GMR Infrastructure acquires TrackJet

GMR Infrastructure Ltd has informed that Delhi International Airport Pvt Ltd (DIAL), a subsidiary of the Company, has acquired state of the art runway de-rubberizing equipment, called the TrackJet. This ultra modern equipment utilises a revolutionary hi-pressure water jet technology to clean up rubber deposits on the runway's surface.

In this regard the Company has issued the following Press Release:

"In an effort to improve runway maintenance and pave the way for smoother landings, Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd has acquired state the art runway dc-rubberizing equipment. Called the TrackJet, this ultra modern equipment utilises a revolutionary hi-pressure water jet technology to clean up rubber deposits on the runway's surface.

Rubber deposits form due to the friction created between the wheels of a landing aircraft and the runway's surface. This phenomenon is commonly seen as the puff of white smoke which is emitted when an aircraft's wheels touch the ground. Rubber deposits accumulated over a period of time tend to reduce the grip available to an aircraft during landings. Hence to ensure the highest safety levels, these deposits are removed periodically.

Cleaning with TrackJet technology provides optimum level of friction as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Traditional cleaning methods are slow and involve intensive manual labour, while achieving only moderate results. TrackJet technology can remove rubber deposits at the rate of 800 sq. m. per hour with the help of just one operator. Traditional methods also carried the risk of damaging the runway's risk. However, the high pressure water jet technology causes no damage to the runway service and can increase the life span of the runway.

IGI Airport is the first airport in India to implement this technology. DIAL's sister concern, GHIAL, which will operate the soon to open Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad, Hyderabad has also procured this equipment.

DIAL is committed to providing the best service standards to its customers. To ensure, it is investing in the latest technology and equipment at the existing and upcoming terminals. For the construction of the new Passenger Terminal and Runway, DIAL has employed some of the best equipment available in the world today.

8 Vibratory Soil Compactors with 18 tons capacity have been exclusively imported from Germany for this project. These are being used for embankments and stabilizing the base soil of the runway. These machines are equipped with the latest microprocessor technology for best results. In addition, 10 Electronic Sensor Payers built by Vogele of Germany have been pressed into service for laying the surface of the runway. These machines can lay surface of 200 mm thickness at the rate of 60 m per hour. Two 240 m3 per hour batching plants, among the biggest in Asia, for producing ready-mix concrete have been set up at the site. The total facility can produce more than 1000 m3 of ready-mix per hour and is based on German technology. DIAL has also set up mammoth 'Steel Fabrication Centre' has been set-up with a capacity of 8,000 tons per month.

DIAL is committed to providing world class facilities to passengers at the Delhi Airport and also ensuring top-notch safety standards in operations. Various training sessions to upgrade the skills of staff in all departments are being conducted to ensure high level of service standards. On a regular basis, DIAL and AAI employees from various departments have been on training sessions to some of leading airports across to world in order to study their best practices and also understand passenger requirements."