurfacing project has been completed ahead of schedule. Following the completion of the crucial fourth layer of resurfacing, the runway inspection agency has cleared the runway for usage and has lauded the quality and efficiency of the work executed.
Eastern Naval Command (ENC) headquarters announced that the runway at Visakhapatnam will resume round-the-clock operations starting from April 1, in perfect alignment with the summer schedule.
INS Dega, cornerstone in the aviation landscape of Visakhapatnam since 1999, has marked another milestone with the early completion of its main runway resurfacing project. The project, initiated in response to the burgeoning demand for aviation services in the fast-growing metropolis, aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of the airfield, catering to both domestic and international flights.
The runway, extending 10,000 feet to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, was originally inaugurated on June 15, 2007. Having been in service for more than 15 years and experiencing a significant increase in traffic to nearly 75-80 movements per day, the upgrade became imperative. Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic delaying the start of the project to November, 2023, the commendable efforts of the Eastern Naval Command headquarters have seen the project completion exceed expectations.
To minimise impact on commercial operations, meticulous planning ensured that the resurfacing work was aligned with the winter schedule of civil aviation, limiting closure times between 9 am and 8 am. More than 30 flights were accommodated beyond the scheduled hours under exigent circumstances, including during Cyclone Michaung, ensuring minimal disruption to the citizens of Visakhapatnam.The early completion of runway works not only highlights the Indian Navy’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of operational readiness but also its commitment to serving the nation and its citizens.