Strengthening Airside Operations: Aircraft Stand Signage and Electrical System Installation at GBIACAO

Project Overview

The project involved the supply, delivery, installation, and testing of illuminated aircraft stand identification signs, online UPS systems with batteries, switchgears, and associated electrical accessories at Gautam Buddha International Airport. The work was carried out to support airport operational reliability, electrical continuity, and airside infrastructure improvement. The project included installation, system integration, testing, and commissioning activities in accordance with airport operational and technical requirements.

Objectives

The project was designed to achieve the following goals:

• Improve visibility and identification of aircraft stands through illuminated signage systems

• Enhance electrical reliability and uninterrupted power supply for critical airport operations

• Upgrade switchgear and associated electrical distribution infrastructure

• Support safe and efficient airport operational activities through improved electrical systems

• Ensure installation and testing of systems in compliance with required technical standards

Key Deliverables

The following systems, instruments, and tools were supplied, installed, and commissioned as part of the project:

• Supply, delivery, installation, and testing of 300 kVA and 150-160 kVA Online UPS systems.

• Supply and installation of accessories for 60 kVA UPS, including relocation and testing.

• High mast LED floodlights for domestic and international apron areas.

• Illuminated Aircraft Stand Identification Signs (ASIS) at international apron areas.

• Copper power cables of various sizes and related electrical accessories.

• Comprehensive installation, testing, and commissioning of all equipment per technical standards.

• Expert services for system commissioning and training for airport personnel.

Challenges

The project involved the following procurement and process-related challenges:

• Coordination of installation activities within an active international airport environment

• Maintaining operational safety and minimizing disruption to airport services during installation

• Transportation of heavy battery racks, SMF VRLA batteries and UPS from the ground floor to the basement that was 3 floors below the ground in the International terminal Building

• Laying of the 240 Sq. mm Power cables in the existing fully packed cable trench without damaging the existing infrastructure and hampering the power system

• Received the UPS in partially damaged condition in transit causing the UPS electronics as well as mechanical parts to be faulty

• Last minute incident (After all verification and SAT were completed by client - we were only waiting for the payment release) in the panel board installed by another contractor in the same room where we had installed the UPS and battery banks causing fire in the panel. The fire was extinguished using a CO2 fire extinguisher whose extinguishing particles were sucked by the operating UPS fans causing the UPS system to be faulty.

• This fault from the third party caused our UPS system to be faulty which was repaired on our own cost within a month but the payments were held by the client stating the system was not operational despite it not our fault.

• The project got extended by at least 4-5 month which were not in our control and was due to force majeure caused by the third party 

• Integration of new electrical systems with existing airport infrastructure

• Compliance with airport electrical, operational, and safety standards

• Handling and installation of specialized electrical equipment within controlled operational zones

Solution

The following structured approaches and methodologies were adopted to address the identified challenges:

• With proper safety and precautions, skilled laborers and technical manpowers were deployed that helped us transport the materials more safely and efficiently. Mr. Rajkumar Shrestha was the site technical lead for this project, which he handled efficiently and successfully without any further problems.

• Skilled technicians and labourers were used to lay the power cables. We had close coordinations with the GBIACAO electrical department regarding the possible and shortest route plan. There was a lack of blueprints which forced us to visually identify the routes and lay the cables. This required a person who was involved during the construction phase of the airport/terminal building. Mr. Rajkumar Shrestha was involved for other projects during the construction of the airport terminal building. His involvement made the work much easier as he had some memories of the work previously done and he coordinated well with the relevant authorities of GBIA.

• The insurance claims were done for the damaged UPS and its parts and the reports were submitted to MISPL internal as well as Insurance authority.

• Before energizing the UPS, we had a brief talk with the OEM and the UPS pre-system check and pre-commissioning were done under strict guidance from the OEM.

• The fire incident caused our system to breakdown which were repaired afterwards and the system were handed over to the client in good and fresh operating condition

• The project was executed through a structured supply, installation, testing, and commissioning approach. 

• Electrical systems and equipment were installed in accordance with technical specifications and airport operational requirements.

• Coordination was maintained with airport authorities to manage installation schedules, operational access, and system integration activities. 

• Testing and verification procedures were conducted to ensure reliable performance and compliance with required standards. 

Impact

The establishment of the Installation of Illuminated Aircraft Stand Identification Sign, Online UPS with Batteries, Switchgears have delivered tangible and lasting improvements to GBIACAO operational capabilities:

• The project improved the operational reliability and electrical support infrastructure of Gautam Buddha International Airport. 

• The installed UPS systems enhanced continuity of critical electrical services, while the illuminated aircraft stand identification signs improved operational visibility and airside coordination. 

• The upgraded switchgear and associated electrical systems contributed to safer and more efficient airport operations. 

Conclusion

The project demonstrated capability in delivering airport electrical infrastructure and operational support systems within an active aviation environment. Through the installation and commissioning of specialized electrical and airport support equipment, the project contributed to improved operational reliability, safety, and infrastructure performance at Gautam Buddha International Airport.