War speedbump for city airport: Bitumen shortage delays taxiway

Bhopal: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has pushed back completion of Madhya Pradesh’s first full-length parallel taxiway at Raja Bhoj Airport by an estimated seven to eight months after a nationwide bitumen shortage and steep price increases linked to the US-Iran conflict.The marquee airside project, launched in March 2025, includes a 2,744‑metre full‑length parallel taxi track, two rapid exit taxiways (RETs) and two link taxi tracks aimed at reducing runway occupancy time, improving aircraft movement efficiency and bolstering the airport’s capacity for future traffic. About 70% of the work is complete, AAI sources said.“Pavement‑breaking and dismantling of an old apron lying within the taxiway alignment are currently underway to make way for new pavement and related infrastructure. The removal of the existing apron is a preparatory step for the remaining pavement works,” said director airport, Ramjee Awasthi.Originally scheduled for completion in June 2026, the project timetable has been disrupted after bitumen prices roughly doubled amid supply constraints attributed to the Iran‑USA conflict, delaying key pavement works.“There are certain supply issues due to the ongoing war,” said director Awasthi.GFXSalient Features of the Project• 2,744-m Full-Length Parallel Taxi Track• Two Rapid Exit Taxiways (RETs)• Two Link Taxi Tracks• First Full-Length Parallel Taxi Track at an operational airport in Madhya Pradesh• Project commenced in March 2025• Around 70% physical progress achieved• Ongoing dismantling of old apron pavement within the taxi track alignment• Improved runway utilization and aircraft movement efficiency• Enhanced operational safety and reduced delays• Increased capacity to accommodate future growth in air traffic