Procurement and Installation of ATC Tower Console – CAAN

The Supply, Delivery, Installation and Testing of ATC Tower Console, CAAN/CNAD/ICB-01/075/76

MSIPL project Number: MSI-PRJ-75-0332

Achieving Safer, More Efficient, and Quality Airport Operations and Services

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), serving both as the regulator and service provider in the fields of Air Navigation Services and Aerodrome Operations, is committed to delivering safe, secure, efficient, and standardized services in civil aviation and airport operations across the country.

Nepal has made notable progress in the implementation of the State Safety Programme (SSP). In alignment with ICAO Annex 19 (Second Edition), the Second Edition of SSP Nepal was issued in January 2020. As per the ICAO iSTARS SSP Implementation Dashboard, CAAN has achieved 77.31% completion of the total required SSP foundation. Under the structured three-phased SSP Implementation Plan, CAAN is currently nearing the completion of its second phase.

As part of its operational strategy, CAAN seeks reliable and robust remote control monitoring systems for VHF equipment, which serve as control and surveillance systems for managing radio parameter settings and providing real-time status updates of all connected equipment.

To support its broader vision of positioning air services as a driver of economic growth—through improved tourism access and nationwide connectivity—CAAN is actively investing in infrastructure, systems, and services that facilitate the safe, orderly, and efficient flow of air traffic within Nepal’s Flight Information Region (FIR).

Currently, CAAN provides Air Traffic Services (ATS) from Nepalgunj and Biratnagar Airports, along with Aerodrome Flight Information Services (AFIS) at domestic, uncontrolled aerodromes throughout the country. To enhance these services, new ATC tower consoles and associated facility equipment are required. This includes replacing outdated systems with modern two-man position ATC console furniture, along with reinstallation and integration of the necessary equipment.

Furthermore, CAAN aims to extend similar upgrades to airports located in hilly and mountainous regions, by supplying and installing one-man position AFIS consoles and associated equipment to improve operational capabilities in these remote areas.

PRODUCT

• EVANS Console-One man and two men positions control ATC tower

• Rohde and Schwarz VHF equipment

• Vaisala Meteorology system

• Total recall Digital voice recorder

PROJECT DETAILS

⮞Clients: Biratnagar Airport | Dang Airport | Doti Airport | Safebagar Airport | Balewa Airport | Rajbiraj Airport | Rumjatar Airport | Phaplu Airport | Thamkhark Airport

⮞Location: Biratnagar,Nepalgunj, Rumjatar, Rajbiraj, Dang, Sanfebagar, Doti, Phaplu, Thamkharka and Balewa Airport
⮞ Project Start Date: December 18, 2019

⮞ Completion Date: April 16, 2021

⮞ Project Duration: 1 year and 4 months

⮞ Industry: Aviation

CHALLANGES

Overcoming Operational Challenges in ATC Console Replacement and AFIS Facility Installation

Nepal’s diverse weather conditions combined with complex and hostile topography present significant challenges for domestic aircraft operations. The geographical constraints in remote areas restrict the development of large airports, allowing only facilities that can accommodate small aircraft.

In recent years, Nepalgunj Airport (VNNG) and Biratnagar Airport (VNVT) have experienced a significant increase in passenger traffic. This surge made it particularly challenging to replace the existing operational ATC consoles at both airports. The project required the installation of new two-man position ATC console furniture, along with the reinstallation and integration of associated facility equipment—all without disrupting ongoing air traffic operations and while ensuring a safer and more ergonomic working environment for air traffic controllers.

One of the most demanding aspects was the limited installation window. All work had to be completed during nighttime hours, with full functionality restored by the next operational morning, making the task both time-sensitive and logistically complex.

In parallel, the project also involved supplying and installing one-man position AFIS consoles and facility equipment at domestic airports in hilly and mountainous regions. These areas are particularly difficult to access, with road journeys often taking more than three days to reach the airport sites. The challenging terrain and remote locations significantly complicated transportation and installation efforts.

Additional challenges included the provision of ground-to-air radio systems with the latest VHF/UHF technology, ensuring high performance, safety, and efficiency standards. In many of these high-altitude and rural airports, electrical power infrastructure is either unreliable or completely unavailable. While some locations are connected to grid electricity, the voltage supply is often insufficient, making it unsuitable for operating sensitive equipment.

As a result, the project had to rely on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage as the primary power source for all ATC and AFIS equipment. Working in such power-constrained environments to deliver safe and comfortable ATC tower workplaces posed yet another major challenge for the implementation team.

SOLUTIONS

Enhancing Operational Safety and Reliability Through Modern ATC Console and Equipment Installation

The installation of modern ATC consoles and associated equipment at control towers has significantly contributed to creating a safer and more comfortable working environment for air traffic controllers across various airports in Nepal.

To support uninterrupted operations, a robust power supply system has been implemented. This includes two independent battery banks with 400Ah@C10 capacity each, integrated with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and redundancy switches. This setup ensures a reliable and continuous power supply for AFIS tower console equipment, especially in remote airports, thereby supporting safer and more consistent operations.

The dedicated power infrastructure now enables uninterrupted functionality of essential ATC systems, including VHF/HF communication equipment, meteorological systems, and other mission-critical devices.

Each airport has been equipped with three VHF Multimode Digital Radios, combining high RF performance in congested frequency environments with advanced digital signaling technologies, ensuring readiness for future radio communication requirements of CAAN.

To further support aviation safety, all airports are now outfitted with digital voice call recorders. These systems offer professional-grade voice logging capabilities, enabling effective recording and monitoring of ATC communications. The solution is designed to meet operational needs and regulatory compliance, reinforcing the commitment to safe and reliable air traffic services.

Collaborative Effort Toward Safer and More Reliable Airport Operations

To achieve the goals of safety, efficiency, and quality, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), in close collaboration with the Mahavir Engineering team, worked jointly to develop and implement a robust technical solution.

As a result, 10 domestic airports have now been significantly enhanced through the deployment of high-quality VHF/HF communication and meteorological systems. These improvements are supported by more reliable data recording mechanisms and reinforced power supply systems, contributing directly to safer and uninterrupted operations.

Importantly, the initiative has succeeded in establishing safer and more ergonomic working environments for air traffic controllers, particularly at airports located in challenging hilly and mountainous regions. This enables aviation personnel to operate effectively, even in complex terrain, with the support of reliable system performance.

The newly implemented VHF radio systems now feature a wide range of remote control units, supported by an advanced computer-based remote control and monitoring platform. This system is specifically designed for ATC and wide-area control applications, enhancing operational oversight and safety across Nepal’s domestic airspace.

CONCLUSION

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), in alignment with its mission to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality civil aviation services, has made significant strides in upgrading air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure across the country. In collaboration with Mahavir Shree International Private Limited, CAAN has successfully implemented modern ATC and AFIS tower consoles, VHF/HF communication systems, and meteorological equipment at 10 domestic airports, including those in geographically challenging hilly and mountainous regions.

Despite diverse weather conditions, difficult terrain, and logistical limitations, the project achieved the seamless replacement and installation of critical systems without disrupting ongoing airport operations. Key achievements include the integration of reliable solar-powered energy systems with battery backups, advanced VHF multimode digital radios, and digital voice logging systems—each contributing to improved communication reliability, operational safety, and efficiency.

Moreover, the adoption of remote control and monitoring systems enables better oversight and control of ATC operations, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure. These advancements not only support the goals outlined in Nepal’s State Safety Programme (SSP) but also create safer and more ergonomic workplaces for air traffic controllers.

Overall, this project marks a vital step toward strengthening Nepal’s air navigation infrastructure, enhancing aviation safety, and improving operational readiness across the country’s domestic airport network.