- BRO to build India's first drone runway in Meerut.
- Project Shivalik tender worth ₹371.15 crore floated.
- Runway 2,110 meters long, for drones and transport aircraft.
For security and disaster management, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is set to construct the country's first unmanned aircraft and drone runway in Meerut. Under Project Shivalik, the BRO has floated a tender worth Rs 371.15 crore for the project.
The tender has been issued by the office of the Additional Director General (North-West), BRO, Chandigarh, instead of the Chief Engineer, BRO Dehradun. Bids can be submitted until September 25, while the tender will be opened on September 26.
The selected agency will have to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) within seven months. Once the DPR receives approval, construction is expected to be completed within 18 months. The project also includes 24 months of defect liability followed by 36 months of maintenance and monitoring.
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2,110-Metre Runway To Come Up On 900 Acres
Around 900 acres of land at the Kila Road Paramilitary Farm in Meerut has been identified for the runway. The site is currently used for training activities.
The Meerut Military Farm, located in the cantonment area and stretching from Mawana Road to Kila Road, was established in 1908 and shut down on July 20, 2017.
According to the BRO tender, the proposed runway will be 2,110 metres long and 45 metres wide. While primarily intended for drones and unmanned aircraft, it will also be capable of handling medium-range transport aircraft such as the C-295 and C-130.
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Two hangars, each measuring 60 metres wide and 50 metres long, will also be constructed to accommodate aircraft and drones.
Tender Deadline
As per the tender conditions, agencies can submit their bids until September 25, with the tender scheduled to be opened on September 26 at the Additional Director General (North-West), BRO office in Chandigarh.
The agency selected for the project will be required to have prior experience in airfield or defence-related construction and must have the capability to execute the project under Army supervision.