Madhumathi D.S.

Bangalore , April 10

Some portions of the new works being added to the Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) project may be separated and re-tendered. These will, however, be non-critical areas such as car park extension and paving of the apron area, according to sources.

"What is separable from the main EPC contract would be separated and re-tendered," they told Business Line.

L&T, which is the EPC contractor and 17 per cent stakeholder in the project, can also bid for the additional package.

The final plan may take a few more weeks. The sources said that the matter would go before the State Government, whose entity, KSIIDC, holds 13 per cent share in the public-private venture.

To a query, the BIAL CEO, Mr Albert Brunner, did not confirm or give details but said: "Currently BIAL is evaluating the likely impact on schedule arising from redesign. However, BIAL is committed to opening the new Bangalore International Airport in April 2008."

According to Mr Brunner, the additions being made to accommodate new traffic projections may take the final cost of the phase 1 up by Rs 450 crore - or a total of Rs 1,860 crore. Last month, the earlier cost of Rs 1,411 crore was re-estimated at Rs 1,800 crore. The additional cost is to be met through debt.

BIAL, whose board discussed these issues over the weekend, said in a release: "The board has in principle approved the redesign of the new international airport. However, the board has sought clarification on certain items and the final decision is expected within the next few weeks."

Mr Brunner said that the clarifications were "on aspects of scope, cost as well as the design."

The redesign, it is understood, will see a 35 per cent increase in the size of the passenger terminal building; number of aircraft stands, more taxiways, passenger boarding bridges and the main access road. The car park will built for 19,000 cars instead of 10,000.

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