Upgrading Aeronautical Ground Lighting Systems At Biratnagar Airport

Project Overview

The project was executed for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to upgrade the Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) infrastructure at Biratnagar Airport. The scope included the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning ofAeronautical Ground Lighting Systems and associated electrical components required for safe aircraft movement and airport operations. The project supported the modernization of airport infrastructure and operational reliability.

Objectives

The project was designed to achieve the following goals:

• Upgrade the existing Aeronautical Ground Lighting system at Biratnagar Airport

• Improve visibility and operational safety during aircraft takeoff, landing, and taxiing facility.

• Enhance reliability and performance of airport lighting infrastructure

• Ensure compliance with applicable aviation operational requirements

• Support efficient airport operations through modernized lighting systems

Key Deliverables

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

• Supply and delivery of high-intensity LED runway, approach, and apron lights.

• Installation of SALS, Runway Threshold Identification Lights (RTIL), wind direction indicators, and obstruction lights.

• Provision of AGL primary and secondary cables, isolating transformers, control panels, and associated civil works.

• Upgradation of the PLC panel and modification of existing runway edge lights.

• Construction of RCC transformer chambers and cable protection systems.

• Comprehensive testing, commissioning, and survey alignment of the AGLS.

• Additional services including factory acceptance tests, technical training, and expert supervision.

Challenges

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

• Design of AGLs as per the ICAO and FAA needs while considering the realistic ground conditions

• Execution of installation activities within an active airport operational environment

• Coordination of system upgrading works without disrupting airport operations

• Coordination with Civil contractor for the parallel installation of AGL fixtures as the civil construction work of asphalt runway were ongoing

• Working under a short window in spite of busy airport schedule

• Dismantling and installation of new AGL fixtures/Approach mast whilst disrupting the airport operation specifically night operations

• Integration of new lighting systems with existing airport infrastructure

• Compliance with aviation operational and electrical safety requirements

Solution

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

• Review of ICAO Annex-14, CAAN CAR-14 and FAA guidelines for the visual Aids and application of realistic solution for the design of the AGLs not completely relying on the guidelines but attaching to the actual ground conditions and client needs

• Close coordination with the civil contractor for the pre-installation of the conduits that were required to be installed under the asphalt pavement. Mr. Pawan Dahal was allocated to execute the project works which he could handle correctly and efficiently. His level of coordination between the authorities was outstanding

• Sequential dismantling of the required fixtures/Approach masts with the request to issuance of NOTAM by related Airport Authority

• Deployment of upgraded Aeronautical Ground Lighting equipment and associated systems

• Systematic installation and integration of electrical and lighting infrastructure

• Testing and calibration of lighting systems to ensure operational performance

• Coordination with airport authorities for phased execution and operational safety

• Implementation of quality assurance and commissioning procedures during deployment

• On-site operation and maintenance training of AGLs to the CAAN electrical team. This was allocated to Mr. Avinash Chaudhary. He prepared all related classroom training materials and handed a week long training to the trainees. He along with Mr. Pawan Dahal handled the week-long training  and successfully completed it. Their successful completion was also greatly appreciated by CAAN EMD officials.

Impact

The establishment of the Upgradation Of Aeronautical Ground Lighting Systems has delivered tangible and lasting improvements to Biratnagar Airport Aviation operational capabilities:

• Enhanced runway and airfield visibility for aircraft operations

• Improved operational safety and reliability of airport lighting systems

• Increased efficiency in airport ground movement operations

• Modernized airport infrastructure supporting safer aviation activities

• Improved system performance and maintainability of AGL facilities

Conclusion

The project demonstrated capability in delivering specialized airport infrastructure and aviation lighting systems under operational conditions. Through the successful implementation of upgraded Aeronautical Ground Lighting systems, the project contributed to improved airport safety, operational efficiency, and infrastructure reliability at Biratnagar Airport.