British firm to upgrade Delhi airport

London: The award of a multi-million contract to a Lincolnshire-based computer firm to undertake part of the modernisation of Delhi's International Airport has been received with much enthusiasm.

CSE International Ltd, the Flixborough-based company, specialises in the assessment and management of high-risk computer projects and is a leader in its field worldwide.

Its contract involves the design, development and delivery of all the computer-based systems, including airfield ground lighting control, baggage handling and screening.

The firm was part of a consortium led by Larsen and Toubro Ltd to secure the contract to design and build a state-of-the art passenger terminal and one of Asia's biggest runways at the Delhi International Airport.

The contract is expected to be complete in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

"As a company with a worldwide reputation for work on airports, we see this contract as a major part of our strategic plans alongside our work on air traffic management and rail systems,” CSE chief executive, Phil Bennett told the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph.

"We are delighted to participate in providing a world class airport for the country's capital in one of the fastest-growing economies,” he added.

Bennett said that the 38-month contract had to be completed in time for the prestigious Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010.

He also said that the project manager had flown to India last week and would be joined in the New Year by seven other members of the team.

"We have an excellent professional relationship with the other developers and look forward to playing our part in building a magnificent gateway for international visitors to India," Bennett added.

The new terminal in Delhi will handle 37-million passengers a year- more than double the present level.

The building will cover 4.8 million square feet and will have more than 130 check-in counters and 70 immigration desks.

The new runaway, stretching 4.43 kilometres, will be equipped with a system that enables landing with a visibility of only 50 metre.