THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The much awaited air enclave of the Indian Coast Guard is finally coming up at the old domestic terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram airport raising hopes of strengthening the rescue infrastructure in the region.
At least two aircraft are likely to be stationed in the proposed air enclave in Thiruvananthapuram and they could be made available swiftly for rescue operations in the sea. At present, rescue operations in the sea are often affected due to delay in making rescue flights available from Kochi.
The Coast Guard authorities have again approached the Airport Authority of India for space in the old terminal building, which was lying idle for sometime for the air enclave and for two parking bays.
“The Coast Guard authorities have received the nod from the Defence Ministry only recently for the proposal to set up the air enclave. They are expected to set up the facility soon,” said a senior airport official.
Coast Guard authorities said that the paper works for the new facility were progressing and could materialise in another three to six months.
A Dornier aircraft and a Chetak helicopter are likely to be allotted to the air enclave which would have jurisdiction over Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam coast.
Apart from enhancing the safety and rescue infrastructure, setting up of the Coast Guard air enclave would also revive the defunct old terminal building.
The local traders of Shanghumugham were quite upset over the old terminal lying idle as it had hit their business badly. The Coast Guard air enclave could have around 100 personnel.
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