-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- MPs concerned about safety at airports Webindia123.comFrom: New Delhi | January 06, 2006 8:15:07 PM IST A parliamentary panel Friday expressed concern at poor safety conditions at India's airports and security in the air, including the use of the Instrumental Landing Systems for landing aircraft in foggy conditions.
During a meeting of the parliamentary consultative committee attached to the civil aviation ministry, chaired by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, panel members expressed concern at the poor condition of airports, especially those at Delhi and Mumbai. MPs from various parties called for prioritising the process to upgrade the two airports without further delay. Dozens of flights have been delayed at the Delhi airport over the past two weeks, mainly due to the foggy conditions. Following complaints from travelers, the civil aviation ministry directed airlines to train their pilots to operate in bad weather. Though parliament has given the go-ahead for privatising the airports, the process has run into delay due to questions raised about the process for selecting private parties who would maintain the airports. The Mumbai and Delhi airports are in bad shape and need urgent refurbishment, both in terms of security and safety, the MPs said. Issues like the shortage of trained personnel, specifically air traffic control manpower, slow pace of infrastructure development at metro and non-metro airports and adequate manpower utilization came up during the meeting. Officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), while making a presentation during the meeting, said the organisation's thrust areas were user-friendly airports and terminals, passenger comforts, better public relations, and pleasant clean ambience for passengers. The AAI team also pointed to the need for enhancing air space and capacity, introducing safety management system in line with standards set by International Civil Aviation Organisation, enhancing non-traffic revenue, ground handling services and taking up international consultancy.(IANS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------
