ECL contributes to BIA runway upgrade | Sunday Observer

ECL contributes to BIA runway upgrade

20 August, 2017

The recent resurfacing of the runway of the Bandaranaike International Airport marked an important milestone in the country’s aviation history.

Three decades ago when the runway was commissioned and constructed, the Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO), served as the design and supervision consultant, working jointly with Engineering Consultants (Pvt) Ltd (ECL). Following the Airport and Aviation Services Limited (AASL) decision to embark on its first major rehabilitation of the original runway, and completing due tender proceedings, NACO and ECL were again tasked with the responsibility to conduct the design review and construction supervision for upgrading the runway.

ECL, as pioneers is a multi-disciplinary consultancy, which provides a diverse range of services and has the expertise to handle the most challenging projects, a company spokesman said. Rehabilitating the existing runway posed a major operational challenge for NACO and ECL.

While construction supervision was challenging, given the very aggressive schedule and the number of affected parties, the ECL team worked tirelessly ensuring that the project was completed within time and costs tightly controlled and maintained within the budget.

The critical implementation of construction safety procedures when closing and re-opening of the runway throughout the timescale was another daunting task which ECL successfully managed. In fact, ECL has won aviation kudos for the implementation of the project minus any mishaps.

Every engineering infrastructure project is unique and must be approached with a solid understanding of the requirements, technical skills, and engineering creativity to be able to deliver the project successfully, on time and within budget.

The BIA Runway project was a formidable challenge for everyone, as the risks were high and logistics of utmost importance. However quality and safety was not compromised at any stage during the project. 

Comments