Bhopal airport to get advanced radar by Sept

Bhopal: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has commenced installation of a Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) at Raja Bhoj Airport, a move that will sharpen aircraft identification and improve overall air-traffic safety at the central India hub.The MSSR forms part of a broader upgrade to the airport’s radar infrastructure and is expected to deliver more precise position and identity data than legacy systems.Director airport Ramjee Awasthi said the improved accuracy will give air-traffic controllers better situational awareness, cut response times in unusual events and reduce the risk of aircraft misidentification — all critical as traffic volumes grow in the region.“Introducing MSSR technology at Raja Bhoj is a timely step to strengthen surveillance capability and passenger safety,” Awasthi said. The system’s enhanced tracking and identification functions will help streamline approach and departure sequencing, officers added, enabling smoother flow during peak hours and more efficient handling of mixed commercial and general aviation operations. “It will be commissioned by September,” added AwasthiAir-traffic-management personnel noted that the radar will also improve collision-avoidance support and coordination with neighbouring airspaces, enhancing regional integration. The MSSR’s ability to supply reliable, real-time data is seen as an enabler for further automation and advanced surveillance tools — elements that officials say will speed decision-making and reduce operational delays at the airport.