Summary:
Surat: Surat airport authorities have written to Gujarat Government for taking up immediate enhancement of electricity capacity keeping in mind proposed extension of terminal building.TOI had in an article on March 13 highlighted the problems faced at Surat airport due to frequent power disruption, affecting smooth operation of flight services.Electricity to Surat airport is supplied by Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL). Now Surat airport has started handling international flights with 24 hours activity as well, so power consumption need has also increased exponentially. Earlier, power consumption at airport was less due to operation of one or two flights in a day. The airport will be requiring about 1,000 KAV of additional power supply for the smooth operation of the airport.The existing diesel generator sets (DG) installed at the airport are not sufficient enough to cater to the need of electricity during power failure, which results in difficultly for passengers and smooth flight operations.The scenario at Surat airport has changed after commencement of direct international flight between Surat and Sharjah. Now, the airport is buzzing throughout the day and even at the night when the flight from Sharjah lands at the airport at dawn.Airport director Sanjay Kumar Panigarhi told TOI, “As per the MoU between the AAI and the state government, the cost of electricity and water for the operation of Surat airport will be borne by the latter..