Mangalore International Airport Boosts Emergency Response with Valley Hydrants: Know More

Mangalore International Airport has given a major boost to its emergency response system, with the commissioning of pressurized fire hydrant points along the steep valley side abutting the runway. This infrastructure will enable the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team handle aviation emergencies in the valley in an adept manner.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as part of its safety recommendations has mandated that the Airport set up the fire hydrant system in the valley. The ARFF team will now have access to these points. “Mangaluru Airport is focused on enabling a safe and seamless passenger experience. These hydrants shall further cut down the response time of ARFF in case of an emergency and enable the team to deal with it in the most efficient way,” the airport spokesperson said on this important step taken to further improve safety.

The Airport has further modernized the hydrant system by using a 280m Galvanized Iron (GI) pipeline down the slope, replacing the earlier PVC pipeline that was prone to breakage. The two hydrant points are in the middle of the valley slope and other at the base of the valley slope abutting Adyapady Road. They are connected to a 25,000-litres water storage tank located behind the localizer in Runway End Safety Area 24 abutting the apron perimeter road.

A 20HP automated pump will help maintain the necessary 6 bar pressure at the hydrant points. This will ensure that there is no drop in end pressure even if multiple hoses are connected to either of the hydrants. “Commissioning the new firefighting system outside the airport boundary wall is reaffirmation to the commitment given by the Airport to Civil Aviation Sector Regulator – DGCA as mandated by the agency,” the airport spokesperson added.