Flight operations at Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport are facing disruptions after pilots reported a serious safety hazard posed by newly installed street lights on the adjacent Nadarganj flyover.
Pilots have complained to Air Traffic Control (ATC) that the tall light poles are creating an obstruction during aircraft landings and take-offs. Taking the matter with extreme seriousness, especially following a recent major incident involving an Air India flight in Ahmedabad, the ATC has escalated the complaint to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
In response, the NHAI has instructed the implementing agency, PNC to remove the approximately 40 ten-metre-high poles from the flyover, which was opened to traffic on September 9. Discussions are now underway to find a solution that ensures the flyover is adequately lit without compromising flight safety.
Construction In No-Construction Zone Without NOC
According to the airport administration, the core of the problem lies in a lack of coordination and proper procedure. Officials state that the NHAI never obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the construction of the flyover or the installation of the street lights.
The new flyover has reportedly been built in a "no-construction zone" without prior consultation. Airport officials noted that the issue could have been prevented if the NHAI had held a meeting before commencing work in a sensitive flying zone, especially since both are government departments.
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Airport security regulations are divided into strict zones:
First Zone: No construction is permitted within a 100-metre radius.
Second Zone: Buildings between 101 and 200 metres must not be taller than one storey.
Third Zone: Buildings between 201 and 300 metres are restricted to two storeys.
Furthermore, a special NOC is required for any tall construction within a 20-kilometre radius of the airport, a rule which was allegedly not followed in this case.