Date:31/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/31/stories/2008103160120300.htm

Kerala

Runway lighting system strengthened

A Correspondent

Nedumbassery: The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) on Thursday installed Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) System for the runway lighting system to eliminate chances of disruptions in landing by the aircrafts by light failures from power supply breakdown.

In the case of any breakdown or interruption in the KSEB supply, the runway lighting would be catered to by the UPS system immediately without any interruption and then the same would be connected to the generator.

Costs Rs. 45 lakh

The new system, costing around Rs. 45 lakh would be more effective during rainy and lightning conditions, said a release issued by CIAL.

The runway lighting system at Cochin International Airport was of Category-1 type and a standby generator of sufficient capacity has been provided with automatic facility to transfer power to the system in case of power disruption in the KSEB line.

As per the standards of ICAO, the charge overtime for Category-1 type was approximately 15 seconds and at this airport, the generator would supply power in case of any interruption within 8-9 seconds.

When an aircraft was landing during night hours or during low visibility conditions, the change over time of even 8-9 seconds was also very critical, said the statement.