Indian Navy Seeks Design Consultant for Constructing Naval Air Station at Karwar

INS Vikramaditya, which is based in Karwar, is seen here escorted by a IN Harrier on arrival in the Indian Ocean in January 2014. Photo courtesy Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy has sought Expression of Interest from design consultants for constructing a Naval Air Station (NAS) at Karwar within 4 to 5 years, as part Project Seabird Phase IIA.

The NAS will feature a main, 2,000m x 45m runway (15/33) with a  2,000m x 23m parallel taxiway, a standby 1,000m x 30m cross runway (04/22), link taxiways, hangars, ordnance loading apron, ATC tower, MET building and all associated operational, admin, storage, fueling system, security facilities and services, including power, water, fire fighting sewage, etc. 

The main runway will support Precision Approach Category CAT I in the 33 direction and non precision approach in the 15 direction.

Navigational aids at the NAS will include Radar (SSR/ASR)/ CADF/ AFLS/ ILS/ DVOR/DME & PAPI for runways, airfield lighting and communication facilities.

Supporting infrastructure would include residential accommodation and messes for officers and sailors, boundary wall, drainage, roads, culverts, flood mitigation measures, electrical substation and lighting of the complete air station.

The envisaged NAS facilities are intended to meet the following objectives:-

(a) Provide self contained airfield to support the operations of fixed wing aircraft, Helicopters and UAVs by day and night from the Naval Air Station, Karwar. 

(b) Support transit operation of military aircraft belonging to Indian Air Force and Indian Army. 

(c) Provide limited diversionary facilities to aircraft op m nearby airfields.

(d) Provision for expansion in future catering to the requirement of operation of civil/ commercial aircraft. 

(e) Provide requisite facilities for all the necessary operational, training and logistic support to air squadrons which will be based at NAS. 

(f) Provide Residential facilities viz. Officers Mess & Single Sailors accommodation. 

(g) Provide adequate Communication, IT and security facilities required for the efficient operation, management and security of the sensitive Naval Air Station.

(h) Provide power supply, water distribution system, fire fighting facilities and sewage treatment plant etc.

The site/ land required for the development of the Naval Air Station is already in the possession of the Indian Navy. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Project Seabird Phase IIA including that for the development of the Naval Air Station at Karwar, has been prepared by the consultant appointed for this purpose. 

The design consultant selected by the Navy would be required to prepare engineering drawings and draw up specifications, prior to tendering for contracts; manage and monitor the capital cost during the design and construction phase, prepare Terms of Reference (TOR)/ tender documents for selection/appointment of contractor(s) for the package.

IDP Sentinel members can find additional details on Project Seabird at the following link

Project Seabird - Karwar Naval Base (IDP Sentinel)