dna impact: Amidst threat to its new tower by nearby car park, ATC issues instructions

After dna reported the threat to the new ATC tower by vehicles parked nearby, ATC top brass has sent instructions to air traffic controllers and the meteorological department employees working inside the tower to not park their vehicles at the ATC gate or inside, but instead park them at the designated parking area provided by MIAL.

Along with the order, ATC top brass has even forwarded a map of the designated parking meant for the employees working from the tower.

In its December 10 edition, dna had reported about how Airport Authority of India (AAI) had written to MIAL warning that the parking space surrounding the new ATC tower could be hazardous, as an explosive-laden vehicle could be used by anti-national elements to attack the building.

The security branch of AAI had also claimed that many motorbikes are seen stationed at the gate of the tower, which also can pose security threat.

The letter signed by J Dasgupta, GM (ATM), Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport reads: "It is instructed that all officials on duty of all departments, including IMD, are required to park their vehicles at the designated AAI parking area only. Two wheeler parking is not permitted adjacent to the main gate."

Standing tall at 84 metres, the new ATC tower is claimed by airport authorities to be the tallest in India. Built at a cost of Rs110 crore, the tower also boasts of modern equipment worth Rs35 crore.