Changi subsidiary secures design and build contract for Durgapur Airport

CAPE to develop 2,800-metre-long runway and passenger terminal building capable of handling one million passengers annually.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) on Friday announced the award of the Design and Build Contract for Durgapur Airport by Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Limited (BAPL), to Simplex Infrastructures Limited, an Indian infrastructure construction company. Changi Airports International (CAI), the international arm of CAG, has a 26% stake in BAPL.

The scope of the contract involves an initial development of a 2,800 metre long runway along with a passenger terminal building capable of handling one million passengers annually. A letter of award has been issued to the construction company for immediate commencement of work at site, according to a Changi report.

BAPL is a specialist company formed for the development of the Durgapur Aerotropolis. The Durgapur Aerotropolis is India’s first aerotropolis project and its first privately owned merchant airport. The aerotropolis involves the setting up of an industrial park, a logistics hub and a township around the privately owned greenfield airport. The project is CAI’s first investment in an Indian greenfield airport city project.

Through its subsidiary, Changi Airport Planners and Engineers (CAPE), CAI has been actively involved in the aerotropolis project. CAPE is engaged by BAPL in a technical consultancy for the development of the airport. CAPE has been involved in developing the conceptual design for airside facilities, passenger terminal building and ancillary airport operations buildings, and advising BAPL on the preparation of the airport tender documents and evaluation of the bids for the finalisation of the Design and Build Contract for the airport.

Mr Wong Woon Liong, Chief Executive Officer, CAI, says the project has been progressing as planned, with the award of the Design and Build contract being a significant milestone. “We are pleased to be able to participate in the development of this aerotropolis project. With the achievement of this significant milestone, we will continue to use our expertise to support the management and expansion of the airport, which is an essential part of Durgapur Aerotropolis.”

Mr. Arvind Pande, Chairman, BAPL, says, “CAPE, with its association with Singapore Changi Airport, has rich experience and expertise in airport planning and has provided BAPL with sound advice. We are delighted to be associated with them and look forward to an enduring and long-term relationship with them to take the aerotropolis project to the next level.”