Is it possible to build a dream “Namma Global Gateway” (NGG) around the existing HAL airport? As shown by the schematic superposed on the Google Earth satellite picture, the NGG alternative appears convenient, expandable, economically self-sustaining and environment friendly. Unlike the Devanahalli airport that appears a nightmare to most travellers, NGG provides access to multiple arterial roads, adequate parking space, vast check-in and holding areas, innumerable aircraft parking bays and gates, options for relaxation and rest while awaiting flights, and unhindered air traffic in the approach to and exit from the runway.
The existing 3,000 metre runway (24) serves as a ready scale to locate and size-up landmarks on the picture. A new 100 meter-wide runway and taxiways (20-23) can be added to guarantee that one runway is always available with unhindered ground movement. State-of-the-art approach radar and instrument landing systems would ensure global norms of up to 30 hourly landings and take-offs each, adding up to more than 600 flights a day, that is four times the current capacity. Two-way 500 meter taxiway along corridor (16) serves aircraft movement to the new (NGG). A tunnel underneath will serve the existing Wind Tunnel Rd (9).
Central to the NGG is about 800 acres of government land (14), located south-west of the existing runway. This area is more than ten times larger than the existing terminal area (18). The existing terminal area can be used for VVIP and general aviation traffic. About 500 acres of the NGG may be set aside for up to 40 gates and another 30 parking bays, with enough room to accommodate even the large A380 airbus as shown by the scaled down mockup. Compare this with the 8 gates to be provided at Devanahalli.
Assuming two hours turnaround time for domestic flights and four hours for international, the NGG complex can easily handle over 600 incoming and outgoing flights a day, involving about 2,00,000 passengers and their well-wishers. Terminal buildings (30-34) offer over 5,00,000 sq m of floor space (compare this with 70,000 sq m at Devanahalli). As shown in the picture, about 300 acres of space in front of the terminal is available for ground transportation access and for commercial use. Thus, two 8-storey circular car parks (35, 36) (total 16 floors, with each floor accommodating more vehicles than HAL airport parking) and a high-rise commercial complex with over 10,00,000 sq m of floor space can be built to add to economic viability and public convenience. This can include hotels, convention centres, entertainment and shopping. Such options are impractical at Devanahalli.
One underground train loop inside the terminal area and one outside, connecting to a Namma Metro spur serving Koramangala and Indiranagar ensure efficient public access to NGG. Eight-lane roads 44, 45 (total 2 kms) and link/loop roads, 27, 28, 46 and 48 (total length 12 km) can be built on public land as marked. This will provide excellent connectivity to all arterial roads in the region apart from developing the Belandur tank (13) to surpass Ulsoor tank in beauty. By suitably dredging the tank and building bunds from debris for the loop roads 27, 28. The tank will serve as a rainwater catchment area for the 12 sq km of extended airport, terminals and new technology parks 51-55 under strict zoning laws to ensure high rise office towers separated by vast expanse of greenery.
The NGG blueprint offers a dream global aviation hub that can compete with the best anywhere. It makes it viable to convert a neglected area into Bangalore’s picture perfect real-estate without the sops and protection enjoyed by the BIAL project. Common sense appears to suggest that all this will cost less than what remains to be spent to make Devanahalli friendly to the travelling public. With savings in terms of time (at least 2,50,000 man hours daily) and cost to reach Devanahalli (a few crores of rupees daily), and of course reduced traffic and pollution, Namma Global Gateway appears to deserve consideration and debate even at this late hour.
(The writer is a former Deputy Director, NAL)
