RESA Extension Underway at Calicut Airport

Speedy Summary

• Construction of an extended Runway End Safety Area (RESA) is underway at Calicut International Airport, Karipur.
• 22% of the work has been completed, with a target to finish by March next year. gawar Construction ltd., tho, requested a three-month extension due to rain delays.
• The RESA is being extended from 90 meters to 240 meters for enhanced safety on the tabletop runway.
• The improvement follows recommendations from experts investigating the Air India Express accident in August 2020 that claimed 21 lives adn injured over 100 people.A longer RESA could have mitigated the tragedy.
• Soil filling work has paused due to monsoon rains; though, perimeter wall construction and associated activities continue. Mining suspended temporarily as of heavy rainfall.
• over 3.5 million cubic meters of soil are being sourced for embankments. Environmental clearances have been obtained for extraction sites once rainfall abates.
• Extension involves layering compacted soil secured with geogrids rather of sidewalls.
• Expansion aims to restore wide-body flight operations at Calicut airport; State government acquired land from local villagers.

indian Opinion Analysis

the ongoing RESA expansion project represents a critically important enhancement in aviation safety standards for Calicut International Airport following the tragic Air India Express accident in August 2020. Extending this area is a crucial move to mitigate risks inherent to tabletop runways-a known hazardous configuration notably during unfavorable weather or landing errors.

Challenges such as rain-induced delays highlight logistical complexities typical in infrastructure projects during India’s monsoons; yet efforts like eco-pleasant construction methods and obtaining environmental clearance demonstrate careful planning.

Successful completion could revitalize operations at this key regional hub by enabling wide-body aircraft landings-which are essential for international connectivity and economic growth-marking an significant milestone not just for Kerala but India’s broader aviation safety framework.

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