A rise in accidents and frequent violations of the speed limit in the airport premises has prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to plan surprise checks for the safety of passengers and aircraft. The aviation regulator has also received complaints of agencies working inside the airport removing the speed governor (a device that limits speed) of their vehicles.
A rise in accidents and frequent violations of the speed limit in the airport premises has prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to plan surprise checks for the safety of passengers and aircraft. The aviation regulator has also received complaints of agencies working inside the airport removing the speed governor (a device that limits speed) of their vehicles.
According to an estimate by DGCA, each aircraft movement warrants the movement of at least 20 vehicles the airport, from passenger transfer buses, cleaning vehicles, engineering vans, catering vehicles, fuel carriers, etc.
"There have been many violations in the past by the vehicles inside the airside area. We want to bring a stop to such violations as it could be dangerous for the safety of aircraft," said a senior DGCA official.
Vehicles operating in airport premises have to adhere to strict regulations, especially with regards to speed limits. The perimeter road allows a speed limit of 30 km/hour which decreases to 20 km/hour in the inner circles. Airport insiders claim that often, due to real time situations, vehicle drivers breach the speed limit barrier putting aircraft safety at risk.
"A few months back, a CISF personnel was found to have removed the speed governor placed inside his vehicle. There is a high probability that the practice may be rampant among vehicle drivers inside the airport," said a DGCA source.
A Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) official said that on their part, the Airside Work-site Safety Group (AWS) is responsible for briefing on-site workers and associate contractors on safety requirements to avoid any unwanted situations. AWS also facilitates apron control with respect to handing over and taking charge of operational areas with maintenance of proper records. During airside construction work, AWS ensures that a runway/taxiway overrun by construction personnel is avoided at all times. "It also provides directions to construction vehicles so as to avoid any unwanted incursions into active areas at the airside." said the official.
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