BLR Airport inducts indigenous weather monitoring system at new runway

June 24, 2020: Bangalore International Airport (BIAL), operator of Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport), has installed an indigenously-developed Aviation Weather Monitoring System (AWMS) at both ends of its new runway.

With this, BLR Airport has become the first airport in the country to install indigenous AWMS technology, developed by Bengaluru-based CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).

In addition, BLR Airport has installed four Drishti Transmissometers, also developed by NAL, in association with the Indian Metrological Department (IMD), to measure the runway visibility range (RVR). With this, BLR Airport now has a total of six made-in-India RVRs at both runways.

The Drishti transmissometer is acclaimed for precise reporting, helping pilots with an accurate runway visual range. It is suitable for all categories of airports such as CAT I, CAT II, CAT III A & B and measures RVR down to 25 meters.

With AWMS and RVR integrated, the data is displayed on one single display screen. With the web-enabled feature, the data can be accessed, and maintenance carried out from any location.

Hari Marar, MD & CEO, BIAL said “At BIAL, we are proud to take the lead to adopt this indigenous technology, which is critical for airport operations. This technology will enable seamless operations at BLR Airport.”

Meanwhile, the 10-meter mast on which AWMS sensors are installed is a first-of-its-kind, designed by NAL, with several unique features including being eco-friendly and lightweight, with a life of over 60 yrs. The sliding mechanism enables easy maintenance - a useful feature, considering the busy traffic on the runway.

North runway closed till end of 2020
The north runway (existing) at the airport has been closed for rehabilitation, from June 22, 2020. The rehabilitation includes strengthening and resurfacing of the runway as well as the installation of runway centerline lights. Once complete, these enhancements offer flexibility to operate both runways in low visibility and adverse weather conditions. The runway rehabilitation is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

All flight operations from the airport during this period will be from the new south runway, until completion of north runway rehabilitation. Once the north runway is operational, post-rehabilitation, both runways will be utilised.