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ऐरा/20010/एमवाईटीपी/टीके आईएएल- त्रिवेन्द रम/सीपी-III/2022-27
AERA/20010/MYTP/TKIAL-Trivandrum/CP-III/2022-27
परामर्श पि संख् या 25/2023-24
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24
भारतीय त्रवमानपत् तन आत्रथशक त्रवत्रनयामक प्रात्रिकरण
AIRPORTS ECONOMIC REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF INDIA
त्रतरूवनंतपुरम अंतराशष्ट्रीय हवाईअड्डा, त्रतरूवनंतपरु म (टीआरवी) के संबंि में तृतीय त्रनयंिण अवत्रि
(01.04.2022 - 31.03.2027) के त्रलए वैमात्रनक टैररफ त्रनिाशररत करने के मामले में
IN THE MATTER OF
DETERMINATION OF AERONAUTICAL TARIFF FOR
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
(TRV) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
(01.04.2022 - 31.03.2027)
जारी करने की तारीख : 12.02.2024
Date of issue: 12.02.2024
ऐरा भवन/AER A Building
प्रर्ासत्रनक कॉम् पलेक्स /Administrative Complex
सफदरजंग हवाईअड्डा/Safdarjung Airport
नई त्रदल् ली/New Delhi - 110003
परामर् शपत्र सं./ Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 पष्ठृ 253 का 1/ Page 1 of 253Stakeholders’ Comments
Stakeholders’ Comments
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) is a Major Airport as per the definition outlined in Section 2
(i) of the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) Act, 2008, read with the AERA
(Amendment) Acts of 2019 and 2021, based on annual passenger throughput volume.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) was operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which
entered into a Concession Agreement with the current Airport Operator (Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)
International Airport Limited (TKIAL)) on 19th January 2021, to operate, manage and develop the Airport for a
period of 50 years commencing from the Commercial Operation Date (COD). COD was achieved on 14th October
2021. The period from 1st April 2021 to 13th October 2021 has been considered as pre-COD period and the period
from COD till 31st March 2022 has been considered as post-COD period. In this tariff determination exercise,
since two Airport Operators are involved i.e., Airports Authority of India (pre-COD) and TRV (Kerala)
International Airport Limited (post-COD), for the sake of clarity in this Consultation Paper, AERA has used AAI
for Airports Authority of India and TKIAL for TRV (Kerala) International Airport Limited.
TKIAL, on 15th April 2022 sought clarification from the Authority related to control period for the airport. The
Authority vide its Public Notice No. 05/2022-23 dated 20th June 2022 decided the following:
• “To shift the Control Period for Trivandrum Airport from 01.04.2021-31.03.2026 to 01.04.2022-31.03.2027.
The periodicity of the Control Period will be five years only.
• To consider the true up for 01.04.2021 to 31.03.2022 at the time of determination of tariff for the Third
Control Period as per AERA policy.”
Following submissions have been made for the determination of aeronautical tariffs for the airport:
• On 14th December 2022, AAI submitted true-up proposal for Second Control Period and the period from 1st
April 2021 to 13th October 2021.
• On 21st February 2023, TKIAL submitted true-up proposal for the period from 14th October 2021
(Commercial Operation Date (COD)) to 31st March 2022.
• On 21st February 2023, TKIAL also submitted Multi-Year Tariff Proposal (MYTP) for the Third Control
Period (TCP) covering FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27.
For this Consultation Paper, the Authority has considered the audited figures submitted by AAI for TRV for the
Pre-COD Period (1st April 2021 to 13th October 2021) and the audited financials submitted by TKIAL for the
period from 14th October 2021 (COD) till 31st March 2022 and from 1st April 2022 till 31st March 2023.
The Authority has released this Consultation Paper putting forward its proposals in the background of i)
Government of India’s decision to resume commercial flights and pick up in the passenger/ ATM traffic and ii)
involvement of two Airport Operators in the tariff determination process.
The Authority shall consider written evidence-based feedback, comments, and suggestions from all the
stakeholders on the proposals made in the Consultation Paper and pass a suitable Order determining the tariff for
aeronautical services. The Authority would like to emphasize that the consultation process timelines are
sacrosanct and hereby requests the stakeholders to provide their comments/ inputs within the timelines specified
in this Consultation Paper, beyond which the same will not be considered by the Authority.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 2 of 253Stakeholders’ Comments
Thus, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13(4) of the AERA Act, the written comments on Consultation
Paper No. 25/2023-24 dated 12th February 2024 are invited from the stakeholders, preferably in electronic form,
at the following address:
Director (P&S, Tariff)
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA),
AERA Administrative Complex,
Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi – 110003, India
Email: director-ps@aera.gov.in, rajan.gupta1@aera.gov.in, inderpal.s@aera.gov.in copy to
secretary@aera.gov.in
Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting (Virtual) 27th February 2024
Last Date for submission of comments 13th March 2024
Last Date for submission of counter comments 23rd March 2024
Comments and counter-comments will be posted on AERA website www.aera.gov.in
For any clarification/information, Director (P&S, Tariff) may be contacted on Telephone Number: +91-11-
24695048.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 3 of 253Table of Contents
Table of Contents
List of Tables ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
List of Figures .................................................................................................................................................................... 12
List of Abbreviations ......................................................................................................................................................... 13
1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
1.1 Background ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
1.2 Development of TRV through PPP mode ....................................................................................................... 18
1.3 Cargo, Ground Handling and Fuel Operations ................................................................................................ 18
2 TARIFF DETERMINATION OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ................. 20
2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
2.2 Authority’s orders applied in tariff proposals in this Consultation Paper ....................................................... 21
2.3 Past tariff determination history of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport ............................................. 21
2.4 Multi Year Tariff Proposal submission by TKIAL for Third Control Period ................................................. 22
2.5 Construction of this Consultation Paper .......................................................................................................... 26
2.6 Studies commissioned by the Authority .......................................................................................................... 27
3 FRAMEWORK FOR TARIFF DETERMINATION OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD ............................................................................................ 28
3.1 Methodology .................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.2 Revenues from Air Navigation Services (ANS) .............................................................................................. 29
4 TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD ............................. 30
4.1 Background ...................................................................................................................................................... 30
4.2 AAI’s submission of True up for Second Control Period and Pre-COD period (from FY 2016-17 to COD) 31
4.3 Authority’s examination of True up submitted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period ..... 31
4.4 True up of Traffic ............................................................................................................................................ 33
4.5 True up of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)....................................................................................................... 34
4.6 True up of Depreciation ................................................................................................................................... 47
4.7 True up of Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) ....................................................................................................... 49
4.8 True up of Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) ........................................................................................................... 52
4.9 True up of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenses .............................................................................. 54
4.10 True up of Return on Land .............................................................................................................................. 67
4.11 True up of Non-Aeronautical Revenue ........................................................................................................... 68
4.12 True up of Aeronautical Revenue .................................................................................................................... 71
4.13 True up of Taxation ......................................................................................................................................... 74
4.14 True up of Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) ...................................................................................... 76
4.15 Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB ......................................................................................................................... 77
4.16 Authority’s proposals regarding True up for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period ...................... 79
5 TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022 ..................... 80
5.1 Background ...................................................................................................................................................... 80
5.2 TKIAL’s submission for true-up of the post-COD period from COD till 31st March 2022 ............................ 80
5.3 Authority’s examination of true-up submitted by TKIAL for the post-COD period ...................................... 81
5.4 True up of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)....................................................................................................... 81
5.5 True up of Depreciation ................................................................................................................................... 83
5.6 True up of Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) ........................................................................................................... 83
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 4 of 253Table of Contents
5.7 True up of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenses .............................................................................. 84
5.8 True up of Non-Aeronautical Revenue ........................................................................................................... 91
5.9 True up of Aeronautical Revenue .................................................................................................................... 93
5.10 True up of Taxation ......................................................................................................................................... 94
5.11 True up of Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) ...................................................................................... 94
5.12 Authority’s proposals regarding True up for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 ............................... 95
6 TRAFFIC FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD ............................................................................................. 97
6.1 TKIAL’s submissions regarding Traffic for the Third Control Period ........................................................... 97
6.2 Authority’s examination regarding TKIAL’s submission of Traffic for the Third Control Period ................. 99
6.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Traffic for the Third Control Period .......................................................... 105
7 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX), DEPRECIATION AND REGULATORY ASSET BASE (RAB) FOR
THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD ....................................................................................................................... 106
7.1 Background .................................................................................................................................................... 106
7.2 TKIAL’s submission of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) proposed for the Third Control Period .................. 108
7.3 Authority’s examination of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for the Third Control Period ............................ 109
7.4 Asset Allocation of CAPEX for the Third Control Period ............................................................................ 162
7.5 Depreciation for the Third Control Period..................................................................................................... 166
7.6 Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) for the Third Control Period ....................................................................... 170
7.7 Authority’s proposals regarding Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Depreciation and Regulatory Asset Base
(RAB) for the Third Control Period .............................................................................................................. 171
8 FAIR RATE OF RETURN (FRoR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD ................................................ 172
8.1 TKIAL’s submissions regarding Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) for the Third Control Period ........................ 172
8.2 Authority’s examination regarding Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) for the Third Control Period ..................... 173
8.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) for the Third Control Period ......................... 174
9 INFLATION FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD ...................................................................................... 176
9.1 TKIAL’s submissions regarding Inflation for the Third Control Period ....................................................... 176
9.2 Authority’s examination regarding Inflation for the Third Control Period ................................................... 176
9.3 Authority’s proposal regarding Inflation for the Third Control Period ......................................................... 176
10 OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD ........................... 177
10.1 TKIAL’s submission regarding Operation and Maintenance Expenses for the Third Control Period .......... 177
10.2 Authority’s examination regarding Operation and Maintenance expenses for the Third Control Period. .... 180
10.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Operation and Maintenance Expenses for the Third Control Period ......... 214
11 NON-AERONAUTICAL REVENUE (NAR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD ................................. 215
11.1 TKIAL’s submissions regarding Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR) for the Third Control Period ............. 215
11.2 Authority’s examination regarding Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR) for the Third Control Period ......... 216
11.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR) for the Third Control Period ............. 221
12 TAXATION FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD ....................................................................................... 222
12.1 TKIAL’s submission regarding Taxation for the Third Control Period ........................................................ 222
12.2 Authority’s examination regarding Taxation for the Third Control Period ................................................... 222
12.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Taxation for the Third Control Period ....................................................... 223
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 5 of 253Table of Contents
13 QUALITY OF SERVICE FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD ................................................................. 224
13.1 TKIAL’s submissions regarding Quality of Service for the Third Control Period ....................................... 224
13.2 Authority’s examination regarding Quality of Service for the Third Control Period.................................... 224
13.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Quality of Service for the Third Control Period ........................................ 225
14 AGGREGATE REVENUE REQUIREMENT (ARR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD .................. 226
14.1 TKIAL’s submission regarding Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) for the Third Control Period ..... 226
14.2 Authority’s examination regarding Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) for the Third Control Period 226
14.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) for the Third Control Period .... 228
15 SUMMARY OF AUTHORITY’S PROPOSALS PUT FORTH FOR STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS
229
Chapter 4: True Up of AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period ................................................... 229
Chapter 5: True Up of TKIAL for the Second Control Period from COD Till 31st March 2022 ............................ 229
Chapter 6: Traffic for the Third Control Period ....................................................................................................... 230
Chapter 7: Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Depreciation and Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) for the Third Control
Period ..................................................................................................................................................... 230
Chapter 8: Fair Rate of Return for the Third Control Period ................................................................................... 230
Chapter 9: Inflation for the Third Control Period .................................................................................................... 231
Chapter 10: Operation and Maintenance Expenses for the Third Control Period ................................................... 231
Chapter 11: Non-Aeronautical Revenue for the Third Control Period .................................................................... 231
Chapter 12: Taxation for the Third Control Period ................................................................................................. 231
Chapter 13: Quality of Service for the Third Control Period .................................................................................. 231
Chapter 14: Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) for the Third Control Period ............................................... 231
16 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION TIMELINE ............................................................................................. 232
17 ANNEXURES .......................................................................................................................................................... 233
17.1 Annexure 1: Summary of Study on Allocation of Assets between Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical Assets
....................................................................................................................................................................... 233
17.2 Annexure 2: Summary of Study on Efficient Operation and Maintenance expenses .................................... 239
17.3 Annexure 3: Projects not/partly considered for addition to RAB by the Authority for the Third Control
Period ............................................................................................................................................................. 247
17.4 Annexure 4: Clauses of the Concession Agreement entered into between AAI and TKIAL ........................ 248
18 APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................................................... 253
18.1 Appendix 1 – Study on Allocation of Assets between Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical Assets ............. 253
18.2 Appendix 2 – Study on Efficient Operation and Maintenance Expenses ...................................................... 253
18.3 Appendix 3 – Technical Report on Condition Assessment of Terminal TI .................................................. 253
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 6 of 253List of Tables
List of Tables
Table 1: Actual Passenger and ATM traffic as submitted by TRV and available in AAI website from 2016-17 to FY
2022-23 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Table 2: Technical and Terminal Building details of TRV submitted by TKIAL ............................................................... 17
Table 3: Tariff orders issued by the Authority for TRV ...................................................................................................... 21
Table 4: Cargo Tariff orders issued by the Authority for TRV ........................................................................................... 22
Table 5: Sequence of events regarding true up submissions by AAI .................................................................................. 23
Table 6: Sequence of events regarding true up and MYTP submissions by TKIAL .......................................................... 23
Table 7: Services provided to TKIAL by related parties ..................................................................................................... 25
Table 8 : Submission of True up by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period ............................................... 31
Table 9 : Decisions taken by the Authority in Order no. 03/2017-18 for the Second Control Period ................................. 31
Table 10 : AAI’s submission for True up of traffic for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period for TRV ........... 33
Table 11: Traffic as approved by the Authority for Second Control Period (Table 19 of Second Control Period order) ... 33
Table 12: Capital Additions incurred during Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period submitted by AAI .................. 34
Table 13: Asset Classification submitted by AAI ............................................................................................................... 34
Table 14: Ratios submitted by AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period .................................................. 36
Table 15: RAB for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period submitted by AAI .................................................... 36
Table 16: RAB as approved by Authority in the Tariff Order for Second Control Period (Table 31 of the Order) ........... 37
Table 17: Opening RAB of Second Control Period approved by AERA in the Second Control Period Order .................. 37
Table 18: Opening RAB for Second Control Period proposed by the Authority ................................................................ 38
Table 19: Reconciliation of Additions considered in the Second Control Period Order and Actuals incurred by AAI ...... 38
Table 20: Adjustments made to Additions submitted by AAI and proposed by the Authority ........................................... 41
Table 21: Allocation Ratios submitted by AAI and recomputed by the Authority ............................................................. 43
Table 22: Reclassification of assets capitalized in the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period proposed by the
Authority ..................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Table 23: Revised aeronautical capital additions from FY 2016-17 till COD proposed by the Authority ......................... 47
Table 24: Gross Block proposed by the Authority for Second Control Period and Pre COD period .................................. 47
Table 25: Aeronautical depreciation submitted by AAI for True up of Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period ....... 48
Table 26: Depreciation rates as submitted by AAI and as considered by the Authority in the Second Control Period
(Table 28 of Second Control Period order) ................................................................................................................. 48
Table 27: Depreciation considered by the Authority in the Second Control Period Order (Table 29 of Second Control
Period Order) ............................................................................................................................................................... 48
Table 28: Depreciation proposed by the Authority for Second Control Period and Pre-COD period ................................ 49
Table 29: RAB for Second Control Period and Pre COD period proposed by the Authority ............................................. 49
Table 30: Deemed Initial RAB for TKIAL as on COD considered by the Authority ......................................................... 51
Table 31: FRoR proposed by the Authority for true up of the Second Control Period and Pre COD period ..................... 53
Table 32: Pro-rated FRoR proposed by the Authority for true up of Pre-COD period ....................................................... 54
Table 33: O&M expenses submitted by AAI for true-up of Second Control Period & Pre-COD Period ........................... 54
Table 34: O&M expenses classification adopted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period ...................... 54
Table 35: Allocation ratios adopted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period .......................................... 55
Table 36: O&M expenses considered by the Authority in the Second Control Period Order (Table 41 of the Order) ....... 55
Table 37: Allocation Ratio adopted by the Authority in the Second Control Period Order ................................................ 56
Table 38: Gross Block Ratio as per the Authority ............................................................................................................... 57
Table 39: Employee Head Count Ratio as per the Authority .............................................................................................. 57
Table 40: Allocation Ratios submitted by AAI and recomputed by the Authority ............................................................. 58
Table 41: Impact of Adjustments on the O&M Expenses proposed by the Authority for Second Control Period and Pre-
COD Period ................................................................................................................................................................. 63
Table 42: O&M expenses classification and allocation ratio adopted by AAI and proposed by the Authority for Second
Control Period and Pre-COD Period ........................................................................................................................... 63
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 7 of 253List of Tables
Table 43: Impact of Reclassification and Reallocation on the O&M expenses for Second Control Period and Pre-COD
Period proposed by the Authority ................................................................................................................................ 66
Table 44: Aeronautical O&M Expenses proposed by the Authority for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period ...... 66
Table 45: Non-Aeronautical Revenue submitted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period ...................... 68
Table 46: NAR as approved by the Authority for Second Control Period (Table 35 in Second Control Period Order) ..... 69
Table 47: NAR for Pre-COD Period (196 days) extrapolated based on growth rates decided in the Second Control Period
Order for FY 2020-21 .................................................................................................................................................. 69
Table 48: Comparison of actual non-aeronautical revenue as per AAI and projections as per Tariff Order for Second
Control Period and estimated figure for Pre COD period ........................................................................................... 69
Table 49: Breakup of “Space rentals collected from Airlines” as shared by AAI ............................................................... 70
Table 50: Non-aeronautical Revenue proposed by the Authority for true-up of AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-
COD period ................................................................................................................................................................. 71
Table 51: Aeronautical Revenue submitted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period .............................. 71
Table 52: Aeronautical Revenue as per Tariff Order for Second Control Period ............................................................... 72
Table 53: Comparison of actual aeronautical revenue as per AAI and projections as per Tariff Order for Second Control
Period ........................................................................................................................................................................... 73
Table 54: Aeronautical Revenue proposed by the Authority for true up of AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD
Period ........................................................................................................................................................................... 73
Table 55: Tax expenditure submitted by AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period .................................. 74
Table 56: Tax expenditure approved by the Authority for the Second Control Period (Table 43 of SCP Order)............... 75
Table 57: Tax proposed by the Authority for true up of Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period .............................. 75
Table 58: ARR proposed by the Authority for true up of AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period .............. 76
Table 59: Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB as computed by the Authority ............................................................................ 77
Table 60: Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB computed as on future date of payment ............................................................. 78
Table 61: Illustration for computation of Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB based on date of payment ................................. 78
Table 62: True-up submitted by TKIAL from COD till 31st March 2022 ........................................................................... 80
Table 63: Projects included in RAB by TKIAL from COD till 31st March 2022................................................................ 81
Table 64: Additional items included in the RAB by TKIAL from COD till 31st March 2022 ............................................ 81
Table 65: Average RAB considered by the Authority for true up from COD till 31st March 2022 .................................... 83
Table 66: Pro-rated FRoR for FY 2021-22 proposed to be considered by the Authority for true up from COD till 31st
March 2022 .................................................................................................................................................................. 84
Table 67: Aeronautical O&M expenses submitted by TKIAL for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 .................. 84
Table 68: Revised Employee Head Count Ratio for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 ........................................ 86
Table 69: Allocation Ratios proposed by the Authority for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 ............................. 86
Table 70: Pre-COD expenses proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ...................................................... 89
Table 71: Impact of proposed adjustments to TKIAL’s Aeronautical O&M expenses ...................................................... 90
Table 72: Adjusted Aeronautical O&M expenses proposed to be considered by the Authority for True up from COD till
31st March 2022 ........................................................................................................................................................... 91
Table 73: NAR submitted by TKIAL for True up from COD till 31st March 2022 ............................................................ 92
Table 74: Breakup of revenue earned from agencies involved in aeronautical activities for the period from COD till 31st
March 2022 .................................................................................................................................................................. 92
Table 75: Adjustment to Revenue from Non-Aeronautical Services considered by the Authority for True up from COD
till 31st March 2022 ..................................................................................................................................................... 93
Table 76: NAR proposed by the Authority for True up from COD till 31st March 2022 .................................................... 93
Table 77: Actual Aeronautical Revenue submitted by TKIAL for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 .................. 93
Table 78: Aeronautical Revenue as proposed by the Authority for True-up from COD till 31st March 2022 .................... 94
Table 79: Taxation proposed to be considered by the Authority for true up from COD till 31st March 2022 .................... 94
Table 80: ARR proposed to be considered by the Authority for true up from COD till 31st March 2022 .......................... 94
Table 81: Historical passenger traffic, ATM and cargo traffic at TRV ............................................................................... 97
Table 82: TKIAL’s submission of traffic at TRV for the Third Control Period ................................................................. 97
Table 83: Cargo volumes to be handled by TKIAL out of the total cargo traffic during the Third Control Period ............ 98
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 8 of 253List of Tables
Table 84: Exempted Domestic ATM and Passenger Traffic submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period .............. 98
Table 85: Adjusted traffic at TRV submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ...................................................... 99
Table 86: Exempt traffic considered by the Authority for determining billable traffic at TRV airport for the Third Control
Period ......................................................................................................................................................................... 100
Table 87: CAGR for Passenger traffic, ATM and Cargo .................................................................................................. 100
Table 88: Actual Passenger, ATM and Cargo traffic for the period FY 2022-23 ............................................................. 102
Table 89: Comparison of Passenger traffic, ATM and Cargo traffic at TRV in FY 2023-24 with FY 2019-20 ............... 102
Table 90: Traffic proposed to be considered by the Authority for the Third Control Period ............................................ 103
Table 91: Asset category wise Capital additions submitted by the Airport Operator for TCP as part of the MYTP ........ 108
Table 92: Project wise details of Capital Expenditure submitted by TKIAL for Third Control Period ............................ 109
Table 93: Details of Refurbishment of Terminal I proposed by TKIAL ........................................................................... 113
Table 94: Cost towards T-I upgradation submitted by TKIAL ......................................................................................... 113
Table 95: Peak hour capacity and terminal area requirement submitted by TKIAL ......................................................... 115
Table 96: Cost estimate for Construction of new Domestic Terminal Building (T-I) submitted by TKIAL .................... 115
Table 97: Details of upgradation to Baggage Handling system proposed by TKIAL ....................................................... 117
Table 98: Cost details submitted by TKIAL for Terminal II upgradation and expansion ................................................. 118
Table 99: Cost estimate of Terminal Modification (Terminal-II) as submitted by TKIAL .............................................. 118
Table 100: Cost estimate of Terminal TII modification (Landside and Forecourt) as submitted by TKIAL.................... 119
Table 101: Comparison of Rate estimates for Terminal-II Expansion and Upgradation of Terminal-I ............................ 120
Table 102: Details of Inflation-adjusted Normative rates derived by the Authority ......................................................... 122
Table 103: Cost proposed by the Authority towards T-II upgradation and expansion ...................................................... 124
Table 104: Cost towards upgradation of existing T-I, expansion of T-II and construction of new T-I proposed by the
Authority ................................................................................................................................................................... 124
Table 105: Cost towards Runway, Taxiway & Apron project as submitted by TKIAL ................................................... 125
Table 106: Cost of Airside/Landside Drain Network as submitted by TKIAL ................................................................. 125
Table 107: Cost of Airside/Landside Drain Network as proposed by the Authority ......................................................... 126
Table 108: Cost proposed by the Authority for GSE Staging – Rigid Pavement .............................................................. 126
Table 109: Detailed cost break-up for Expansion of Terminal-II Apron submitted by TKIAL ........................................ 127
Table 110: Inflation-adjusted normative rate considered for Apron ................................................................................. 128
Table 111: Cost towards Terminal-II Apron proposed by the Authority .......................................................................... 129
Table 112: Cost towards Runway, Taxiway and Apron proposed by the Authority ......................................................... 129
Table 113: Cost proposed by the Authority for Airside Improvement Works .................................................................. 131
Table 114: Cost estimate of ATC block and tower submitted by TKIAL ......................................................................... 132
Table 115: Cost towards CNS/ATM proposed by the Authority ...................................................................................... 132
Table 116: Cost estimate for ICC and DCC equipment and improvement submitted by TKIAL ..................................... 133
Table 117: Detail break-up of construction cost of International Cargo Centre as submitted by TKIAL ......................... 134
Table 118: Department-wise details of MHE equipment cost submitted by TKIAL ........................................................ 134
Table 119: Detail break-up of construction cost of International Cargo Centre as proposed by the Authority ................ 135
Table 120: Cost towards Cargo Complex and Equipment as proposed by the Authority ................................................. 135
Table 121: Comparison of existing Fuel Storage Capacity vis a vis capacity proposed by TKIAL ................................. 136
Table 122: Fuel Storage requirement estimate submitted by TKIAL................................................................................ 137
Table 123: Recommended ATF Storage Days as per the MYTP submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ..... 137
Table 124: Cost proposed by the Authority for Fuel Storage Farm .................................................................................. 137
Table 125: Cost of Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant System proposed by the Authority ..................................................... 138
Table 126: Cost for Airside Security Gate proposed by the Authority.............................................................................. 140
Table 127: Cost estimate of Administration Building as submitted by TKIAL ................................................................ 140
Table 128: Cost for Minor works – Other buildings proposed by the Authority .............................................................. 141
Table 129: Other Building cost proposed by the Authority ............................................................................................... 142
Table 130: Cost proposed by the Authority for IT – Strategic Projects ............................................................................ 143
Table 131: Cost for IT project proposed by the Authority ................................................................................................ 144
Table 132: Cost for Environmental related projects proposed by the Authority ............................................................... 146
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 9 of 253List of Tables
Table 133: Details of Other Works proposed by the Authority ......................................................................................... 149
Table 134: Cost for Sustaining/ Minor Works proposed by the Authority........................................................................ 150
Table 135: Capital Expenditure proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ................................................ 154
Table 136: Capital Expenditure submitted by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ....... 156
Table 137: Asset category-wise total Capital Expenditure proposed by the Authority for Third Control Period ............. 161
Table 138: Aeronautical Capital additions submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ........................................ 162
Table 139: Aeronautical capital expenditure proposed by the Authority for Third Control Period .................................. 163
Table 140: Gross Block Proposed by the Authority for Third Control Period .................................................................. 166
Table 141: Depreciation rates and useful life considered by TKIAL for Third Control Period ........................................ 166
Table 142: Depreciation amount submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ....................................................... 167
Table 143: Useful life for all the assets proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period .................................... 169
Table 144: Depreciation proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ........................................................... 169
Table 145: Depreciation claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ..................... 170
Table 146: RAB submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ................................................................................ 170
Table 147: RAB proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ........................................................................ 171
Table 148: Cost of equity computation submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ............................................. 172
Table 149: Breakdown of all-in borrowing cost of TRV submitted by TKIAL ................................................................ 173
Table 150: FRoR submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ............................................................................... 173
Table 151: FRoR proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ...................................................................... 174
Table 152: Inflation rates submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period .................................................................. 176
Table 153: Inflation rates proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period .......................................................... 176
Table 154: Details of the change in the Terminal Building area as projected by TKIAL ................................................. 177
Table 155: Category wise O&M expenses claimed by TKIAL in the MYTP for the Third Control Period ..................... 177
Table 156: Aeronautical O&M expenses submitted by TKIAL for Third Control Period ................................................ 178
Table 157: Growth rates for total Aeronautical O&M expenses submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ...... 179
Table 158: Allocation of O&M expenses for TRV proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period .................. 182
Table 159: Projected Terminal Building area submitted by TKIAL ................................................................................. 183
Table 160: One-time escalation in FY 2025-26 as claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority ........................... 184
Table 161: List of department-wise Select Employees of AAI deputed to TRV as of 31st March 2023 ........................... 184
Table 162: Allocation of department-wise Select Employees of AAI deputed to TRV as of 31st March 2023 into
Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical .......................................................................................................................... 185
Table 163: Manpower expenses of AAI Employees claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for TCP .......... 186
Table 164: Department-wise Head Count of Employees as per TKIAL’s MYTP submission for the Third Control
Period.. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 186
Table 165: Aeronautical employee head count of TRV for the period from FY 2016-17 to FY 2019-20 ........................ 192
Table 166: Revised Aeronautical Employee Head Count of TKIAL and the EHCR proposed by the Authority for the
Third Control Period.................................................................................................................................................. 193
Table 167: Manpower Cost of TKIAL Employees claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for TCP ............ 195
Table 168: Manpower expenses of Aeronautical Employees proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ... 196
Table 169: Utility expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ................ 197
Table 170: Y-o-Y increase in IT Expenses, Rates & Taxes and Security Expenses as submitted by TKIAL for the Third
Control Period ........................................................................................................................................................... 197
Table 171: Comparison of Projection vs Actuals for FY 2022-23 .................................................................................... 197
Table 172: IT expenses, Rates & taxes and Security expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the
Third Control Period.................................................................................................................................................. 198
Table 173: Details of Actual Corporate Allocation cost incurred with allocation basis submitted by TKIAL for FY 2022-
23 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 199
Table 174: Corporate Allocation expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control
Period ......................................................................................................................................................................... 201
Table 175: Administrative expenses (collection charges on UDF) claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for
the Third Control Period ............................................................................................................................................ 201
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 10 of 253List of Tables
Table 176: Administrative expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period... 202
Table 177: Insurance expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ........... 202
Table 178: Repairs and Maintenance on Opening Net block of Assets claimed by TKIAL and Proposed by the Authority
for the Third Control Period ...................................................................................................................................... 203
Table 179: Other Operating Expense claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period . 204
Table 180: Return on unamortized portion of Runway recarpeting proposed by the Authority ....................................... 205
Table 181: Runway recarpeting expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control
Period. ........................................................................................................................................................................ 206
Table 182: Fixed and Variable Fuel O&M rates claimed by TKIAL for the Third Control Period .................................. 206
Table 183: Fixed and Variable Fuel O&M expenses claimed by TKIAL vs proposed by the Authority for the Third
Control Period ........................................................................................................................................................... 207
Table 184: Cargo capacity and cargo volume processed by TKIAL as proposed by the Authority for the Third Control
Period ......................................................................................................................................................................... 209
Table 185: Cargo Operating expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period 210
Table 186: Working Capital Interest, Annual Fees for PBG and Finance Charges claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the
Authority for the Third Control Period...................................................................................................................... 211
Table 187:Aeronautical operation and maintenance expenses proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period . 212
Table 188: Growth rates in O&M expenses considered by the Authority for the Third Control Period ........................... 213
Table 189: Non-Aeronautical Revenue submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ............................................. 216
Table 190: Year-wise NAR earned by AAI and projected by TKIAL .............................................................................. 218
Table 191: Breakup of revenue from agencies involved in aeronautical activities for FY 2022-23 ................................. 220
Table 192: Adjustment to Revenue from Non-Aeronautical Services considered by the Authority for FY 2022-23 ....... 220
Table 193: Total Non-aeronautical revenues estimated by the Authority for Third Control Period ................................. 221
Table 194: Non-aeronautical revenues (component-wise) proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period ....... 221
Table 195: Aeronautical Tax submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ............................................................. 222
Table 196: Taxation proposed to be considered by the Authority for the Third Control Period ....................................... 223
Table 197: ASQ ratings for TRV for the years 2018 to 2022 ............................................................................................ 224
Table 198: ARR submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period ................................................................................ 226
Table 199: ARR proposed to be considered by the Authority for the Third Control Period ............................................. 228
Table 200: Summary of adjustments to RAB as on 14th October 2021 and 31st March 2022 ........................................... 237
Table 201: RAB for SCP & FY 2021-22 as determined as per the current Study for AAI & TKIAL .............................. 237
Table 202: Allocation Ratios submitted by AAI and recomputed as per the current Study for the SCP & Pre-COD
Period.. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 239
Table 203: Aeronautical O&M Expenses for AAI as per the current Study for SCP ....................................................... 241
Table 204: Aeronautical O&M Expenses for AAI as per the current Study for Pre-COD Period .................................... 243
Table 205: Aeronautical O&M Expenses submitted by AAI and as per the current Study for the SCP and Pre-COD
Period ......................................................................................................................................................................... 243
Table 206: Aeronautical expenses for TKIAL for post COD period as per the current Study .......................................... 245
Table 207: O&M Expenses for SCP and Pre & Post COD period as per the current Study ............................................. 246
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 11 of 253List of Figures
List of Figures
Figure 1: Year-wise NAR earned by AAI and projected by TKIAL ................................................................................. 218
Figure 2: Year-wise NAR per passenger earned by AAI and projected by TKIAL .......................................................... 218
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 12 of 253List of Abbreviations
List of Abbreviations
Abbreviation Expansion
A&G Administrative & General
AAHL Adani Airport Holdings Ltd
AAI Airports Authority of India
AAICLAS Airports Authority of India Cargo Logistics and Allied Services
AC Air Conditioning
ACI Airports Council International
ADP Automatic Data Processing
AEL Adani Enterprises Limited
AERA / the Authority Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India
AIC Aeronautical Information Circular
AMC Annual Maintenance Contract
AMSS Automatic Message Switching System
ANS Air Navigation Services
AO Airport Operator
AOCC Airport Operations Control Centre
AODB Airport Operational Data Base
ARFF Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting
ARR Aggregate Revenue Requirement
ASQ Airport Service Quality
ATC Air Traffic Control
ATF Aviation Turbine Fuel
ATM Air Traffic Movement
ATS Air Traffic Service
AUCC Airport User Consultative Committee
BAS Biometric Attendance System
BCAS Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
BDDS Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad
BHS Baggage Handling System
BIAL Bangalore International Airport Limited
BOQ Bill of Quantity
BOT Build-Operate-Transfer
BPCL Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
BRS Baggage Reconciliation System
CA Concession Agreement
CAD Computer Aided Design
CAGR Compounded Annual Growth Rate
CAO Chief Airport Officer
CAPEX Capital Expenditure
CAR Civil Aviation Regulations
CCR Constant Current Regulators
CCTV Closed Circuit Television
CFT Crash Fire Tender
CGF Cargo, Ground Handling and Fuel Supply to Aircraft
CHQ Corporate Headquarters
CIAL Cochin International Airport Limited
CISF Central Industrial Security Force
CNS Communication, Navigation and Surveillance
COD Commercial Operation Date
COVID-19 Corona Virus Disease of 2019
CP Consultation Paper
CPWD Central Public Works Department
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 13 of 253List of Abbreviations
Abbreviation Expansion
CSS Corporate Support Service
CUSS Common Use Self Service
CUTE Common Use Terminal Equipment
CWIP Capital Work in Progress
DCC Direct Channel Complex
DFMD Door Frame Metal Detector
DG Sets Diesel Generator Sets
DGCA Directorate General of Civil Aviation
DIAL Delhi International Airport Limited
DSR Delhi Schedule of Rates
DTB Domestic Terminal Building
DVOR Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range
EHCR Employee Head Count Ratio
EPOS Electronic Point of Sale
ESS Environmental Support Services
ETD Explosive Trace Detectors
F&B Food and Beverages
FA Financing Allowance
FAR Fixed Asset Register
FCP First Control Period
FICCI Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
FIDS Flight Information Display System
FRoR Fair Rate of Return
FTC Fuel Throughput Charge
GA General Aviation
GBR Gross Block Ratio
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GH Ground Handling
GHA Ground Handling Agent
GHIAL GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited
GoI Government of India
GSE Ground Support Equipment
GST Goods & Service Tax
HIAL Hyderabad International Airport Limited
HPCL Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
HR Human Resources
HVAC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
IAF Indian Air Force
IATA International Air Transport Association
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
ICC International Cargo Center
IDC Interest During Construction
ILBS Inline Baggage Screening
IMG Inter-Ministerial Group
IND AS Indian Accounting Standards
IOCL Indian Oil Corporation Limited
IoT Internet of Things
IP-AMSS Internet Protocol Automatic Message Switching System
IT Information Technology
JARS Joint Asset Reconciliation Statement
KWP Kilowatt peak
LED Light Emitting Diode
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 14 of 253List of Abbreviations
Abbreviation Expansion
LOA Letter of Award
MEP Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing
MESS Mechanized Environmental Support Services
MHE Material Handling Equipment
MIAL Mumbai International Airport Limited
MoCA Ministry of Civil Aviation
MoRTH Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
MSSR Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar
MYTP Multi-Year Tariff Proposal
NAR Non-Aeronautical Revenue
NASFT National Aviation Security Fee Trust
NOTAM Notice To Air Missions
NITB New Integrated Terminal Building
O&M Operation and Maintenance
OMC Oil Marketing Companies
OPEX Operating Expenditure
OWS Oil Water Separators
PAR Plinth Area Rate
PBB Passenger Boarding Bridges
PBG Performance Bank Guarantee
PBT Profit Before Tax
PCN Pavement Classification Number
PHP Peak Hour Passenger
PIDS Perimeter Intrusion Detection System
PMC Project Management Consultancy
PO Purchase Order
PPP Public Private Partnership
PSF Passenger Security Fee
PV Present Value
QTR Quarters Ratio
R&M Repairs and Maintenance
RAB Regulatory Asset Base
RBI Reserve Bank of India
RCC Reinforced Cement Concrete
RCS Regional Connectivity Scheme
RESA Runway End Safety Area
RF links Radio Frequency links
RFP Request for Proposal
RHQ Regional Headquarters
SCP Second Control Period
SITC Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning
SMR Surface Movement Radar
SOFR Secured Overnight Financing Rate
SPV Special Purpose Vehicle
STP Sewage Treatment Plant
TB Terminal Building
TBLR Terminal Building Ratio
TCP Third Control Period
TKIAL TRV (Kerala) International Airport Limited
TR stall Travellers Requisite Stalls
TRV/TIA Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
UDAN Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 15 of 253List of Abbreviations
Abbreviation Expansion
UDF User Development Fees
ULD Unit Load Devices
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
VCS Video Communication System
VDGS Visual Docking Guidance System
VIP Very Important Person
WAN Wide Area Network
WDV Written Down Value
WIP Work in Progress
WPI Wholesale Price Index
XBIS X-ray Baggage Inspection Systems
YPP Yield Per Passenger
YTD Year To Date
Units of measure (UOM)
Cr crores
FY Financial Year
MPPA Million Passenger Per Annum
MT Metric Tonne
PAX Passenger
Sqm Square meter
Y-o-Y Year-on-Year
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 16 of 253INTRODUCTION
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.1.1 Thiruvananthapuram (also known as Trivandrum) is the capital of the state of Kerala and a major hub for
Information Technology. It is the most populous city in Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
(TRV), established in 1932, holds the distinction of being the first airport in the state of Kerala, India. Its
inaugural flight took off on 1st November 1935. The Airport is situated 3.7 kilometers away from the city
centre and is in close proximity to various prominent destinations such as Kovalam beach and the under-
construction Vizhinjam International Seaport.
1.1.2 TRV operates with two terminals. Terminal-I, which commenced operations in 1985, primarily handles
domestic flight operations, excluding those of Air India. Terminal-II was inaugurated in 2011 and serves as
the hub for all international flight operations along with domestic flights operated by Air India.
1.1.3 TRV is a Major Airport as per the definition outlined in Section 2 (i) of the Airports Economic Regulatory
Authority of India (AERA) Act, 2008, read with the AERA (Amendment) Acts of 2019 and 2021.
1.1.4 As of year ended 31st March 2023, TRV stands as the second busiest airport in Kerala in FY 2022-23 and the
fourteenth busiest in India, catering to around 4 MPPA in FY 2019-20 (pre-COVID) and 3.5 MPPA in FY
2022-23 (post-COVID). The traffic handled by the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport during the
financial years from 2016-17 to 2022-23 is given in the table below:
Table 1: Actual Passenger and ATM traffic as submitted by TRV and available in AAI website from
2016-17 to FY 2022-23
Passenger (in No’s) ATMs (in No’s)
Year
Domestic International Total Domestic International Total
2016-17 1,571,767 2,309,742 3,881,509 12,473 16,644 29,117
2017-18 1,916,127 2,477,342 4,393,469 14,680 19,058 33,738
2018-19 1,904,908 2,529,551 4,434,459 14,452 18,641 33,093
2019-20 1,709,229 2,209,964 3,919,193 14,030 14,812 28,842
2020-21 476,559 458,876 935,435 5,111 4,202 9,313
2021-22 699,447 956,059 1,655,506 7,010 8,346 15,356
2022-23 16,79,385 17,98,682 34,78,067 12,270 12,324 24,594
1.1.5 Technical and Terminal Building details of TRV submitted by the TKIAL are provided in the table below:
Table 2: Technical and Terminal Building details of TRV submitted by TKIAL
Particulars Details
Terminal-I – 15,800 sqm
Terminal Building (TB)
Terminal-II – 43,500 sqm
630 acres
Total Airport Area Carved Out approx. 30 Acres
Demised approx. 600 Acres
Terminal-I – 1.3 MPPA
Designated Capacity
Terminal-II – 3.2 MPPA
Main Runway orientation and length Runway 14/32, dimension 3,373m x 45m
Taxiway 23m wide
International - 13 Narrow body equivalent
Apron
Domestic - 11 Narrow body equivalent
Operational hours 24 hours
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 17 of 253INTRODUCTION
Particulars Details
Aerodrome Category 4E
Immigration Counters 16
Check in counters 38
Domestic – 2
Passenger Boarding Bridges
International – 4
1.2 Development of TRV through PPP mode
1.2.1 TRV was operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) which entered into a Concession Agreement
with TKIAL on 19th January 2021 to operate, manage and develop the Airport for a period of 50 years
commencing from the Commercial Operation Date (COD). The COD was achieved on 14th October 2021 in
accordance with the terms and conditions mentioned in the Concession Agreement. In consideration for the
grant of such concession, TKIAL shall pay AAI a monthly concession fee during the concession period,
namely, specified amount of ‘Per Passenger’ fee for both domestic and international passengers (refer to
Annexure 4 in Chapter 17 for the relevant clause of the Concession Agreement).
1.2.2 However as per the terms of the Concession Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated
25th August 2021, only the AAI through the designated GoI agencies shall be authorized to undertake the
‘reserved services’ at the airport, namely, CNS/ATM services, Security services, Meteorological services,
Mandatory health services, Customs control, Immigration services, Quarantine services and any other
services as may be notified by GoI (refer to Annexure 4 in Chapter 17 for the relevant clause of the
Concession Agreement).
1.3 Cargo, Ground Handling and Fuel Operations
Cargo Operations
1.3.1 TRV handled cargo volume of approx. 25,511 MT in 2019-20 (pre-COVID) which comprised 23,488 MT of
international cargo and 2,023 MT of domestic cargo. Prior to the COD, domestic air cargo operations were
managed by AAICLAS in a facility (Carved out area) with a 2,600-ton capacity.
1.3.2 The area of the Cargo facility retained in the Carved-out area, i.e., ear-marked for AAICLAS is 8,301 sqm
as per Annexure IV of Schedule A to the Concession Agreement (refer to Annexure 4 in Chapter 17). Hence
under the Concession Agreement, this cargo area is retained by AAICLAS and not transferred to TKIAL.
1.3.3 Clause 19.4.1 of Concession Agreement details the obligations of TKIAL for upgrading, developing,
operating and maintaining the Cargo Facilities in accordance with the provisions of the Concession
Agreement, Applicable Laws, Permits and Good Industry Practices (refer to Annexure 4 in Chapter 17)
1.3.4 Pursuant to the terms of the Concession Agreement and to cater to the growing demands at TRV, TKIAL
started to participate in the cargo handling business. Accordingly, TRV has started processing domestic cargo
from August 2022 onwards.
1.3.5 In this regard. AERA vide order no. 47/2021-22 dated 17th March 2022 allowed TKIAL to levy the existing
charges for Domestic Cargo Handling Services at TRV till 30th September 2022. On 23rd September 2022,
an interim Order No. 24/2022-23 was issued allowing TKIAL to levy the existing tariff as on date 30th
September 2022 for a further period of 6 months w.e.f. 1st October 2022 till 31st March 2023. Further, to
avoid a regulatory vacuum, AERA vide Order No. 42/2022-23 dated 23rd March 2023 allowed TKIAL
continuation of existing rates for the Cargo facility till 30th September 2023 and thereafter vide Order No.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 18 of 253INTRODUCTION
20/2023-24 dated 27th September 2023 allowed TKIAL to continue the existing rates for the Cargo facility
till 31st March 2024.
1.3.6 The cargo operations have also been factored in the ARR of TKIAL. The major components such as capital
expenditure, depreciation, operating expenses and revenues with respect to the cargo operations and facilities
have been presented separately in the respective sections.
Ground Handling Operations
1.3.7 Clause 19.2 of the Concession Agreement details TKIAL’s obligations towards provision of infrastructure
required for ground handling services at the TRV in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement,
Applicable Laws and Good Industry Practice (refer to Annexure 4 in Chapter 17).
1.3.8 Further, subject to the provisions of the Concession Agreement, TKIAL has the right to grant license to any
entity for providing Ground Handling Services at TRV, on the terms and conditions mentioned in the License
Agreement between TKIAL and the potential service providers.
1.3.9 Pursuant to above terms of the Concession Agreement, TKIAL has engaged GSEC Bird Airport Services
Private Limited and Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited for provision of such Ground Handling
services at TRV through a bidding process, resulting in a revenue share of 45% of Gross Revenue from each
of the service providers.
Fuel Facility Operations
1.3.10 Clause 19.3 of the Concession Agreement lists down TKIAL’s obligations towards providing aircraft fueling
services, which has been detailed in Annexure 4 in Chapter 17.
1.3.11 Previously, when the airport was operated by AAI, various Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) were
providing fuel services at the airport using their own infrastructure. As mandated by the Concession
Agreement (CA), TKIAL is planning to build an open access facility and is in the process of acquiring the
existing assets of IOCL, BPCL and HPCL along with setting up a hydrant refueling system.
1.3.12 The fuel farm operations have also been factored in the ARR of TKIAL. The major components such as
capital expenditure, depreciation, operating expenses, and revenues with respect to the fuel farm operations
and facilities have been presented separately in the respective sections.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 19 of 253TARIFF DETERMINATION OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
2 TARIFF DETERMINATION OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 AERA was established by the Government of India vide notification No. GSR 317(E) dated 12th May 2009.
The functions of AERA, in respect of Major Airports, are specified in section 13(1) of The Airport Economic
Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008 (‘AERA Act’ or ‘The Act’) read with AERA (Amendment) Act
2019 and 2021, which are as below:
a) To determine the tariff for aeronautical services taking into consideration:
(i) The capital expenditure incurred and timely investment in improvement of airport facilities.
(ii) The service provided, its quality and other relevant factors.
(iii) The cost of improving efficiency.
(iv) Economic and viable operation of major airports.
(v) Revenue received from services other than aeronautical services.
(vi) The Concession offered by the Central Government in any agreement or memorandum of
understanding or otherwise.
(vii) Any other factor which may be relevant for the purposes of the Act.
Provided that different tariff structures may be determined for different airports having regard to all or
any of the above considerations specified in sub-clauses (i) to (vii).
b) To determine the amount of development fees in respect of major airports.
c) To determine the amount of passenger service fee levied under rule 88 of the Aircrafts Rules, 1937 made
under the Aircraft Act, 1934.
d) To monitor the set performance standards relating to quality, continuity and reliability of service as may
be specified by the Central Government or any Authority by it in this behalf.
e) To call for such information as may be necessary to determine the tariff under Clause 13(1)(a).
f) To perform such other functions relating to tariffs, as may be entrusted to it by the Central Government
or as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
2.1.2 The terms “Aeronautical services” and “Major Airports” are defined in Sections 2(a) and 2(i) of the Act,
respectively.
2.1.3 As per the AERA Act, 2008, following are the Aeronautical services:
i. Aeronautical services provided by the Airport Operators.
ii. Cargo, Ground Handling and Fuel Supply Services; and
iii. Air Navigation Services.
2.1.4 AAI shall be handling the Air Navigation Systems (ANS) at TRV. Tariff for ANS is presently regulated by
the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) of India to ensure uniformity across the Airports in India. All the
assets, expenses and revenues pertaining to ANS are considered separately by the Ministry while determining
tariff for ANS services. Further, the tariff for ANS services is determined at the Central level by the Ministry
to ensure uniformity across the Airports in the Country. Hence, AERA determines tariff for Aeronautical
services of the Airport by excluding the assets, expenses, and revenues from ANS.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 20 of 253TARIFF DETERMINATION OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
2.2 Authority’s orders applied in tariff proposals in this Consultation Paper
2.2.1 Detailed Guidelines laying down information requirements, periodicity and procedure for Tariff
determination have been issued by the Authority. The details of Authority’s Orders and Guidelines issued in
this regard are as under:
i. Order No. 13 dated 12.01.2011 (Regulatory philosophy and approach in Economic Regulation of Airport
Operators) and Direction No. 5 dated 28.02.2011 (Terms and conditions for determination of tariff for
Airport Operators); and
ii. Order No. 05 dated 02.08.2010 (Regulatory philosophy and approach in Economic Regulation of the
services provided for Cargo facility, Ground Handling and Supply of Fuel to aircrafts); Order No. 12
dated 10.01.2011 and Direction No. 4 dated 10.01.2011 (Terms and conditions for determination of tariff
for services provided for Cargo facility, Ground Handling and Supply of Fuel to aircrafts).
iii. Order No. 07/2016-17 dated 13.06.2016 (Normative Approach to Building Blocks in Economic
Regulation of Major Airports).
iv. Order No. 14/2016-17 dated 23.01.2017 in the matter of aligning certain aspects of AERA’s Regulatory
Approach (Adoption of Regulatory Till) with the provisions of the National Civil Aviation Policy – 2016
(NCAP-2016) approved by the Government of India.
v. Order No. 20/2016-17 dated 31.03.2017 in the matter of allowing Concession to Regional Connectivity
Scheme (RCS) Flights under RCS – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) at Major Airports.
vi. Order No. 35/2017-18 dated 12.01.2018 and Amendment No. 01 to Order No. 35/2017-18 dated
09.04.2018 in the matter of determination of useful life of Airport assets.
vii. Order No. 42/2018-19 dated 05.03.2019 in the matter of Determination of Fair Rate of Return (FRoR)
to be provided on Cost of Land incurred by various Airport Operators in India.
2.3 Past tariff determination history of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
2.3.1 Pursuant to the AERA Act 2008, the Authority issued guidelines for the purpose of determination of
aeronautical tariffs at Major Airports. AAI had submitted Multi Year Tariff Proposals (MYTP) for the First
Control Period from FY 2011-12 to FY 2015-16 for TRV, in respect of which the Authority had determined
the Aeronautical tariff vide its Order No. 15/2015-16 dated 17th April 2015.
2.3.2 With respect to the Second Control Period of TRV commencing from FY 2016-17 to FY 2020-21, the
Authority had determined the Aeronautical tariff vide its Order No. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017 read
with addendum dated 28th June 2017 and corrigendum dated 1st December 2017. Also, the Authority had
issued Order No. 25/ 2020-21 dated 2nd July 2020 with respect to provision of compensation in lieu of Fuel
throughput charges at TRV.
2.3.3 AAI and TKIAL entered into a Concession agreement on 19th January 2021 for Operations, Management
and Development of TRV and the date of Commercial Operations (COD) was 14th October 2021. The
following are the tariff orders for Aeronautical Charges and Cargo respectively issued by the Authority for
TRV.
Table 3: Tariff orders issued by the Authority for TRV
Tariff Orders Applicability period
Order No. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017 Second Control Period order till 31st March 2021
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 21 of 253TARIFF DETERMINATION OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Tariff Orders Applicability period
Ad hoc Order No. 65/2020-21 dated 24th March 2021 w.e.f. 1st April 2021 to 30th September 2021
Order No. 19/2021-22 dated 22nd September 2021 (for AAI) w.e.f. 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022
Order No. 22/2021-22 dated 6th October 2021 (for the new
till 31st March 2022
AO)
Order No. 42/2021-22 dated 14th March 2022 w.e.f. 1st April 2022 to 30th September 2022
Order No. 22/2022-23 dated 20th September 2022 w.e.f. 1st October 2022 to 31st March 2023
Order No. 41/2022-23 dated 22nd March 2023 w.e.f. 1st April 2023 to 30th September 2023
Order No. 19/2023-24 dated 20th September 2023 w.e.f. 1st October 2023 to 31st March 2024
Table 4: Cargo Tariff orders issued by the Authority for TRV
Tariff Orders Applicability period
Order No. 42/2020-21 dated 1st September 2020 (for First Control Period w.e.f. 1st October 2020 up
AAICLAS) to 31st March 2024
Ad hoc Order No. 47/2021-22 dated 17th March 2022 w.e.f. 1st April 2022 till 30th September 2022
Order No. 24/2022-23 dated 23rd September 2022 w.e.f. 1st October 2022 till 31st March 2023
Order No. 42/2022-23 dated 23rd March 2023 w.e.f. 1st April 2023 till 30th September 2023
Order No. 20/2023-24 dated 27th September 2023 (CGF) w.e.f. 1st October 2023 till 31st March 2024
2.4 Multi Year Tariff Proposal submission by TKIAL for Third Control Period
2.4.1 In terms of Direction No. 05 issued on 28th February 2011 (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Tariff
for Airport Operators), Control Period means a period of five Tariff Years during which the Multi Year Tariff
Order and Tariff(s) as determined by the Authority pursuant to such order shall subsist. Thus, TKIAL, on
15th April 2022 sought clarification from the Authority relating to the control period that is applicable for
TRV. The Authority vide its Public Notice No. 05/2022-23 dated 20th June 2022 decided the following:
• “To shift the Control Period for Trivandrum Airport from 01.04.2021-31.03.2026 to 01.04.2022-
31.03.2027. The periodicity of the Control Period will be five years only.
• To consider the true up for 01.04.2021 to 31.03.2022 at the time of determination of tariff for the Third
Control Period as per AERA policy.”
2.4.2 In compliance with the above, the following submission were made to the Authority for Tariff determination
of Third Control Period:
• On 14th December 2022, AAI submitted true-up proposal for Second Control Period and the period from
1st April 2021 to 13th October 2021.
• On 21st February 2023, TKIAL submitted true-up proposal for the period from 14th October 2021
(Commercial Operation Date (COD)) to 31st March 2022.
• On 21st February 2023, TKIAL also submitted Multi-Year Tariff Proposal (MYTP) for the Third Control
Period (TCP) covering FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27.
Tariff determination for the pre-COD and post-COD period
a) Pre-COD Period:
2.4.3 AAI submitted its true up proposal for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period from 1st April 2021
to 13th October 2021 vide email dated 14th December 2022. The document is available on the AERA website.
To ensure clarity and understanding, a chronological timeline was established to represent the sequence of
events leading up to the issue of Consultation Paper. The timeline captures key milestones such as the
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 22 of 253TARIFF DETERMINATION OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
submission of the proposal, the preliminary scrutiny, the identification of discrepancies, the commencement
of the inquiry, and the subsequent provision of information by AAI which has been presented in the table
below:
Table 5: Sequence of events regarding true up submissions by AAI
S. No. Event Date
1 Submission of original true up proposal of AAI 14th December 2022
2 Review of true-up submission and documentation provided by AAI December 2022 to March 2023
3 Additional information on Operating Expenses March 2023
4 Additional information on water charges and personal cost May 2023
Additional information on Capital Expenditure, Non- Aeronautical
5 June 2023
Revenue
6 Additional information on left over assets November 2023
b) Post COD:
2.4.4 The tariff determination for the post-COD period has been considered for TKIAL under the following
categories:
a) True up of the period from COD till 31st March 2022
b) Tariff determination for the Third Control Period i.e., from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2027.
2.4.5 TKIAL in line with Authority’s decision as stated in para 2.4.1, submitted its MYTP for true up of Post COD
period and determination of aeronautical tariff for Third Control Period on 21st February 2023. The document
is available on the AERA's website.
Table 6: Sequence of events regarding true up and MYTP submissions by TKIAL
S. No. Events Date
1 Submission of MYTP by AO 21st February 2023
2 Additional information on RAB, Operating Expenses, Traffic & FRoR April 2023
3 Clarifications and details relating to Operating Expenditure May 2023
4 Clarifications on Work-In-Progress assets May 2023
5 Additional information and Clarification on Capital Expenditure Projects May 2023 to July 2023
6 Submission of financials for FY 2022-23 July 2023
7 Clarifications relating to Capital Expenditure and Operating Expenditure July 2023
Clarifications relating to Non-Aeronautical Revenue - Master Service
8 August 2023
Agreement etc.
Additional information relating to Capital Expenditure and Operating
9 August 2023
Expenditure
10 Assessment report relating to Terminal-1 Building September 2023
11 Clarifications relating to Capital Expenditure September 2023
Additional information relating to Operating Expenditure, Non-
12 Aeronautical Revenues and Capital Expenditure on CAPEX, OPEX & November 2023
NAR
13 Clarifications with respect to Capital Expenditure December 2023
Status of Capital Expenditure projects, Head count, costs incurred till
14 January 2024
December 2023
Additional information relating to actual traffic and Fuel volumes till
15 January 2024
December 2023
2.4.6 As operations of TRV was taken over by TKIAL from the COD, i.e., 14th October 2021, the Authority has
considered to true up the necessary building blocks of TKIAL for a period of 169 days commencing from
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14th October 2021 up to 31st March 2022. Accordingly, the Authority has considered the Third Control Period
of five years for TKIAL from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2027.
2.4.7 The Authority has appointed an independent consultant, M/s PKF Sridhar & Santhanam LLP, to assess the
MYTP submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control period. M/s PKF Sridhar & Santhanam LLP has assisted
the Authority in examining the true up submission of AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD
period, by comparing each regulatory building block with the Tariff Order for the Second Control period,
reviewing true up submission of TKIAL for the Post COD period, performed independent studies on the
allocation of assets between Aeronautical and Non-aeronautical activities and efficient O&M expenses of
TRV for the Second Control Period and FY 2021-22, examined the MYTP of TKIAL by verifying the data
from various supporting documents submitted by TKIAL such as audited financials, Fixed Asset Register,
Bill of Quantities of capital addition projects including award of various work orders, examining the building
blocks in tariff determination, visiting the Airport in December 2023 and also ensuring that the treatment
given to it is consistent with the Authority's methodology, approach etc.
2.4.8 Further to the presentation on MYTP made by TKIAL, the Authority advised TKIAL to re-evaluate the
Capital Expenditure projects proposed by it as part of the MYTP submission, inter alia, considering the
current passenger handling capacity at the Airport, traffic trends for present and future etc. together with the
need to ensure modular construction of facilities as mandated by the Concession Agreement. Revised Capital
Expenditure estimates have not been submitted by TKIAL. Therefore, the Authority has, in this Consultation
Paper, assessed the Capital Expenditure requirements based on the assessment of current traffic scenario,
available capacities, future traffic estimates, and the need to ensure modular development of infrastructure
at the Airport, with a view to ensure determination of optimal Aeronautical charges to be levied on the airport
users.
2.4.9 In carrying out the analysis of MYTP submitted by TKIAL, the Authority has carried out review of all details,
break up of cost items etc. provided by TKIAL together with considering the financials of FY 2022-23 and
status of projects as of December 2023. Wherever details have not been provided/ not completely provided,
the Authority has carried out appropriate rationalisation of such costs. The Authority also has, in its analysis,
indicated certain activities where the costs are proposed to be considered on incurrence basis. These have
been elaborated in the relevant paragraphs.
2.4.10 The Authority notes that Clause 5.7.1 of Direction 5/2010-11 pertaining to Terms and Conditions for
determination of Tariff for Airport Operators Guidelines, 2011 states as follows:
“For any service provided by the Airport Operator for (i) ground handling services relating to aircraft,
passengers and cargo at an airport; (ii) the cargo facility at an airport and (iii) supplying fuel to the aircraft
at an airport, the Authority shall follow the regulatory approach and process for tariff determination as
mentioned in the Direction No. 4/ 2010-11 on Terms and Conditions for determination of Tariff for services
provided for Cargo facility, Ground Handling and Supply of Fuel to the Aircraft Guidelines, 2011”.
Further, Clause 1.2 of the Direction No.4/ 2010-11 states as follows:
“these Guidelines shall apply to Service Provider(s) for (i) the Cargo facility at a Major Airport, (ii) ground
handling relating to aircraft, passengers and cargo at a major airport and for (iii) supplying fuel to the
aircraft at a major airport: Provided that Airport Operator providing the Regulated Service(s) as defined
herein shall be excluded from the application of these Guidelines.
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2.4.11 Taking cognizance of the above provisions laid out under Direction 5/2010-11 and Direction 4/2010-11 and
the fact that TKIAL is providing the services for cargo facility and supplying fuel to the aircraft, the Authority
has examined the Assets, Expenses and Revenues pertaining to Cargo and Fuel farm of TKIAL separately
under the relevant chapters in this Consultation Paper, for the purpose of determining Aggregate Revenue
Requirement of TKIAL.
Related Party Transactions
2.4.12 The Authority, through its Independent Consultant, conducted an analysis of the tendering procedures
implemented by TKIAL and has reviewed the associated contract agreements concerning operating expenses
and revenues entered into with related parties.
2.4.13 The Authority, on a sample review of contracts, notes that TKIAL has entered into contract with certain
Related Parties as detailed hereunder.
Table 7: Services provided to TKIAL by related parties
S. No. Nature of Services Name of Related Party Description of Relationship
Master Service Agreement to operate
Company holding 49%
1 and manage Non-Aeronautical Adani Airport Holdings Limited
shareholding in TKIAL
Facilities
Company holding 49%
2 Corporate Support Service Adani Airport Holdings Limited
shareholding in TKIAL
3 Corporate Support Service Adani Enterprises Limited Holding Company
Company holding 49%
4 Borrowing Adani Airport Holdings Limited
shareholding in TKIAL
The Authority also notes the following from the Concession Agreement signed between TKIAL and AAI:
“5.6.1 The Concessionaire agrees and undertakes that it shall procure contracts, goods and services for the
operations, management and development of the airport in a fair, transparent and efficient manner and
without any undue favour or discrimination in this behalf. In pursuance hereof, it shall, within six (6) months
from the COD, frame policy specifying the principles and procedures that it shall follow in awarding for
supply of goods and services, and shall place the policy on its website for the information of general public
and all interested parties, The policy shall:
(a) include the principles and procedures followed for sub-leasing, sub-licensing or grant or allocation of
any space, building, rights or privileges to private entities in the Airport
(b) be approved by the Board of Directors of the Concessionaire
5.6.2 For procurement of goods, works, services, sub-lease(s), sub-license(s) or any other rights or previleges
where the consideration (including deposits in any form or respect thereof) exceeds Rs. 25,00,00,000/-
(Rupees Twenty Five Crore) in any accounting year (collectively, the contracts) the Concessionaire shall
invite offers through open competitive bidding by means of e-tendering and shall select the awardees in
accordance with the policy specified under clause 5.6.1
5.6.3 The Parties agree that the Concessionaire should pre-quality and short-list the applicants in a fair and
transparent manner for ensuring that only experienced and qualified applicants are finally selected on arm’s
length basis in a manner that is commercially prudent and protects interest of users.”
5.6.4 The Concessionaire hereby agrees not to have any subsidiary or joint venture or any other similar form
of arrangement with any other party.
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2.4.14 AERA expects that TKIAL and the AAI, (Concession granting Authority) will ensure that the contracts with
Related Parties are at arm’s length and that the Related Party has experience of providing similar service in
other places to ensure protection of interest of all stakeholders, as per the terms of the Concession Agreement
detailed above, which may be followed in letter and spirit.
2.5 Construction of this Consultation Paper
2.5.1 This Consultation Paper has been developed in the order of the events as explained above. Chapter-wise
details have been summarized as follows:
i. A background on Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and TKIAL is explained in Chapter 1. The
background of the Authority’s tariff determination process is explained in this Chapter and in Chapter
3, wherein the framework for determination of tariff is discussed.
ii. Chapter 4 lists out the submissions by AAI for true up of for the Second Control Period and Pre- COD
period. This is followed by the Authority’s examination and proposals on the specific issues regarding
the true up for the Second Control Period and Pre COD period. This chapter also discusses the
assessment and the outcome of the studies conducted by the Authority regarding asset allocation ratios
between aeronautical and non-aeronautical assets and efficient cost segregation between aeronautical
and non-aeronautical operating expenses. The summary of these reports is given under Annexures to
this Consultation Paper and the reports have been appended separately to the Consultation Paper.
iii. Chapter 5 lists out submission of TKIAL for true up of the Post COD period. This is followed by the
Authority’s examination and proposals on the specific issues regarding the true up for the Post COD
period. This chapter also discusses the assessment and the outcome of the studies conducted by the
Authority regarding asset allocation ratios between aeronautical and non-aeronautical assets and
efficient cost segregation between aeronautical and non-aeronautical operating expenses. The summary
of these reports is given under Annexures to this Consultation Paper and the reports have been
appended separately to the Consultation Paper.
iv. Chapter 6 presents the submissions by TKIAL regarding Traffic Projections and the Authority’s
examination and proposal on the same.
v. Chapter 7 includes the submissions by TKIAL regarding Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Depreciation
and RAB for the Third Control Period along with the Authority’s detailed examination, adjustments,
rationalization and proposals on the Aeronautical capital expenditure, useful lives and RAB for the
Third Control Period.
vi. Chapter 8-13 includes the submissions by TKIAL regarding various building blocks pertaining to the
Third Control Period including Fair Rate of Return, Inflation, Operation and Maintenance Expenses,
Non-aeronautical Revenue, Taxation and Quality of Service along with Authority's examination and
proposals on each matter.
vii. Chapter 14 presents the Aggregate Revenue Requirement as determined by the Authority based on the
proposals for the Third Control Period.
viii. Chapter 15 summarizes the Authority’s proposals put forward for consultation.
ix. In Chapter 16, the Authority invites views of all the stakeholders regarding proposals put forward for
tariff determination for the Third Control Period in the Consultation Paper.
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x. Chapter 17 contains Annexures.
• Annexure 1 – Summary of study on allocation of assets between Aeronautical and Nonaeronautical
assets
• Annexure 2 – Summary of study on efficient Operation and Maintenance expenses
• Annexure 3 –Projects not considered for addition to RAB by the Authority for the Third Control
Period
• Annexure 4 – Clauses of the Concession Agreement entered between AAI and TKIAL
xi. Chapter 18 contains the list of Appendices.
2.6 Studies commissioned by the Authority
2.6.1 The Authority commissioned the following studies through its Independent Consultant for the purpose of
tariff determination of TRV:
a) Study on allocation of Assets between Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical Assets: The Study (herein
after referred to as “Study on Allocation of Assets”) has carried out a detailed analysis of the Regulatory
Asset Base (RAB) of both AAI and TKIAL. The study has developed a rationale for classification of
assets into Aeronautical, Non-aeronautical, Air Navigation Services (ANS) and Common. It then
apportioned the Common assets based on appropriate ratios. Further, the Study has also examined the
assets transferred from AAI to TKIAL (as on COD) and determined the Deemed Initial RAB as on COD.
b) Study on efficient Operation and Maintenance Expenses: The Study (herein after referred to as Study
on Opex) examined the historical trends in the O&M expenses of TRV and assessed how the Airport has
been performing in comparison to select peers in the industry. The Study verified the classification of the
various expenses between Aeronautical, Non-aeronautical, ANS and Common and made revisions
wherever necessary. The Common expenses were further apportioned based on appropriate ratios.
Further, the Study ascertained the expenses that were unreasonably high and rationalized them based on
suitable benchmarks.
2.6.2 The recommendations of these studies have been used in this Consultation Paper. The summary of the Study
on Allocation of Assets is given in Annexure 1 of this Consultation Paper and the study is attached as
Appendix 1 of this Consultation Paper. The summary of the Study on Opex is given in Annexure 2 of this
Consultation Paper and the study is attached as Appendix 2 of this Consultation Paper.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 27 of 253FRAMEWORK FOR TARIFF DETERMINATION OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
3 FRAMEWORK FOR TARIFF DETERMINATION OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
3.1 Methodology
3.1.1 The Methodology adopted by the Authority to determine Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) is based
on AERA Act, 2008 read with AERA (Amendment) Act 2019 and 2021, the AERA (Terms and Conditions
for determination of Tariff for Airport Operators) Guidelines, 2011 and further Guidelines issued by AERA
from time to time.
3.1.2 As per the guidelines, the Authority has adopted the Hybrid-Till mechanism for tariff determination for the
Third Control Period wherein, 30% of the non-aeronautical revenues is to be used for cross-subsidizing the
aeronautical charges and the same methodology is utilized for true up of all the regulatory blocks of the
Second Control Period.
3.1.3 The ARR for a given Control Period, under Hybrid Till mis calculated as
5
𝐴𝑅𝑅 = ∑𝐴𝑅𝑅
𝑡
𝑡=1
𝐴𝑅𝑅 = (𝐹𝑅𝑜𝑅 𝑥 𝑅𝐴𝐵 )+𝐷 +𝑂 +𝑇 −𝑠 𝑥 𝑁𝐴𝑅
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡 𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
where,
t is the tariff year in the control period, ranging from 1 to 5
𝐴𝑅𝑅 is the Aggregate Revenue Requirement for tariff year ‘t’
𝑡
FRoR is the Fair Rate of Return for the Control Period
𝑅𝐴𝐵 is the Aeronautical Regulatory Asset Base for tariff year ‘t’
𝑡
𝐷 is the Depreciation corresponding to the Regulatory Asset Base for tariff year ‘t’
𝑡
𝑂 is the Aeronautical Operation and Maintenance expenditure for the tariff year ‘t’
𝑡
𝑇 is the Aeronautical taxation expense for the tariff year ‘t’
𝑡
s is the cross-subsidy factor for revenue from services other than Aeronautical services under the
Hybrid Till methodology followed by the Authority, s = 30%.
𝑁𝐴𝑅 is the Non-Aeronautical Revenue in tariff year ‘t’.
𝑡
3.1.4 Based on ARR, Yield per passenger (Y) is calculated as per the formula given below:
∑5 𝑃𝑉(𝐴𝑅𝑅 )
𝑡=1 𝑡
𝑌𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 (𝑌) =
∑5 𝑉𝐸
𝑡=1 𝑡
where,
PV (ARR) is the Present Value of ARR for all the tariff years. All cash flows are assumed to occur
t
at the end of the year. The Authority has considered discounting cash flows, one year from the start
of the Control Period.
VE is the passenger traffic in year ‘t’
t
3.1.5 All the figures presented in this Consultation Paper have been rounded off up to two decimals.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 28 of 253FRAMEWORK FOR TARIFF DETERMINATION OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
3.2 Revenues from Air Navigation Services (ANS)
3.2.1 TKIAL will be performing aeronautical services such as landing, parking, ground handling, cargo, and fuel
supply services at TRV and has submitted revenue projections for the same in the Third Control Period in its
MYTP. However, AAI shall be handling the Air Navigation Systems (ANS) at TRV and hence the MYTP
submitted by TKIAL does not consider revenues, expenditure, and assets on account of ANS.
3.2.2 Tariff for ANS is presently regulated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). All the assets, expenses and
revenues pertaining to ANS are considered separately by the Ministry while determining tariff for ANS
services. Further, the tariff for ANS services is determined at the Central level by the Ministry to ensure
uniformity across the Airports in the Country. Hence, AERA determines tariff for Aeronautical services of
TKIAL by excluding the assets, expenses, and revenues from ANS.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 29 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
4 TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
4.1 Background
4.1.1 AAI entered into a Concession Agreement dated 19th January 2021 with Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)
International Airport Limited (TKIAL, the ‘Concessionaire’) to operate, manage and develop TRV,
Thiruvananthapuram for a period of 50 years commencing from the Commercial Operation Date (COD), i.e.,
14th October 2021.
4.1.2 As per the Concession Agreement between AAI and TKIAL (Clause 28.11.3), the amount which was due and
payable by the Concessionaire to AAI, is subject to reconciliation, true up and final determination by AERA.
4.1.3 Pursuant to the above Concession Agreement, AAI has submitted True up workings for the Second Control
Period and for period from 1st April 2021 up to 13th October 2021.
4.1.4 The true up workings submitted by AAI covers the following building blocks:
i. Traffic
ii. Regulatory Asset Base
iii. Depreciation
iv. Fair Rate of Return
v. Operation and Maintenance Expenses
vi. Return on Land
vii. Non-aeronautical Revenue
viii. Aeronautical Revenue
ix. Taxes
4.1.5 The Authority has examined AAI’s true up submission in detail. Analysis of the Authority, has been organized
as follows:
i. Recorded AAI's submission regarding different regulatory building blocks for true up of the Second
Control Period and Pre-COD Period
ii. Recapped the decisions taken by the Authority in the Tariff Order for the Second Control Period (Order
No. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017)
iii. Provided Authority's examination and proposals regarding the true up calculation of each regulatory
building block for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
4.1.6 The Authority has considered the following documents for determining true up for the Second Control Period
and Pre-COD Period:
i. Tariff Order for Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (Order No. 03/2017-18) dated 2nd June 2017.
ii. Trial balance figures of AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
iii. AERA Guidelines and Orders
iv. Authority’s decisions on the Regulatory Building Blocks as per previously issued Tariff Orders of other
airports.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 30 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
4.2 AAI’s submission of True up for Second Control Period and Pre-COD period (from FY
2016-17 to COD)
4.2.1 AAI has submitted a True Up submission on 14th December 2022. The details of the submission made by
AAI have been provided below:
Table 8 : Submission of True up by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre- Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
COD (B) (A+B)
(A)
Opening RAB 357.01 454.87 437.76 450.07 485.12 507.88
Closing RAB 454.87 437.76 450.07 485.12 507.88 503.87
Average Regulatory Asset
405.94 446.32 443.92 467.60 496.50 505.88
Base (RAB)
Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) 14% 14% 14% 14% 14% 14%
Return on Average RAB 56.83 62.48 62.15 65.46 69.51 316.44 38.03 354.47
Depreciation 29.48 33.56 37.55 39.92 43.04 183.55 22.74 206.29
Operating Expenditure 111.01 136.60 152.05 169.01 127.64 696.30 70.78 767.08
Interest on Working Capital - - - - - - 0.68 0.68
Return on Land - - - - - - 0.33 0.33
Corporate Tax - 5.04 28.39 4.44 - 37.88 156.44 194.32
Add: Carry forward of
Shortfall from First Control 158.83 - - - - 158.83 - 158.83
Period
Less: Deductions for Non-
16.69 17.43 22.59 26.64 7.37 90.72 6.84 97.56
aeronautical Revenues
Total ARR 339.47 220.24 257.55 252.20 232.82 1,302.28 282.16 1,584.44
Revenue earned from
137.07 214.14 271.75 229.27 60.46 912.70 39.32 952.01
Aeronautical Services
(Excess) / Shortfall 202.40 6.10 (14.20) 22.93 172.35 389.59 242.84 632.43
PV Factor 1.81 1.59 1.39 1.22 1.07 1.00
PV of (Excess) / Shortfall 366.89 9.71 -19.81 28.05 184.98 569.83 242.84 812.67
4.3 Authority’s examination of True up submitted by AAI for Second Control Period and
Pre-COD Period
4.3.1 The Authority has taken cognizance of the decisions taken at the time of determination of tariff for the Second
Control Period and has then proceeded to examine the same as part of the tariff determination for the current
Control Period.
4.3.2 The decisions taken at the time of determination of tariff for Aeronautical services for the Second Control
Period vide Order No. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017 have been reproduced below:
Table 9 : Decisions taken by the Authority in Order no. 03/2017-18 for the Second Control Period
S. No Particulars Decision no. and Description
1 Traffic Forecast 3a. The Authority decides to consider the ATM and passenger traffic as per
Table 19.
3b. The Authority decides to true up the traffic volume (ATM and passengers)
based on actual traffic in the 2nd Control period while determining tariff
for the 3rd control period.
2 Opening Regulatory 5a. The Authority decides to consider the opening regulatory base for the 2nd
Asset Base control period under Hybrid Till as Rs. 344.54 crores.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 31 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
S. No Particulars Decision no. and Description
3 Capital Expenditure 6a. The Authority decides to consider allowable project cost of Rs. 471 crores
and accordingly to reckon the amount of Rs. 471 crores as addition for
total assets during the 2nd control period.
6b. The Authority directs AAI to undertake user stakeholder consultation
process for major capital expenditure items as per the Guidelines.
6c. The Authority decides to true up the Opening RAB of the next control
period depending on the capital expenditure incurred and date of
capitalization of underlying assets in a given year.
4 Depreciation 7a. The Authority decides to adopt depreciation rates as per Table 28 and
depreciation for the 2nd control period as per Table 29.
7b. The Authority proposes to consider the recommendations of the study on
depreciation and finalize the depreciation rates in consultation with the
stakeholders. It shall make necessary adjustments in RAB and true up of
depreciation while considering tariff determination in future.
5 RAB 8a. The Authority decides to consider RAB for the 2nd control period as given
in Table 31.
8b. The Authority decides to true up the RAB of 2nd control period based on
actual asset addition and revised depreciation rates based on the
Authority’s decision on the study commissioned by the Authority, at the
time of determination of tariff for the 3rd control period.
6 FRoR 9a. The Authority decides to consider the FRoR at 14% for TRV for the 1st
and 2nd control period.
9b. The Authority decides to undertake a study to determine FRoR for major
AAI airports given the low debt structure of AAI as a whole.
7 Non-Aeronautical 10a. The Authority decides to consider the revenues accruing to AAI on
Revenues account of the aeronautical services of Cargo facility, Ground Handling
Services and Supply of fuel to aircraft (FTC) including land lease rentals
and building rent from these activities as aeronautical revenue.
10b. The Authority decides to consider the Non-Aeronautical revenue as per
Table 35.
10c. The Authority decides that Non-Aeronautical revenues will be trued up if
it is higher than the projected revenues. In case there is a shortfall, true up
would be undertaken only if the Authority is satisfied that there are
reasonably sufficient grounds for not realizing the projected revenues.
8 Operation and 11a. The Authority decides to consider the operational and maintenance
Maintenance Expenditure expenditure as given in Table 41, for the purpose of determination of
aeronautical tariffs for the 2nd control period.
11b. The Authority expects AAI to reduce O&M expenditure over a period of
time.
11c. The Authority decides to true up the O&M expenditure for 2016-17 to
2020-21 of the 2nd control period based on the actuals at the time of
determination of tariffs for the 3rd control period.
9 Taxation 12a. The Authority decides to consider the corporate tax for aeronautical
activities as per Table 43 for the 2nd control period.
12b. The Authority decides to true up the difference between the actual/
apportioned corporate tax paid and that estimated by the Authority for the
2nd control period during determination of tariffs for the 3rd control period.
10 Aeronautical Revenue 13a. The Authority decides to consider the Annual Tariff proposals as given in
Table 46 (and Annexure) for determination of tariff during 2nd control
period as the present value of proposed revenues (yield) by AAI is lower
than the present value of ARR (yield) as per Authority.
13b. The Authority decides to continue with waiver of landing charges for (a)
aircraft with a maximum certified capacity of less than 80 seats, being
operated by domestic scheduled operators (b) Helicopters of all types as
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S. No Particulars Decision no. and Description
approved by Govt. of India vide order no. G.17018/7/2001- AAI dated 9th
February 2004 in order to encourage and promote intra-regional
connectivity at TRV.
13c. The Authority decides to provide waiver of landing and other charges in
line with Order No. 20/2016-17 dated 31st March 2017 of the Authority.
13d. The Authority decides to merge UDF and PSF (facilitation) charges and
only UDF charges to be applicable on each domestic and international
embarking passenger w.e.f. 1st July 2017.
13e. The Authority decides to consider shortfall/ excess in revenues for the 2nd
control period based on proposed tariffs by AAI while determining
aeronautical tariffs for the 3rd control period.
4.4 True up of Traffic
AAI’s submission for true up of Traffic for Second Control Period and Pre-COD period
4.4.1 AAI has submitted the following passenger and ATM traffic based on actuals for the Second Control Period
and Pre-COD Period:
Table 10 : AAI’s submission for True up of traffic for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period
for TRV
Passenger (in Nos) ATM (in Nos)
Year
Domestic International Total Domestic International Total
FY 17 1,571,767 2,309,742 3,881,509 12,473 16,644 29,117
FY 18 1,916,127 2,477,342 4,393,469 14,680 19,058 33,738
FY 19 1,904,908 2,529,551 4,434,459 14,452 18,641 33,093
FY 20 1,709,229 2,209,964 3,919,193 14,030 14,812 28,842
FY 21 476,559 458,876 935,435 5,111 4,202 9,313
Total (FY17 to FY21) 7,578,590 9,985,475 17,564,065 60,746 73,357 134,103
Pre-COD (1st April 2021
263,194 302,459 565,653 3,125 3,428 6,553
to 13th October 2021)
Recap of decisions taken by the Authority for Traffic at the time of tariff determination for the Second
Control Period
4.4.2 The Authority vide decision no. 3 of Order no 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017 decided the following with
respect to Traffic for Second Control Period:
• Decision no. 3.a. The Authority decides to consider the ATM and Passenger traffic as per Table 19.
• Decision no. 3.b. The Authority decides to true up the traffic volume (ATM and Passengers) based on
actual traffic in 2nd control period while determining tariffs for the 3rd Control Period.
Table 11: Traffic as approved by the Authority for Second Control Period (Table 19 of Second Control
Period order)
Passenger (In Nos) ATM (In Nos)
Year
Domestic International Total Domestic International Total
FY 17 1,555,119 2,388,270 3,943,389 12,600 16,961 29,561
FY 18 1,772,835 2,507,684 4,280,519 13,860 17,640 31,499
FY 19 2,021,032 2,633,068 4,654,100 15,246 18,345 33,591
FY 20 2,303,976 2,764,721 5,068,698 16,770 19,079 35,849
FY 21 2,626,533 2,902,957 5,529,490 18,447 19,842 38,289
Total 10,279,495 13,196,700 23,476,196 76,923 91,867 168,789
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Authority’s examination and proposal for Traffic as part of True-up of the Second Control Period and
the Pre-COD Period
4.4.3 The Authority verified the actual Passenger traffic and ATM (as per Table 10) for the Second Control Period
based on the details available on AAI’s website and noted no variances.
4.4.4 The Authority examined the actual passenger traffic and ATM of TRV with the traffic projections approved
by the Authority for the Second Control Period (as per Table 11) and noted that the actual Passenger and
ATM traffic for the first three tariff years of the Second Control Period is more or less in line with that
approved by the Authority in the Tariff Order for the Second Control Period, with minor deviations.
4.4.5 The Authority notes that there has been a decrease in the Passenger and ATM traffic from FY 2019-20 due
to the closure of operations by Jet Airways with no replacement for vacant slots and the impact of COVID-
19 pandemic towards the end of FY 2019-20.
4.4.6 The actual traffic for the 5th tariff year viz., FY 2020-21 is significantly lower than the projections in Tariff
order for the Second Control Period, due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
4.4.7 Further, the Authority has considered the actual traffic handled in FY 2021-22 till COD for true up of the Pre
COD period as AAI has operated the Airport till 13th October 2021 and the remaining period of FY 2021-22
is post COD when the traffic was handled by TKIAL.
4.4.8 Based on the above facts, the Authority proposes to consider the actual passenger traffic and ATM as
submitted by AAI for true up of the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period as given in Table 10.
4.5 True up of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)
AAI’s submission for true up of RAB for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period:
4.5.1 AAI has submitted the details of capital additions during the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period as
follows:
Table 12: Capital Additions incurred during Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period submitted
by AAI
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre-COD* Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
(B) (A+B)
(A)
Aero additions (A) 128.31 16.38 49.76 73.74 68.05 336.24 17.60 353.84
Non-aero additions (B) 0.00 0.04 0.11 0.03 0.05 0.23 - 0.23
Other additions** (C) 0.17 2.11 4.45 3.23 1.72 11.68 - 11.68
Total additions (A + B + C) 128.47 18.53 54.32 77.01 69.82 348.15 17.60 365.75
* Pre-COD refers to the period from 1st April 2021 to 13th October 2021
** Other Additions include assets related to Cargo and ANS/CNS operations like XBIS, DVOR, DVOR Building, HF RX Antenna,
Radio equipment test set, IP AMSS server network, etc.
4.5.2 AAI has classified the above capital additions into Aeronautical, Non-aeronautical, ANS and Common as
shown below:
Table 13: Asset Classification submitted by AAI
Asset
Asset Category Asset Sub-Category / Description
classification
Boundary-
Construction of boundary wall Aeronautical
Freehold
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Asset
Asset Category Asset Sub-Category / Description
classification
Extension of airside corridor & CISF barrack, construction of new fire station,
Aeronautical
provision of RCC ramp in NITB
Civil infrastructure works at ATC complex and for examination and renovation
Aeronautical
of toilet in ANS building
Provision of canopy in existing walkway, Provision of emergency Casualty
Aeronautical
Building center, modification of cargo complex
Freehold Civil infrastructure works at Cargo complex Aeronautical
Renovation of toilet in admin building Aeronautical
Construction of DVOR building, replacement of DVOR ANS
Provision of Casualty center, Modification of Arrival & Departure Hall Common
Provision of shed for parking in AAI residential Colony, children's park in AAI
Common
residential Colony
Computer Software application - MS Office 2016, 2019, Auto CAD for Civil engineering Aeronautical
Software MS office 2016 Aeronautical
Preparation table and benches for egress, Providing boarding gate counter,
Aeronautical
immigration counters & check in counters, Supply of chairs
Furniture &
Table and Chair for CNS/ATM block Aeronautical
Fixtures
Sofa, Locker, Visitors chair, Senate conference table, Supply of Optimizer Aeronautical
Acrylic Painting On Canvas, Statue etc Aeronautical
Furniture &
Procurement Of 250 Passenger Baggage Trolley Aeronautical
Fixture - Trolley
Complaint Kiosk, LED Monitors, Printers, LED Signages, Smart TV, CCTV Aeronautical
Office Equipment required at CNS/ATM department Aeronautical
Desktop/Scanner/Cards etc Aeronautical
Office Water Dispenser/telephone Cables/ID Card Machines Aeronautical
Appliances Termination of Toll Booth Camera Aeronautical
Procurement of IT infrastructure for Common User Domestic Cargo Terminal
Aeronautical
(CUDCT)
Precision biometric integrated attendance, matrix biometric device Common
Integration of tower ATS automation with AOCC, Provision of way findings
signage, Replacement of existing old DG sets & CCR, Supply of threat
Aeronautical
containment vessel, CUTE & CUSS, scanner, keyboard, Runway rubber
removal machine
Replacement of conventional lamp, SITC of RF links for remote sites CNS,
SITC 10KVA MOD UPS for IPAMSS CNS, providing comprehensive VCS at Aeronautical
AAI, SITC of augmentation of tower ATS automation
Supply of weighing scale Aeronautical
Plant & Provision of ventilation for DTB & Admin, BAS device, SITC of network
Aeronautical
Equipment - equipment, ALCO SENSOR IVCM with printer
Freehold Provision of addl. AC units at various locations, Replacement of cooling towers
at NITB, SITC of CCTV upgradation, Provision of garden lighting at NITB, Aeronautical
Procurement of boom lift
Toll booth Aeronautical
SITC of Cargo XBIS Cargo*
SITC of HF RX antenna, Procurement of survey equipment, Procurement of
ANS
WAN routers for ADP and AMSS, Procure radio communication test set
Biometric access control systems, Replacement of old split/window AC Common
Provision of borewell, standby pumps, rewiring of residential colony Common
Plant &
Equipment - XBIS Lease Aeronautical
Leasehold
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Asset
Asset Category Asset Sub-Category / Description
classification
Runway,
Resurfacing & strengthening of runway, construction of additional apron,
Taxiway & Aeronautical
extension of parallel taxi track
Apron
Solar Panel SITC of 500 KWP grid connected solar Aeronautical
Ambulance, BDDS & Dog Squad vehicles, Mobile command post, tractor, tow
Aeronautical
tug trolley
Vehicle
Cargo trolley Cargo*
Vehicles used for ANS activities ANS
*Cargo assets are Assets related to bonded cargo activities within the airport operational area managed by the AAI until FY 2016-
17
4.5.3 Further, AAI has submitted that the above common assets have been allocated into aeronautical and non-
aeronautical by using the following ratios:
Table 14: Ratios submitted by AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Pre-COD*
Employee Head Count Ratio 98.41% : 98.31% : 98.01% : 98.51% : 98.44% : 98.28% :
(Aeronautical : Non-Aeronautical) 1.59% 1.69% 1.99% 1.49% 1.56% 1.72%
Staff Quarters Ratio (Aeronautical : 78.12% : 78.12% : 74.07% : 73.91% : 71.43% : 85.00% :
ANS) 21.88% 21.88% 25.93% 26.09% 28.57% 15.00%
Terminal Building Ratio (Aeronautical
92% : 8%
: Non-Aeronautical)
*Pre-COD refers to the period from 1st April 2021 to 13th October 2021
4.5.4 Considering the above, AAI has submitted RAB for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period as
follows:
Table 15: RAB for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period submitted by AAI
(Rs. in crores)
SCP Pre-
Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total COD
(A+B)
(A) (B)
Opening RAB (A) 357.01 454.87 437.76 450.07 485.12 507.88*
Addition (B) 128.31 16.38 49.76 73.74 68.05 336.24 17.60 353.84
Addition - Financing Allowance (C) 2.05 0.14 0.32 2.89 3.23 8.64 1.41 10.05
Depreciation (D) 29.48 33.56 37.55 39.92 43.04 183.55 22.74 206.29
Depreciation - Financing Allowance
0.01 0.07 0.09 0.17 0.35 0.69 0.27 0.96
(E)
Sales/Disposals/Transfers (F) 3.01 - 0.14 1.48 5.14 9.77 - 9.77
Closing RAB (G = A + B + C - D -
454.87 437.76 450.07 485.12 507.88* 503.87
E - F)
Average RAB [(A + G) ÷ 2] 405.94 446.31 443.91 467.59 496.50 505.87
* Opening RAB for the Pre COD period is the closing RAB of FY 2020-21
Recap of decision taken by the Authority for RAB at the time of tariff determination for the Second
Control Period
4.5.5 The Authority vide its decision no. 5, 6 and 8 of Order no. 03/2017-2018 dated 2nd June 2017 decided the
following with respect to Opening Aeronautical RAB, Additions and RAB for Second Control Period:
• Decision no. 5.a The Authority decides to consider the opening regulatory base for the 2nd Control Period
under Hybrid Till as Rs. 344.54 crore.
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• Decision no. 6.a. The Authority decides to consider allowable project cost of Rs. 471 crores and
accordingly to reckon the amount of Rs. 471 crores as addition for total assets during the 2nd control
period.
• Decision no. 6.c. The Authority decides to true up the Opening RAB of the next control period depending
on the capital expenditure incurred and date of capitalization of underlying assets in a given year.
• Decision no. 8.a. The Authority decides to consider RAB for 2nd Control Period as given in Table 31.
Table 16: RAB as approved by Authority in the Tariff Order for Second Control Period (Table 31 of
the Order)
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
Opening RAB (A) 344.54 419.13 422.47 391.53 381.67
Addition (B) 105.00 36.00 - 20.00 310.00 471.00
Depreciation (C) 30.41 32.66 30.94 29.86 34.87 158.74
Sales/Disposals/Transfers (D) - - - - - -
Closing RAB (E = A + B – C – D) 419.13 422.46 391.52 381.66 656.80
Average RAB [(A + E) ÷ 2] 381.83 420.79 406.99 386.59 519.23
• Decision no. 8.b. The Authority decides to true up the RAB of 2nd control period based on actual asset
addition and revised depreciation rates based on the Authority’s decision on the study commissioned by
the Authority, at the time of determination of tariff for the 3rd control period.
Authority’s examination and proposal for RAB as part of tariff determination for the Second Control
Period and Pre-COD Period:
4.5.6 The Authority had undertaken the “Study on Allocation of Assets between Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical
Assets” to carry out a detailed analysis of the Regulatory Assets, apportion the common assets based on
appropriate ratios, and examine the assets transferred from AAI to TKIAL.
4.5.7 The Authority notes the following while comparing the RAB as submitted by AAI for true up (Table 15) and
that approved in Second Control Period tariff order (Table 16):
• There is a difference between Opening RAB as on 1st April 2016 as submitted by AAI and that approved
by AERA in the Second Control Period Order. This variation has been discussed in para 4.5.9.
• AAI has not capitalized a significant part of the additions of capital expenditure that it had proposed at
the time of determination of tariffs for the Second Control Period. The same has been discussed in para
4.5.13.
Opening RAB for the Second Control Period
4.5.8 The Authority notes that at the time of determination of tariff for the Second Control Period, in the Tariff
Order, the Opening RAB for FY 2016-17 was determined to be Rs. 344.54 crores (Decision No. 5a, Tariff
Order No. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017). The details are as follows:
Table 17: Opening RAB of Second Control Period approved by AERA in the Second Control Period
Order
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. Amount
Original Cost of Airport Aeronautical Assets excluding CNS/ATM related assets as on
A 420.00
01.04.2011
Aeronautical asset addition during the First Control Period B 128.15
Cost of Aeronautical Assets as on 31.03.2016 C = A + B 548.15
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Particulars Ref. Amount
Accumulated Depreciation as on 31.03.2016 D 203.61
Closing RAB as on 31.03.2016 E = C – D 344.54
Opening RAB as on 01.04.2016 F = E 344.54
4.5.9 For true-up, AAI has considered a slightly different value for Opening RAB for FY 2016-17 from what was
approved by AERA in the Tariff Order for TRV for the Second Control Period. The opening RAB submitted
by AAI as part of the true up proposal submission is Rs. 357.01 crores. On seeking clarification, AAI has
submitted the following justification for the difference of Rs. 12.48 crores – “the reason for variation is that
certain assets were inadvertently excluded during the tariff finalization process for the Second Control
Period. However, these assets were subsequently identified and included when transferring them to TKIAL.
Consequently, these assets have been duly considered and accounted for in the Opening RAB for the Second
Control Period”.
4.5.10 Based on the explanation provided by AAI and the comparison of the left-out assets (the list of left out assets
are detailed in Annexure 1 of Appendix 1) with the physical verification report (Joint Asset Reconciliation
Statement (JARS) dated 4th November 2022 signed between AAI and TKIAL team), it is noted that these
assets exclusively belong to TRV. Hence, the Authority proposes to include these left out assets as part of the
Opening RAB for FY 2016-17 of the Second Control Period.
4.5.11 Further, the Authority notes that the classification of the left-out assets by AAI aligns with the allocation
principles determined by the Authority in the Second Control Period for Opening RAB, as stated in para 8.3
of Order No. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017.
4.5.12 The Authority, based on the above facts, proposes to consider the opening RAB for true-up of the Second
Control Period as given below.
Table 18: Opening RAB for Second Control Period proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. Amount
Opening RAB as on 01.04.2016 as per Second Control Period
Table 17 344.54
Order (A)
Assets left out of opening block as on 1.04.2016 (B) Annexure 1 of the Independent Study 12.48
Revised Opening RAB as on 01.04.2016 (A + B) 357.01
Capital additions submitted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
4.5.13 The Authority notes differences between the approved figures in the Tariff Order for the Second Control
Period and the actual capitalization of aeronautical assets. The Tariff Order for the Second Control period had
projected a capitalization of aeronautical assets worth Rs. 471.00 crores by FY 2020-21, but as per AAI's
submission, Rs. 353.84 crores worth of aeronautical assets have been capitalized until the COD (Commercial
Operation Date).
The Authority reviewed the total capital additions provided by AAI and compared them with the capital
additions approved in the Second Control Period order as detailed below:
Table 19: Reconciliation of Additions considered in the Second Control Period Order and Actuals
incurred by AAI
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. Amount
Additions as per Second Control Period Order A 471.00
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Particulars Ref. Amount
Capital Expenditure proposed in Second Control Period but later deferred due to impact
B 274.95
of COVID-19 pandemic
Variance in cost between additions approved and incurred (refer para 4.5.14 b)) C 7.14
Additions capitalized in the Second Control Period but not approved by AERA in the
D 150.64
Second Control Period Order
E = A - B +
Total additions proposed by AAI in its True-up of Second Control Period 353.84
C + D
4.5.14 The Authority has analyzed the reasons for such differences which are detailed below:
a. Capex proposed in the Second Control Period amounting to Rs. 274.95 crores were deferred due to the
disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic and also since AAI was in the process of concessioning out
TRV to TKIAL.
b. The cost of assets commissioned by AAI as compared to the approved amount in Second Control Period
order resulted in cost overrun of Rs. 7.14 crores due to actual tendered costs being higher than the
estimates.
c. AAI capitalized assets worth Rs. 150.64 crores, which were not approved in the Second Control Period
Order. These assets were commissioned mainly for enhancing passenger facilitation (such as toilet
renovations), improving security (installing CCTV etc.), and maintaining the overall operational
efficiency of the airport like SITC of 500 KWP grid connected solar, provision of wayfinding signage,
replacement of existing old DG sets, threat containment vessel, integration of tower ATS automation with
AOCC etc.
4.5.15 Based on the above analysis, the Authority notes that the justification for the difference between the capital
additions as approved in the Tariff Order of the Second Control Period (Rs. 471.00 crores) and the actual
additions submitted by AAI (Rs. 353.84 crores) as explained above appear to be reasonable. Thus, the
Authority proposes to allow the actual capital expenditure submitted by AAI till COD for the purpose of true
up.
4.5.16 Further, the Authority, as part of its review, noted the following with respect to the RAB submitted by AAI:
a) Financing Allowance: It was observed that the RAB submitted by AAI included Financing Allowance
of Rs. 10.05 crores as additions to the Second Control Period. The Authority, considering the nature of
airport as being brown field, and the detailed explanation provided below in this regard, proposes not to
allow financing allowance as additions for the determination of RAB:
• Providing return on capital expenditure from the very beginning of construction will significantly
lower the risks for an airport operator and may require revisiting the return on equity allowed to airport
operators as the investment in the asset class will then be equated to risk free rate of return.
• Further, provision of Financing Allowance will disincentivize the Airport Operators from ensuring
timely completion of projects and delivery of services to the users. Therefore, a return should be
provided only when the assets are made available to the airport users except in the case of certain costs
like IDC that will have to be incurred if debt is used for funding projects.
• Furthermore, the future returns from the project should generate adequate amounts to cover the cost
of equity during the construction stage. The airport operator is adequately compensated for the risks
associated with the equity investments in a construction project once the project is capitalized by
means of a reasonable cost of equity.
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• Developments at greenfield airports inherently take longer durations to commission and
operationalize. Thus, airport operators would have to wait for a considerable duration before getting
returns on large capital projects. Keeping this in view, financing allowance was provisioned in the
initial stages to such airports. It may be further noted that financing allowance was never provided in
the case of brownfield airports like MIAL, DIAL and other AAI airports. Further, financing allowance
for greenfield airports of BIAL, HIAL, CIAL etc. was allowed only for the initial stages of their
development after which IDC was permitted on the debt portion of the proposed capital expenditure.
• It is pertinent to note that in case of a greenfield airport, investment in regulatory blocks by the Airport
Operator would not make the airport facilities available to the passengers. Brownfield and Greenfield
airports cannot be equated on this issue. In greenfield airports, the tariff is not applicable, and no
revenue is available to the Airport Operator till the aeronautical services have been created and put to
use. However, in the case of brownfield airports, where the AO brings in additional investments, the
airport facilities are mobilized and enabled to other functional parts of the airport, which remains
functional, and the AO continues to collect charges from the users. In the case of TRV, the Airport
ought to be considered as a brownfield airport, which would not be eligible for an allowance on equity
portion of newly funded capital projects.
• Financing Allowance is a notional allowance and different from interest during construction.
Therefore, the provision of Financing Allowance on the entire capital work in progress would lead to
a difference between the projected capitalization and actual cost incurred, especially when the Airport
Operator funds the projects through a mix of equity and debt.
b) Financial Lease Assets (Accounting treatment Adjustment):
• It was observed that assets worth Rs. 3.10 crores were acquired under a contract to operate the X-ray
Baggage Inspection Systems (XBIS) using a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. According to this
contract, AAI leased the XBIS system for a period of 6 years, with an annual lease payment of Rs.
0.65 crores. Initially, AAI treated this lease as an operating lease, recording the lease payment as part
of its O&M expenses until FY 2018-19.
• However, in FY 2019-20, due to the implementation of accounting standard on leases, AAI
reclassified the lease from an operating lease to a "Financial Lease." Consequently, the asset value of
Rs. 3.10 crores were included as additions to the Regulated Asset Base (RAB).
• The Authority proposes that these assets would not be considered as part of the RAB additions but
would be considered as an Operating expense based on the lease nature of the transaction.
c) Interest on Capital Expenditure during Construction (Rs. 0.16 crores):
• The Authority noted that interest on Capital expenditure has been included in Operation and
Maintenance expenses for the Second Control Period. It was explained by AAI that the interest is
associated with a loan obtained from AXIS Bank in FY 2020-21 at the headquarters level. This
interest has been allocated to the station (TRV) based on the portion of the loan utilized for acquiring
capital assets. According to the Study and Direction 5 of AERA, interest on Capital Expenditure
represents the financing cost incurred in acquiring capital assets. Therefore, this cost should be
capitalized and considered as part of RAB in order to claim a return on investment. Hence, the
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Authority proposes to consider this cost as a part of capital additions commissioned and acquired
through debt in FY 2020-21 and Pre-COD period.
d) Left out Assets (Rs. 1.12 crores):
• Further to the submission in the MYTP, the Authority notes that AAI has informed vide email dated
17th November 2023 that it had inadvertently left out two assets amounting to Rs. 1.12 crores
capitalized in FY 2017-18, while submitting the proposal for true up of RAB as on COD. These relate
to assets which were constructed by or available with Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Limited
(KSIE) that were transferred/handed over to AAI. The Authority also notes that AAI has informed
that these were later transferred to TKIAL along with other assets on COD. The Authority thus
proposes to consider these assets as part of RAB additions for the purpose of true up.
4.5.17 Taking the above factors into account, the Authority proposes the following revised capital additions for the
purpose of true up of the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period:
Table 20: Adjustments made to Additions submitted by AAI and proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre-COD Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
(B) (A+B)
(A)
As per AAI
Aero Additions (A)* 128.31 16.38 49.76 73.74 68.05 336.24 17.60 353.84
Non-aero additions (B) 0.00 0.04 0.11 0.03 0.05 0.23 - 0.23
Other additions (C) 0.17 2.11 4.45 3.23 1.72 11.68 - 11.68
Total Additions (D = A + B
128.47 18.53 54.32 77.01 69.82 348.15 17.60 365.75
+ C)
Exclusions
Financial Lease (Aero) (Ref.
- - - 3.10 - 3.10 - 3.10
4.5.16 b)) (E)
Inclusion
IDC – Aero (F) - - - - 0.11 0.11 0.04 0.16
IDC – Non-Aero (G) - - - - - - - -
IDC – ANS (H) - - - - 0.002 0.002 - 0.002
Left out assets – Aero (Ref.
- 1.12 - - - 1.12 - 1.12
4.5.16 d)) (I)
Additions as per the Study
Aero Additions (J = A – E +
128.31 17.50 49.76 70.64 68.16 334.37 17.64 352.01
F + I)
Non-aero additions (K = B +
0.00 0.04 0.11 0.03 0.05 0.23 - 0.23
G)
Other additions (L = C + H) 0.17 2.11 4.45 3.23 1.73 11.69 - 11.69
Total Additions (M = J + K
128.47 19.65 54.32 73.91 69.93 346.29 17.64 363.93
+ L)
*Excludes Financing Allowance (refer Table 15)
Reclassification and Reallocation of assets submitted by AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-
COD Period
4.5.18 The Authority has commissioned an independent study through the Consultant appointed by AERA on
allocation of assets between Aeronautical and Non-aeronautical services for TRV for the Second Control
Period and FY 2021-22 (Pre and Post COD of AAI and TKIAL respectively) (summary of the study is given
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 41 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
in Annexure 1 and the Study is attached as Appendix 1) and used the recommendation of the study, while
truing up the RAB till COD, i.e., 13th October 2021 for AAI.
4.5.19 The Authority notes that the Independent Study has provided a broad framework for allocation of various
classes of airport assets into Aeronautical, Non-aeronautical and Common. The process followed by the Study
is as follows:
• The assets responsible for/ used exclusively for the provision of aeronautical (as defined in section 2 (a)
of the AERA Act,2008) services have been classified as ‘Aeronautical’ for the purposes of Study.
Additionally, the decisions of AERA on allocation of certain assets in the previous control periods and in
the case of other airports have also been taken into consideration for this exercise.
• Assets which are solely used for the provision of services other than aeronautical services are classified
as ‘Non-Aeronautical’.
• If any asset is not exclusively used for the provision of either Aeronautical service or Non-Aeronautical
service, it has been classified as ‘Common’.
• Apart from being an airport operator, AAI is also responsible for the provision of Air Navigation Services
(ANS) over the Indian airspace. Therefore, certain ANS assets also form part of the books of AAI.
However, since this service is managed separately by AAI and the tariff for the same are presently
regulated by Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the assets related to the same are not considered under
the RAB of AAI. Therefore, such assets have been excluded from the Aeronautical Gross Block of AAI.
• However, certain ANS related assets were also transferred to TKIAL as on COD. As per the terms of the
Concession Agreement, AAI would continue to provide ANS services at TRV. As mentioned in Schedule
Q of Clause 20.2.1 of the Concession Agreement, TKIAL is required to make available all necessary civil
infrastructure and necessary support to AAI for providing ANS services. Therefore, the ANS related
assets, when transferred to the books of the TKIAL, would be considered as aeronautical in nature
considering that TKIAL is not providing or charging for ANS services at TRV whereas it is required to
provide the supporting infrastructure.
• Aeronautical assets (e.g. aerobridges, among others) are directly added to RAB and assets identified to
be Non-Aeronautical (e.g. commercial complex) are excluded from it. The assets that have been classified
as Common assets need to be further bifurcated into aeronautical and non-aeronautical based on a suitable
ratio. This ratio has been determined based on the underlying proportion of their expected utilization for
Aeronautical and Non-aeronautical services and activities at the Airport.
4.5.20 The Authority upon reviewing allocation of assets conducted in the Study, has made the following
observations and proposals regarding AAI’s submission of allocation ratios and classification of assets to be
considered for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period:
• Revision of Allocation Ratios: The bifurcation of common assets to aeronautical and non-aeronautical is
based on three ratios i.e., Terminal Building Ratio (TBLR), Employee Head Count Ratio (EHCR) and
Staff Quarters Ratio (QTR). A comprehensive evaluation of these ratios, as submitted by AAI, has been
undertaken in the Study. After evaluating the analysis presented in the Study, the Authority agrees with
the recommendations and proposes the following ratios to be considered for the allocation of common
assets (for a more detailed explanation, refer to section 4.4 of the Study on Allocation of Assets):
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 42 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
Table 21: Allocation Ratios submitted by AAI and recomputed by the Authority
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Pre-COD
Submitted by AAI
Employee Ratio (Aero : 98.41% : 98.31% : 98.01% : 98.51% : 98.44% : 98.28% :
Non-Aero) 1.59% 1.69% 1.99% 1.49% 1.56% 1.72%
Terminal Building
Ratio (Aero : Non- 92.00% : 8.00%
Aero)
Staff Quarter Ratio 78.12% : 78.12% : 74.07% : 73.91% : 71.43% : 85.00% :
(Aeronautical : ANS) 21.88% 21.88% 25.93% 26.09% 28.57% 15.00%
Proposed by the Authority as per the Independent Stud y
Employee Ratio (Aero : 94.73% : 94.12% : 94.02% : 93.86% : 93.78% : 92.50%:
Non-Aero) 5.27% 5.88% 5.98% 6.14% 6.22% 7.50%
Terminal Building
Ratio (Aero : Non- 90% : 10%
Aero)
Staff Quarters Ratio 78.12% : 78.12% : 74.07% : 73.91% : 71.43% : 85.00% :
(Aeronautical : ANS) 21.88% 21.88% 25.93% 26.09% 28.57% 15.00%
• Based on the examination of the submission made by AAI, the Authority concurs with the majority of
the asset allocation methodology adopted in the submission by AAI, except as specifically identified
in the table below. Further, assets have been analysed on a case-to-case basis and in case of any
discrepancies identified in allocation, appropriate reclassification has been made for such assets.
Table 22: Reclassification of assets capitalized in the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Asset classification as per
Asset Asset Sub-Category /
Reason for Reclassification Independent Impact
Category Description AAI
Study
Boundary- Construction of boundary
- Aero Aero -
Freehold wall
Extension of airside
corridor & CISF barrack,
construction of new fire - Aero Aero -
station, provision of RCC
ramp in NITB
The construction of civil
Civil infrastructure works at infrastructure at the ANS
ATC complex and for building led to its
Aero ANS -0.21
examination and renovation reclassification as ANS and
Building of toilet in ANS building subsequent removal from
Freehold RAB.
Provision of canopy in
existing walkway,
Provision of emergency Assets are pertaining to Common
Aero -0.16
Casualty centre, Terminal Building (TBLR)
modification of cargo
complex
The civil infrastructure
Civil infrastructure works at Not
works were undertaken for Aero -0.26
Cargo complex Considered*
Cargo complex, thus treated
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 43 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
Asset classification as per
Asset Asset Sub-Category /
Reason for Reclassification Independent Impact
Category Description AAI
Study
as Cargo, and removed from
RAB
The renovation of the toilet
facilities in the
administrative building,
which is exclusively used by
employees of AAI, resulted
Renovation of toilet in Common
in the reclassification of the Aero -0.02
admin building (EHCR)
asset as "common."
Consequently, the allocation
of this asset is now based on
the Employee Head Count
Ratio.
Construction of DVOR
building replacement of - ANS ANS -
DVOR
Provision of Casualty
Change in % of Terminal Common Common
centre, Modification of -0.04
Building ratio. (TBLR) (TBLR)
Arrival & Departure Hall
Provision of shed for
parking in AAI residential Common
- Common (QTR) -
Colony, children's park in (QTR)
AAI residential Colony
Software application - MS
Office 2016, 2019, Auto - Aero Aero -
CAD for Civil engineering
It is used by the employees of
Computer
AAI, thus the MS office 2016
Software
has been classified as Common
MS office 2016 Aero -0.00
common and allocated based (EHCR)
on Employee Head Count
Ratio
Preparation table and
benches for egress,
Providing boarding gate
- Aero Aero -
counter, immigration
counters & check in
counters, Supply of chairs
The table and chairs are
Table and Chair for
purchased for CNS block. Aero ANS -0.01
CNS/ATM block
Thus, classified as ANS.
Furniture The assets like Sofa, Locker,
& Fixtures Visitors chair etc. were
Sofa, Locker, Visitors chair, purchased for employees of
Common
Senate conference table, AAI at TRV. Thus, classified Aero -0.01
(EHCR)
Supply of Optimizer as common and allocated
based on Employee Head
Count Ratio
The assets like Acrylic
Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Painting on Canvas, Statue Common
Aero -0.04
Statue etc etc are for aesthetic (TBLR)
enhancement of the airport
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 44 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
Asset classification as per
Asset Asset Sub-Category /
Reason for Reclassification Independent Impact
Category Description AAI
Study
premises. It is not directly
related to the core
aeronautical operations or
safety requirements of the
airport. Thus, considered as
common.
Furniture
Procurement Of 250
& Fixture - - Aero Aero -
Passenger Baggage Trolley
Trolley
Complaint Kiosk, LED
Monitors, Printers, LED - Aero Aero -
Signages, Smart TV, CCTV
Office Equipment required Office Equipment purchased
Aero ANS -0.06
at CNS/ATM department for CNS/ATM department.
Desktop/Scanner/Cards etc-
Common
Desktop/Scanner/Cards etc Used for employees of AAI Aero -0.02
(EHCR)
sitting in Admin Building
Water Dispenser/telephone
Cables assets are for both
Water Dispenser/telephone Common
Aeronautical and Non- Aero -0.01
Cables/ID Card Machines (TBLR)
Aeronautical activities. Thus,
Office
classified as common.
Appliances
Termination of Toll Booth
Termination of Toll Booth Camera is at the Car park
Aero Non-Aero -0.04
Camera area which is a non-
aeronautical area
Procurement of IT
Procurement of IT
infrastructure - It is for Cargo Aero Not considered* -0.01
infrastructure
Operations
Precision biometric
Precision biometric integrated attendance, matrix
Common Common
integrated attendance, biometric device- Used for -0.00
(EHCR) (EHCR)
matrix biometric device employees of AAI sitting in
Admin Building
Integration of tower ATC
automation with AOCC,
Provision of way findings
signage, Replacement of
existing old DG sets &
- Aero Aero -
CCR, Supply of threat
containment vessel, CUTE
Plant & & CUSS, scanner,
Equipment keyboard, Runway rubber
– Freehold removal machine
Replacement of
conventional lamp, SITC of
RF links for remote sites
Assets used in CNS
CNS, SITC 10KVA MOD Aero ANS -0.79
department
UPS for IPAMSS CNS,
providing comprehensive
VCS at AAI, SITC of
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 45 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
Asset classification as per
Asset Asset Sub-Category /
Reason for Reclassification Independent Impact
Category Description AAI
Study
augmentation of tower ATC
automation
Supply of weighing scale was
Not
Supply of weighing scale purchased for cargo Aero -0.00
Considered*
operations
Provision of ventilation for
DTB & Admin, BAS
device, SITC of network BAS device etc. is used by Common
Aero -0.04
equipment, ALCO employees of AAI. (EHCR)
SENSOR IVCM with
printer
Provision of additional AC
units at various locations, Replacement of conventional
Replacement of cooling light & lighting fittings etc
towers at NITB, SITC of are done at Terminal building Common
Aero -0.84
CCTV upgradation, which is used for both aero (TBLR)
Provision of garden lighting and non-aeronautic activities.
at NITB, Procurement of Thus, classified as common.
boom lift
Procurement of boom lift &
Toll booth Aero Non-Aero -0.14
toll booth
Not
SITC of Cargo XBIS - Cargo -
Considered*
SITC of HF RX antenna,
Procurement of survey
equipment, Procurement of
- ANS ANS -
WAN routers for ADP and
AMSS, Procure radio
communication test set
Biometric access control
Change in % of Employee Common Common
systems, Replacement of -0.14
Head Count Ratio. (EHCR) (EHCR)
old split/window AC
Provision of borewell,
Common
standby pumps, rewiring of - Common (QTR) -
(QTR)
residential colony
Plant &
Equipment
XBIS Lease - Aero Aero -
-
Leasehold
Resurfacing &
Runway, strengthening of runway,
Taxiway & construction of additional - Aero Aero -
Apron apron, extension of parallel
taxi track
SITC of 500 KWP grid
Solar Panel - Aero Aero -
connected solar
Ambulance, BDDS & Dog
Squad vehicles, Mobile
- Aero Aero -
command post, tractor, tow
Vehicle
tug trolley
Not
Cargo trolley - Cargo -
Considered*
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 46 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
Asset classification as per
Asset Asset Sub-Category /
Reason for Reclassification Independent Impact
Category Description AAI
Study
Vehicles used for ANS
- ANS ANS -
activities
Total -2.84
* Cargo assets are Assets related to bonded cargo activities within the airport operational area managed by the AAI until FY 2016-
17
4.5.21 As can be seen above, due to the reclassification of assets proposed by the Authority, there is an impact of
Rs. 2.84 crores (reduction) in the aeronautical capital additions of AAI from FY 2016-17 till COD.
4.5.22 The break-up of the revised aeronautical capital additions given above, across Second Control Period and
Pre-COD is as follows:
Table 23: Revised aeronautical capital additions from FY 2016-17 till COD proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
SCP Pre-
Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total COD
(A+B)
(A) (B)
As per AAI submission (A) 128.31 16.38 49.76 73.74 68.05 336.24 17.60 353.84
As per the Independent Study (B) 127.71 16.95 49.41 70.26 67.37 331.69 17.48 349.17
Variance (A – B) 0.60 (0.57) 0.35 3.48 0.68 4.55 0.12 4.67*
* The variance of Rs. 4.67 crores is due to exclusion of lease asset of Rs. 3.10 crores (refer para 4.5.16 b), inclusion of IDC of Rs.
0.16 crores (refer para 4.5.16 c), inclusion of left out assets of Rs. 1.12 crores (refer para 4.5.16 d) and reclassification of Rs. 2.84
crores (Table 22)
4.5.23 Based on the above resultant revision to capital additions, the Authority proposes the following Aeronautical
Gross Block for AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre COD period:
Table 24: Gross Block proposed by the Authority for Second Control Period and Pre COD period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Pre-COD
As per AAI Submission
Aeronautical Gross Block (A) 684.41 700.79 749.45 821.44 883.13 900.73
Non-Aeronautical Gross Block (B) 21.76 21.80 21.90 21.93 21.95 21.95
Other Assets Gross Block (C) 38.53 40.64 45.09 48.31 50.04 50.04
Total Gross Block (D = A + B + C) 744.70 763.23 816.44 891.69 955.12 972.72
Percentage Aeronautical (E = A ÷ D) 91.90% 91.82% 91.79% 92.12% 92.46% 92.60%
Proposed by the Authority as per the Independent Study
Aeronautical Gross Block (F) 683.82 700.76 749.07 817.57 878.58 896.06
Non-Aeronautical Gross Block (G) 21.91 22.40 22.76 23.13 23.45 23.46
Other Assets Gross Block (H) 38.98 41.19 45.73 49.01 51.23 51.38
Total Gross Block (I = F + G + H) 744.70 764.36 817.57 889.71 953.26 970.90
Percentage Aeronautical (J = F ÷ I) 91.82% 91.68% 91.62% 91.89% 92.17% 92.29%
Variance (K = J - E) -0.08% -0.14% -0.17% -0.23% -0.30% -0.31%
4.6 True up of Depreciation
AAI’s submission for true up of Aeronautical Depreciation for Second Control Period and Pre-COD
period
4.6.1 AAI has submitted that depreciation has been calculated based on AERA approved rates provided in the tariff
order of the Second Control Period. AAI has computed the aeronautical depreciation for the Second Control
Period and Pre-COD Period as follows:
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 47 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
Table 25: Aeronautical depreciation submitted by AAI for True up of Second Control Period and Pre-
COD Period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre-COD Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
(B) (A+B)
(A)
Depreciation as per AAI (refer
29.48 33.56 37.55 39.92 43.04 183.55 22.74 206.29
Table 8)
Recap of decision taken by the Authority for depreciation at the time of tariff determination for the
Second Control Period:
4.6.2 The Authority vide its decision no. 7 of order No. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017 decided the following with
respect to depreciation for Second Control Period.
• Decision no. 7.a.: The Authority decided to adopt depreciation rates as per Table 28 and depreciation
for the 2nd control period as per Table 29.
Table 26: Depreciation rates as submitted by AAI and as considered by the Authority in the Second
Control Period (Table 28 of Second Control Period order)
S. As per As per Authority As per Authority
Asset class
No AAI till FY14 – 2015 onwards
1 Free hold land 0% 0% 0%
2 Runways 13% 3.33% 3.33%
3 Taxiways 13% 3.33% 3.33%
4 Aprons 13% 3.33% 3.33%
5 Road, bridges & culverts 13% 1.63% 3.33%
6 Terminal & other buildings in operational area 8% 1.63% 3.33%
7 Building-Temporary 100% 100% 33.33%
8 Building-Residential 5% 1.63% 3.33%
9 Fencing-Temporary 100% 100% 33.33%
10 Other buildings -Unclassified 8% 1.63% 3.33%
11 Computers & IT H/w & accessories 20% 16.21% 16.67%
12 Plant and Machinery 11% 4.75% 6.67%
13 Tool and Plant 20% 4.75% 6.67%
14 Office Furniture & fixtures 20% 6.33% 10%
15 Other Vehicles 14% 9.50% 12.50%
16 Electric Installations & AC 11% 4.75% 10%
17 Other Office Equipment 18% 4.75% 20%
18 F&F- operational area 20% 6.33% 10%
19 XBIS (X-RAY Baggage) 11% 4.75% 6.67%
20 CFT 13% 4.75% 6.67%
21 Boundary wall -Operational 8% 1.63% 3.33%
22 Intangible assets - computer s/w 20% 20% 20%
23 Boundary wall- Residential 5% 1.63% 3.33%
24 Vehicle (Car/Jeep) 14% 9.50% 12.50%
Table 27: Depreciation considered by the Authority in the Second Control Period Order (Table 29 of
Second Control Period Order)
(Rs. in crores)
S. No Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
1 As per AAI 60.93 58.67 52.65 45.62 70.63 288.51
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S. No Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
2 As per Authority 30.41 32.66 30.94 29.86 34.86 158.74
• Decision no. 7.b.: The Authority decides to consider the recommendations of the study on depreciation
and finalize the depreciation rates in consultation with the stakeholders. It shall make necessary
adjustments in RAB and true up depreciation while considering tariff determination in future.
Authority’s examination and proposal for Aeronautical Depreciation as part of tariff determination
for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period:
4.6.3 The Authority notes that for the purposes of true up, AAI has calculated the depreciation for the period from
1st April 2016 to 31st March 2018 using the depreciation rates approved by AERA in the tariff order of the
Second Control Period till FY 2017-18 and for the period from 1st April 2018 to COD, the depreciation has
been determined by considering the useful life as prescribed under AERA Order No. 35/2017-18 dated 12th
January 2018.
4.6.4 Upon review of the depreciation rates used by AAI for additions, the Authority observed that they were in
line with the rates specified in AERA Order No. 35/2017-18 dated 12th January 2018, except for trolleys,
office appliances and solar panels. AAI submitted that this deviation from Order 35/2017-18 was an oversight
and should be corrected. Therefore, the Authority proposes to adjust the depreciation rates for these specific
items according to Order 35/2017-18 and recalculate the depreciation accordingly.
4.6.5 The Authority has computed depreciation for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period, after making
necessary adjustments to the assets excluded from RAB and the same is presented as follows:
Table 28: Depreciation proposed by the Authority for Second Control Period and Pre-COD period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre-COD Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
(B) (A+B)
(A)
Depreciation as per AAI (A) (refer
29.48 33.56 37.55 39.92 43.04 183.55 22.74 206.29
Table 8)
Adjustments due to reclassification of
-0.02 -0.03 -0.13 -0.36 -0.35 -0.90 -0.21 -1.11
assets (B)
Depreciation proposed by the
29.46 33.52 37.43 39.56 42.69 182.65 22.53 205.19
Authority (A + B)
4.6.6 The Authority proposes to consider depreciation as per Table 28 for true up of the Second Control Period and
Pre-COD period.
4.7 True up of Regulatory Asset Base (RAB)
4.7.1 After considering all the aforementioned analysis and adjustments, the Authority has determined the
following RAB for each year during the Second Control Period and the Pre-COD Period:
Table 29: RAB for Second Control Period and Pre COD period proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
SCP Pre-
Total
Particulars Ref. FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total COD
(A+B)
(A) (B)
As per AAI Submission
Opening RAB (F) 357.01 454.87 437.76 450.07 485.12 507.88
Table 15
Addition (G) 130.36 16.52 50.09 76.63 71.28 344.88 19.01 363.88
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 49 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
SCP Pre-
Total
Particulars Ref. FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total COD
(A+B)
(A) (B)
Depreciation (H)* 29.49 33.63 37.64 40.09 43.39 184.24 23.01 207.26
Sales/Disposals/Transfers
3.01 - 0.14 1.48 5.14 9.77 - 9.77
(I)
Closing RAB (J = F+G-
454.87 437.76 450.07 485.12 507.88 503.87
H-I)
Average RAB [(F + J) ÷
405.94 446.31 443.91 467.59 496.50 505.87
2]
Proposed by the Authority as per the Independent Study
Opening RAB (A) Table 18 357.01 452.25 435.68 447.52 476.74 496.28
Addition (B) Table 23 127.71 16.95 49.41 70.26 67.37 331.69 17.48 349.17
Depreciation (C) Table 28 29.46 33.52 37.43 39.56 42.69 182.65 22.53 205.19
Sales/Disposals/Transfers
3.01 - 0.14 1.48 5.14 9.77 - 9.77
(D)**
Closing RAB (E = A+B-
452.25 435.68 447.52 476.74 496.28 491.23
C-D)
Average RAB [(A + E) ÷
404.63 443.96 441.60 462.13 486.51 493.75
2]
*Includes depreciation of Rs. 0.96 crores on Financing Allowance
**Mainly relates to Runway Rubber Removal Machine, XBIS, CFT/Firefighting equipment etc.
Deemed Initial RAB
4.7.2 As per Concession Agreement, TKIAL shall be liable to pay to AAI an amount equivalent to investments
made by AAI in aeronautical assets as of COD and as considered by the Authority as part of Regulatory Asset
Base (RAB) subject to reconciliation, true up and final determination by the Authority. The relevant clauses
of the concession agreement in this regard are mentioned below:
Clause 28.11.3
(a) It is agreed by the parties that the concessionaire shall be liable to pay to the Authority an amount
equivalent to the investments made by the Authority in the Aeronautical Assets as of the COD and considered
by the Regulator as part of the Regulatory Asset Base, subject to requisite reconciliation, true-up and final
determination by the Regulator of the quantum of such investment ("Deemed Initial RAB").
(b) The estimated depreciated value of investments made by the Authority in the Aeronautical Assets at the
Airport as on 31st March 2018 is Rs. 424,00,00,000 (Rupees Four Hundred and Twenty Four crore)
("Estimated Deemed Initial RAB"). It is agreed by the Parties that the Estimated Deemed Initial RAB shall
be due and payable by the Concessionaire to the Authority within 90 (ninety) days of COD.
Clause 28.11.4
"Pursuant to the payment of the Estimated Deemed Initial RAB, and upon the reconciliation, true-up and
final determination by the Regulator of the quantum of the investment under 28.11.3(a), any surplus or deficit
in the Estimated Deemed Initial RAB with respect to the Deemed Initial RAB shall be adjusted as part of the
Balancing Payment that becomes due and payable as per Clause 31.4 after the expiry of 15 (fifteen) days
from such final determination by the Regulator, with due adjustment for the following ("Adjusted Deemed
Initial RAB"):
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 50 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
(a) reduced to the extent of over-recoveries, if any, of Aeronautical Revenues by the Authority until the COD,
that the Regulator would provide for as a downward adjustment while determining Aeronautical Charges
for the next Control Period; or
(b) increased to the extent of under-recoveries, if any, of Aeronautical Revenues by the Authority until the
COD, that the Regulator would provide for as an upward adjustment while determining Aeronautical
Charges for the next Control Period.
The amount(s) to be paid by the Authority or Concessionaire shall be the present value of Adjusted Deemed
Initial RAB calculated using the fair rate of return as determined by the Regulator for the time period from
the COD to the date of actual payment of the Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB.
Clause 28.11.5
Upon reimbursement of such amount by the Concessionaire to the Authority, the Deemed Initial RAB will,
in addition to the investments made by the Concessionaire, be considered for the purpose of determination
of Aeronautical Charges by the Regulator.
(a) The Authority undertakes to make any required supporting submissions to the Regulator towards such
consideration and determination by the Regulator.
(b) The parties shall submit to and request the Regulator to separately identify the Deemed Initial RAB in
future determinations of Aeronautical Charges with regard to consideration of depreciation, required
returns etc.
4.7.3 The Authority notes that in November 2022, members from both the AAI and TKIAL teams collaborated to
conduct a physical verification of the assets. Following this verification, they jointly signed the fixed asset
register to confirm the assets' status as of COD. TKIAL has accepted that the value of aeronautical assets
transferred by AAI as on COD was Rs. 486.21 crores and that the value of ANS related assets transferred was
Rs. 0.05 crores as detailed in Joint Asset Reconciliation Statement (JARS).
4.7.4 Taking cognizance of the above clauses in the Concession Agreement and adjustments & reclassification
proposed by the Authority based on the outcome of the independent study conducted by the Independent
Consultant appointed by AERA on allocation of assets for TRV, Thiruvananthapuram, including
disallowance of Financing Allowance, exclusion of Financial lease assets, inclusion of IDC and the left out
assets, reclassification of assets and the resulting change in depreciation, the Authority has determined the
Deemed Initial RAB as on COD, as follows:
Table 30: Deemed Initial RAB for TKIAL as on COD considered by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Non-
Aeronautical Other
Aeronautical Total
Particulars Ref. Assets Assets
Assets
(A) (B) (C) D = (A + B +C)
Closing RAB as on 13th October 2021,
Table 15 503.87 1.59 9.97 515.43
as submitted by AAI (A)
Financing Allowance net of Para
-9.08 - - -9.08
depreciation (B) 4.5.16a)
Para
Financial Lease Assets (C) -3.10 - - -3.10
4.5.16b)
Para
IDC (D) 0.16 - 0.00 0.16
4.5.16c)
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Non-
Aeronautical Other
Aeronautical Total
Particulars Ref. Assets Assets
Assets
(A) (B) (C) D = (A + B +C)
Para
Left out assets (E) 1.12 - - 1.12
4.5.16d)
Reclassification of assets (F) Table 22 -2.84 1.50 1.34 -
Change in depreciation (G) Table 28 1.11 (0.31) (0.25) 0.54
Net block of assets as on 13th October
2021 after reclassification and other
491.23 2.79 11.05 505.07
adjustments as per the Study [H =
sum (A to G)]
Less: Assets retained by AAI (I) 8.00 0.07 10.51 18.59
Net block of assets transferred by
AAI to TKIAL as on 13th October 483.23 2.71 0.54 486.48
2021 (J = H - I)
Other Assets* (ANS & Cargo)
Table 22 0.54 - -0.54 -
considered as aeronautical (K)
Opening RAB of TKIAL as on 14th
483.77 2.71 - 486.48
October 2021 (L = J + K)
* Other Assets include assets related to Cargo and ANS/CNS operations which has been transferred to TKIAL. This asset has been
considered as part of RAB in TKIAL submission. Cargo assets are Assets related to bonded cargo activities within the airport
operational area which was managed by the AAI until FY 2016-17 but after transfer, the cargo activities are undertaken by TKIAL
itself. Therefore, the study considers it as part of Initial RAB of TKIAL.
4.7.5 Therefore, the Deemed Initial RAB which would be the opening RAB for TKIAL as on COD is determined
by the Authority to be Rs. 483.77 crores.
4.8 True up of Fair Rate of Return (FRoR)
AAI’s submissions on the Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) for Second Control Period and Pre-COD period
4.8.1 AAI has considered Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) as 14% in MYTP for true up of Second Control Period and
Pre COD period based on the decision taken in Order no. 03/2017-2018 dated 2nd June 2017 of TRV for tariff
determination of Second Control Period.
Recap of decision taken by the Authority for FRoR at the time of tariff determination for the Second
Control Period
4.8.2 The Authority vide Decision no. 9 of the Order no. 03/2017-2018 dated 2nd June 2017 decided the following
with respect to Fair Rate of Return for the Second Control Period
• Decision no 9.a. The Authority decides to consider the FRoR at 14% for TRV for the 1st and 2nd Control
Period.
• Decision no 9.b. The Authority decides to undertake a study to determine FRoR for major AAI airports
given the low debt structure of AAI as a whole.
Authority’s examination and proposal for true up of Fair Rate of Return for Second Control Period
and Pre-COD period
4.8.3 The Authority noted that interest on Capital expenditure has been included in Operation and Maintenance
expenses in FY 2020-21 and Pre COD period (1st April 2021 to 13th October 2021). Upon seeking clarification
from AAI about the nature of interest, AAI submitted that the interest is associated with Term Loan of Rs.
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2,100 crores which was raised from M/s. Axis Bank Ltd to meet part of its Capital Expenditure for FY 2020-
21 at an interest rate of 6.21% for AAI Airports. The term loan was disbursed to TRV from FY 2020-21 as
per the Capital expenditure requirement. However, AAI has not considered the cost of debt factor into FRoR
computation.
4.8.4 The Authority had earlier considered the Fair Rate of Return at 14% for most of the major AAI airports.
Accordingly, the Authority decided to consider the Fair Rate of Return at 14% in the Second Control Period
order considering that for TRV internal accruals were sufficient to meet capital expenditure requirement and
accordingly no loan was required and FRoR was arrived at 14%.
4.8.5 In the Tariff Order for the Second Control Period, the Authority had decided to commission a study with
regard to determination of FRoR and true up the same. The Authority notes that the capital structure of AAI
is not cost efficient and is highly equity leveraged. AAI has taken steps to make its capital structure efficient
by availing debt in FY 2020-21 for executing capital expansion plans at certain Airports (which also includes
TRV). However, TRV has been concessioned out to TKIAL. Hence, at this juncture, the Authority does not
intend to conduct an independent study for assessing the normative capital structure.
4.8.6 The Authority notes that as per AAI’s replies to queries dated 19th June 2023, loan amounting to Rs. 11.23
crores and Rs. 1.94 crores were disbursed for incurring the capital expenditure in FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-
22.
4.8.7 Therefore, the Authority proposes to consider the cost of equity at 14%, for true up of the first four tariff years
of the Second Control Period and thereafter to rework the FRoR considering loan disbursed for fifth tariff
year of the Second Control Period and the Pre COD period. The revised FRoR for the Second Control Period
and Pre COD period are as given below.
Table 31: FRoR proposed by the Authority for true up of the Second Control Period and Pre COD
period
Particulars Ref FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Pre-COD
Cost of Equity (%) G 14.00% 14.00% 14.00% 14.00% 14.00% 14.00%
Cost of Debt (%) H - - - - 6.21% 6.21%
Equity % C 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 98.29% 99.70%
Debt % D - - - - 1.71% 0.30%
E = (A * C) +
FRoR (%) 14.00% 14.00% 14.00% 14.00% 13.87% 13.97%
(B * D)
Weighted Average FRoR F 13.97%
4.8.8 Further, it is to be noted that AAI operated the Airport in FY 2021-22 till 13th October 2021. Therefore, AAI
is eligible to claim return on RAB only till the COD. Hence, for FY 2021-22, the Authority proposes to pro-
rate the FRoR for 196 days during which AAI operated the Airport. The pro-rated FRoR for FY 2021-22 (till
COD) has been computed as follows:
FRoR COD = FRoR* n/ 365
where FRoR is the fair rate of return for the entire FY 2021-22, FRoR COD is the pro-rated FRoR for the
period till COD and n is the number of days in operation by AAI in FY 2021-22.
4.8.9 Based on the above approach the pro-rated FRoR for Pre COD period has been computed as follows:
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Table 32: Pro-rated FRoR proposed by the Authority for true up of Pre-COD period
Particulars Value (%)
FRoR for FY 2021-22 (A) 13.97%
Number of days of operations in FY 2021-22 (B) 196
Pro-rated FRoR for FY 2021-22 (till COD) (A*B/365) 7.50%
4.8.10 Based on the above analysis, the Authority proposes to consider FRoR as 13.97% for true up of the Second
Control Period and 7.50% for FY 2021-22 (up to COD) for true up of the Pre-COD period.
4.9 True up of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenses
AAI’s submission for true up of Operation and Maintenance expenses for Second Control Period and
Pre-COD period
4.9.1 The component wise break up of Aeronautical Operation and Maintenance expenses submitted by AAI for
the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period is as follows:
Table 33: O&M expenses submitted by AAI for true-up of Second Control Period & Pre-COD Period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre- Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
COD (B) (A+B)
(A)
Employee Benefit Expenses 48.71 60.58 74.97 78.42 58.01 320.70 33.30 354.00
A&G Expenses 2.61 1.90 2.56 3.92 5.59 16.58 0.04 16.62
CHQ & RHQ Expenses 32.58 43.44 42.45 52.47 31.11 202.05 17.54 219.59
R&M Expense 11.95 11.46 12.54 12.46 15.65 64.05 9.61 73.66
Utility & Outsourcing Expenses 13.64 16.57 16.52 18.68 16.83 82.25 9.63 91.88
Other Outflows 1.53 2.64 3.01 3.06 0.45 10.68 0.66 11.33
Total O&M Expenditure 111.01 136.60 152.05 169.01 127.64 696.30 70.78 767.08
4.9.2 The above submission of aeronautical operational expenses by AAI is based on the classification as given
below:
Table 34: O&M expenses classification adopted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD
Period
Expense Allocation
Expense Category Expense Sub-Category / Description
Classification Basis
Employee Benefit
Salary, wages & bonus Common EHCR
Expenses
Advertisement; Arbitration Expenses; Legal Charges; Common Actuals
Other fees like Aerodrome license; Travelling and
Conveyance; Freight Charges/Shifting Expenses;
Insurance Cost; Rent, Rates & Taxes; Municipal Taxes;
Consultancy/Advisory Expenses; Interest & Solatium; Aeronautical 100%
A&G Expenses
Interest Capex Term Loan Axis; Interest on Finance
Lease XBIS; Prior Period (PP) Exp-Admin & other
expense
Books, Journals & Periodicals; Telephone Charges;
Common EHCR
Office Expenses; Other Sundry Expenses
Civil Works; Electrical Works Common TBLR
Furniture & Fittings; Electronics Common EHCR
R&M Expenses R&M Build Operate Transfer (BOT) XBIS Lease;
Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) Expenses; Aeronautical 100%
Inline Baggage Manpower; Vehicle
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Expense Allocation
Expense Category Expense Sub-Category / Description
Classification Basis
CHQ/RHQ Expenses CHQ/RHQ expenses allocated to TRV Common 95%
Power Charges Common Electricity Ratio
Water Charges Aeronautical 100%
Consumption of other consumables Common TBLR
Consumption of paper glass; Consumption of Petrol,
Utility & Outsourcing Oil, Lubricant (Car & Jeeps); Hire charges for Aeronautical 100%
Expenses cars/jeeps; Other hire charges
Watch & Ward Exp./Other Security Contracts;
Conservancy Charges/Cleaning Contracts
Common TBLR
Environmental Support Services (ESS); Upkeep
Mechanized Environmental Support Services (MESS)
Collection charges on UDF; Collection charges paid to
Other Outflows IATA (Aero charges); Collection charges on Passenger Aeronautical 100%
Service Fee (PSF)
4.9.3 The following allocation ratios have been used by AAI for allocation of above Common expenses to
Aeronautical and Non-aeronautical expenses:
Table 35: Allocation ratios adopted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Pre-COD
74.50% : 72.31% : 71.37% : 70.22% : 70.07% : 68.02% :
EHCR (Aero : Non-
1.20% : 1.24% : 1.45% : 1.06% : 1.11% : 1.19% :
Aero : ANS)
24.30% 26.45% 27.18% 28.72% 28.82% 30.79%
EHCR (Aero : Non- 98.41% : 98.31% : 98.01% : 98.51% : 98.44% : 98.28% :
Aero) 1.59% 1.69% 1.99% 1.49% 1.56% 1.72%
Terminal Building
92.34% : 92.12% : 92.21% : 92.19% : 93.29% : 91.59% :
Ratio (Aero : Non-
7.66% 7.88% 7.79% 7.81% 6.71% 8.41%
Aero)
80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% :
Electricity Ratio (Aero
0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% :
: Non-Aero : ANS)
19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55%
Recap of decision taken by the Authority for Operation and Maintenance expenses at the time of tariff
determination for the Second Control Period
4.9.4 The Authority vide Decision no. 11 of Order no. 03/2017-2018 dated 2nd June 2017 for the Second Control
Period had decided the total O&M expenses to be Rs. 633.47 crores based on its analysis of the submissions
made by AAI.
• Decision no 11.a.: The Authority decides to consider the operational and maintenance expenditure as
given in Table 41, for the purpose of determination of aeronautical tariffs for the 2nd Control Period.
• Decision no 11.c.: The Authority decides to true up the O&M expenditure for 2016-17 to 2020-21 of the
2nd Control Period based on the actuals at the time of determination of tariff for the 3rd Control Period.
Table 36: O&M expenses considered by the Authority in the Second Control Period Order (Table 41
of the Order)
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
Employee Benefit Expenses 54.62 68.28 73.00 78.04 83.44 357.38
A&G Expenses 2.67 2.94 3.22 3.54 3.89 16.26
CHQ & RHQ Expenses 22.70 23.84 25.03 26.28 27.59 125.44
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Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
R&M Expense 9.87 10.85 11.94 13.13 14.44 60.23
Utility & Outsourcing Expenses 13.29 13.61 13.96 14.36 14.79 70.01
Other Outflows 0.75 0.79 0.83 0.87 0.91 4.15
Total 103.90 120.31 127.98 136.22 145.06 633.47
4.9.5 The following allocation ratios were adopted by the Authority for allocating the expenses in the Second
Control Period order:
Table 37: Allocation Ratio adopted by the Authority in the Second Control Period Order
Particulars %
Terminal Building Ratio (TBLR) 90%:10%
Employee Head Count Ratio (EHCR) 95%:5%
4.9.6 The major considerations, in terms of O&M expenses and allocation ratios, adopted by the Authority in the
Second Control Period order are as follows:
Para 7.6: The Authority observed that the percentage of non- aeronautical area is lower as compared to
similar airports. The Authority had proposed to adopt 90% as aeronautical area for asset allocation of
terminal related assets to encourage growth of Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR) which would cross-
subsidize aeronautical charges.
Para 7.16: The Authority notes that allocation ratio of 97.9% as mentioned by International Air Transport
Association (IATA) refers to the average allocation of total assets and not just terminal assets. As per AAI's
submissions, terminal related assets have been allocated based on 93.47%:6.53%, 93.11%:6.89% and
92.70%:7.30% respectively for FY 2015-16, FY 2016-17 and FY 2017-18. The Authority had proposed to
consider terminal related assets in the ratio of 90%:10% for aeronautical and non-aeronautical allocation.
Authority’s examination and proposal for Operation and Maintenance expenses as part of tariff
determination for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period:
4.9.7 The Authority has commissioned an independent study through the Consultant appointed by AERA on
efficient Operation and Maintenance expenses for TRV for the Second Control Period and FY 2021-22 (Pre
and Post COD of AAI and TKIAL respectively) (summary of the study is given in Annexure 2 and the Study
is attached as Appendix 2). The Study has included analyzing O&M expenses submitted by AAI, conducting
internal and external benchmarking, identifying cost drivers for allocation, and making necessary adjustments
for accurate expense alignment.
4.9.8 Based on outcomes of the Study on Opex for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period, the Authority
has made the following observations regarding AAI’s submission of O&M expenses under various heads for
the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period in the following sequence:
a) Allocation Ratios
b) Assessment and Rationalization of O&M expenses
c) Reclassification and Reallocation of Expenses
a) Allocation Ratios
Revision of the Terminal Building Ratio:
4.9.9 The Authority in the Second Control Period Order decided to adopt the Terminal Building Ratio as 90%:10%
(Aeronautical : Non-Aeronautical) (refer para 4.9.6 for extract of relevant paragraphs in the Second Control
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Period Order) to encourage the growth of non-aeronautical revenues which would cross-subsidize
aeronautical charges. Further it can be observed that in its computations, AAI has considered only the specific
areas allocated to commercial activities as non-aeronautical. The common areas have not been identified and
further bifurcated between aeronautical and non-aeronautical. Therefore, in light of the above, the Terminal
Building Ratio has been considered as 90:10 (Aeronautical : Non-Aeronautical) in line with the Authority’s
decision in Order No. 03 /2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017.
Revision of the Gross Block Ratio:
4.9.10 The Authority notes that AAI has used Terminal Building Ratio for allocation of certain expenses that are
incurred for the entire airport. However, the Authority observes that the Study recommends applying Gross
Block ratio (ratio of aeronautical gross block to total gross block) to such expenses which are common to
airport (detailed reasons for using Gross Block Ratio has been mentioned in paras 4.7.3 to 4.7.6 of the Study
on Allocation of Assets). Hence, in line with the Study’s proposal, the Authority proposes to consider Gross
Block Ratio as shown in Table 7 of the Study on Opex, presented as follows:
Table 38: Gross Block Ratio as per the Authority
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Pre-COD
Aero Gross Block % 91.82% 91.68% 91.62% 91.89% 92.17% 92.29%
Non-Aero Gross Block % 2.95% 2.93% 2.79% 2.60% 2.46% 2.42%
ANS Gross Block % 5.23% 5.39% 5.59% 5.51% 5.37% 5.29%
Revision of the Employee Head Count Ratio (EHCR):
4.9.11 The Authority analyzed the method used by AAI to calculate the Employee Head Count Ratio (EHCR). The
Authority observes that categorization of certain departments like Law, Housekeeping, Land Management,
and Medical were taken as aeronautical. The Authority is of the view that these departments offer services
not only to aeronautical areas but also to other departments and non-aeronautical areas. Thus, the Authority
proposes to reclassify these departments based on the nature of the services they offer.
Further, the Authority notes that even though the costs directly pertaining to ANS employees have been
excluded from the O&M expenses, the common expenses are included. Therefore, the Authority had
considered the common expenses allocated to ANS employees as deemed non-aeronautical and had
recomputed the Employee ratio as shown in Table 10 of the Study on Opex presented below:
Table 39: Employee Head Count Ratio as per the Authority
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Pre-COD
71.71%: 69.23%: 68.47%: 66.90%: 66.75%: 64.02%:
Aero: Non-
3.99%: 4.32%: 4.35%: 4.38%: 4.43%: 5.19%:
Aero: ANS
24.30% 26.45% 27.18% 28.72% 28.82% 30.79%
Aero: Non- 94.73%: 94.12%: 94.02%: 93.86%: 93.78%:
92.50%:7.50%
Aero 5.27% 5.88% 5.98% 6.14% 6.22%
Revision of the Electricity Ratio:
4.9.12 The Authority has received the rationale behind the electricity ratio used by AAI to divide electricity expenses
between ANS and the airport. AAI explained that the ratio is based on the average consumption of units by
ANS equipment. Since there are no separate meters, estimates of consumption are used to determine the
consumption by ANS. AAI recovers utility costs from non-aero concessionaires based on the load factor of
non-aero areas. The percentage of recoveries from non-aeronautical concessionaire ranges from 4.63% to
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11.87% as presented and computed in Table 12 of the Study on Opex. The Authority concurs with the
methodology used by AAI to compute the consumption, hence considers the electricity ratio submitted by
AAI to be appropriate.
4.9.13 Based on the above analysis of ratios, the Authority proposes to consider the following revised ratios for the
allocation of expenses of TRV for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period:
Table 40: Allocation Ratios submitted by AAI and recomputed by the Authority
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Pre-COD
Submitted by AAI
74.50%: 72.31% : 71.37% : 70.22% : 70.07% : 68.02% :
Employee Ratio (Aero
1.20% : 1.24% : 1.45% : 1.06% : 1.11% : 1.19% :
: Non-Aero : ANS)
24.30% 26.45% 27.18% 28.72% 28.82% 30.79%
Employee Ratio (Aero 98.41% : 98.31% : 98.01% : 98.51% : 98.44% : 98.28% :
: Non-Aero) 1.59% 1.69% 1.99% 1.49% 1.56% 1.72%
Terminal Building
92.34% : 92.12% : 92.21% : 92.19% : 93.29% : 91.59%:
Ratio (Aero : Non-
7.66% 7.88% 7.79% 7.81% 6.71% 8.41%
Aero)
80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% :
Electricity Ratio (Aero
0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% :
: Non-Aero : ANS)
19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55%
Recomputed as per
the Study
71.71% : 69.23% : 68.47% : 66.90% : 66.75% : 64.02% :
Employee Ratio (Aero
3.99% : 4.32% : 4.35% : 4.38% : 4.43% : 5.19% :
: Non-Aero : ANS)
24.30% 26.45% 27.18% 28.72% 28.82% 30.79%
Employee Ratio (Aero 94.73% : 94.12% : 94.02% : 93.86% : 93.78% : 92.50%:
: Non-Aero) 5.27% 5.88% 5.98% 6.14% 6.22% 7.50%
Terminal Building
Ratio (Aero : Non- 90% : 10% 90% : 10% 90% : 10% 90% : 10% 90% : 10% 90% : 10%
Aero)
80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% :
Electricity Ratio (Aero
0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% :
: Non-Aero : ANS)
19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55%
Gross Block Ratio 91.82% : 91.68% : 91.62% : 91.89% : 92.17% : 92.29% :
(Aero : Non-Aero : 2.95% : 2.93% : 2.79% : 2.60% : 2.46% : 2.42% :
ANS) 5.23% 5.39% 5.59% 5.51% 5.37% 5.29%
b) Assessment and Rationalization of O&M expenses
4.9.14 The Authority has taken note of the expenses related to the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
submitted by AAI. While conducting a comparison analysis with the approved expenses as per Second
Control Period order, the Study recognized that the Pre-COD period falls outside the 5-year control period.
To accurately assess and compare the expenses during the Pre-COD period, the Study computed estimated
figures by extrapolating the approved expenses from FY 2020-21 (as per the Second Control Period order) to
the Pre-COD period of 196 days. This extrapolation was done using the growth rate used to project expenses
for FY 2020-21 as specified in the order.
Upon review and analysis of the O&M expenses submitted by AAI for both the Second Control Period and
the Pre-COD Period, the Authority observed the following:
• Employee benefit expenses: The Authority observes that the actual expenses during Second Control
Period were mostly lower than the approved expenses mentioned in the Second Control Period Order,
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except for slight increases in FY 2018-19 and FY 2019-20 due to retirement benefits and flood-related
overtime expenses. The reduction in expenses during FY 2020-21 was attributed to the impact of COVID-
19 pandemic on staff numbers and retirement expenses.
Despite the overall reduction in expenses, employee expenses per passenger and per employee showed
an upward trend in average salaries and efficient resource utilization. However, the Authority notes that
the actual expenses remained within the approved limits set in the Second Control Period Order,
indicating steady spending by AAI.
Even during the Pre-COD period, it was observed that the employee expenses incurred were lower than
the estimated figures computed in the Study. This further supports the fact that expenses have been
reasonably incurred.
Taking into account these findings, the Authority considers that the employee benefit expenses submitted
by AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period are reasonable.
• Administrative and General (A&G) Expenses: The Authority has reviewed the A&G expenses
incurred by AAI for the Second Control Period, which amounted to Rs. 16.58 crores, slightly exceeding
the approved amount of Rs. 16.26 crores specified in the Second Control Period order. Several factors
contributing to this increase have been identified which include changes in travel policies resulting in
higher traveling expenses, delayed municipal tax demands, erroneous classification of telephone
expenses, interest and solatium expenses related to land acquisition, inclusion of interest and penalty
expenses, adjustments in lease accounting, and prior period expenses.
The Authority has examined each factor and proposes necessary adjustments to the A&G expenses
submitted by AAI for the Second Control Period. After applying appropriate adjustments, the revised
A&G expenses stand at Rs. 12.58 crores, as shown in Table 22 of the Study on Opex, which appears
reasonable. External benchmarking has indicated that AAI's expenses align well with other airports.
For the Pre-COD period, AAI has submitted A&G expenses of Rs. 0.04 crores, encompassing the same
line of expenses covered in the Second Control Period. Therefore, the Authority proposes to apply the
same adjustments as proposed for the A&G expenses of the Second Control Period. As a result, after
making the necessary adjustments, the revised A&G expenses for the Pre-COD period amount to Rs. 0.12
crores, as explained in detail in Table 50 of the Study on Opex.
Impact: The overall impact of these adjustments leads to a reduction of A&G expenses by Rs. 3.92 crores
for both the Second Control Period and Pre-COD periods.
• CHQ & RHQ Expenses: The Authority notes that the CHQ & RHQ expense incurred by AAI for the
Second Control Period of Rs. 202.05 crores is significantly higher than the approved amount of Rs. 125.44
crores as per the Second Control Period order. This has resulted in a variance of approximately 61%.
It was also observed that AAI reported higher CHQ & RHQ expenses for the Pre-COD period compared
to the estimated amount (refer Table 52 of the Study on Opex). The expense for the Pre-COD period was
calculated by applying a 5% growth rate to the actual expenses of FY 2020-21, as submitted by AAI,
since the workings for CHQ & RHQ expenses for FY 2021-22 were not finalized.
The Authority observes that the Study has carried out comprehensive analysis to examine and justify
these expenses. As a result, the CHQ & RHQ expenses were rationalized and reallocated which is detailed
below (for detailed analysis refer para 3.4.13 of the Study on Opex):
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Rationalization and reallocation of CHQ & RHQ Expense
The basis for allocation of AAI’s CHQ & RHQ Expenses to TRV and other airports was reviewed, and
the following were noted:
• All expenses incurred by CHQ & RHQ (such as staff costs, Administrative and other expenses,
Repairs & Maintenance, utilities, outsourcing expenses, etc.) are allocated to all AAI airports.
• All the above-mentioned expenses including Employee benefit expenses are allocated in the ratio of
revenues earned by each airport.
• Expenses such as legal costs, interest and penalties are related to specific airports. However, these
have also been allocated to the common pool and apportioned to all AAI airports.
Based on analysis of the major components of CHQ & RHQ Expenses for the period from FY 2016-17
to FY 2020-21 submitted by AAI, the following expense allocation has been proposed:
a) Pay and Allowances
• AAI has considered pay and allowances of Commercial department at CHQ & RHQ as Aeronautical
expenses, whereas it is proposed to consider such expenses as Non-Aeronautical.
• AAI has excluded pay and allowances of employees involved in ATM, Communications, Navigation
and Surveillance (CNS) and Cargo departments at CHQ & RHQ while determining the allocation to
the airport. However, costs of support services departments including HR, Finance, Civil, and
Terminal Management (Housekeeping) were not excluded in the determination of such allocation.
• CHQ & RHQ staff also provide services to Non-Aeronautical activities, Air Traffic Control (ATC)
and CNS cadres at respective airports for which appropriate adjustment was not carried out.
In order to give effect to the above re-allocation, it is proposed that 20% of CHQ & RHQ pay and
allowances be excluded towards adjustment for:
➢ Support services to ANS, Cargo and Commercial at CHQ, RHQ and Airports; and
➢ Officials of Directorate and Commercial
It is proposed that the balance 80% of CHQ & RHQ pay and allowances be allocated to airports.
b) Administrative and other expenses
• AAI has incurred legal and arbitration costs at CHQ & RHQ, which have been allocated across all
AAI airports instead of allocation to specific airports on a case-to-case basis.
• Further, AAI has paid interest and penalties to Government of India at CHQ & RHQ due to various
lapses and delays and allocated the same across all AAI airports instead of allocation to specific
airports on a case-to-case basis.
• As per Section 13 of the AERA Act, 2008 and International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO)
principle of ‘Cost-relatedness’, it is determined that CHQ/ RHQ expenses being allocated to TRV on
the basis of revenue results in large Y-o-Y variation in such expenses.
Accordingly, the revised allocation of CHQ & RHQ expenses to TRV is Rs. 133.72 crores as compared
to Rs. 202.05 crores allocated by AAI for the Second Control Period and Rs. 15.09 crores for the Pre-
COD period. The same has been proposed by carrying-out the following rationalization:
i. By excluding 20% of CHQ and RHQ pay and allowances towards adjustment for support services
to ANS, Cargo, Commercial at CHQ & RHQ and Officials of Directorate and Commercial
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ii. By excluding the allocated costs of legal and arbitration expenses and interest and penalties paid to
Government of India by AAI at CHQ & RHQ
The Authority is of the view that the users should pay only for the services availed by them. Further, in
line with Section 13 of the AERA Act, 2008 the Authority has a scope of determining tariff in respect of
Aeronautical services provided/ capital expenditure incurred only by that particular airport. This view is
also consistent with ICAO’s principle of ‘Cost-relatedness’. Based on the above principles, the Authority
has rationalized the CHQ/ RHQ expenses being allocated to TRV, Thiruvananthapuram. The Authority
feels that the allocation of CHQ & RHQ expenses by AAI on the basis of revenue is non-transparent and
an inefficient method, as it brings large variation in such expenses Y-o-Y, due to change in revenue and
is against the basic principle of cost relatedness in tariff determination. Further, as the revenue from these
airports goes up due to higher tariffs, it further leads to higher allocation of CHQ/RHQ expenses with
chain of cascading effect. The Authority, therefore, expects AAI to examine these issues in detail and
devise an effective and efficient method for allocation of CHQ & RHQ expenses as a priority.
Further, the Authority feels that AAI should exploit the potential of its non-traffic avenues fully so that
30% of the same, by cross subsidization, can be used to cover Aeronautical expenses.
Impact: The overall impact of these adjustments leads to a reduction of CHQ & RHQ expenses by Rs.
70.78 crores for both the Second Control Period and Pre-COD periods.
• Repairs and Maintenance (R&M) Expenses: The Authority upon examination observed that AAI’s
R&M expenses incurred during the Second Control period amounted to Rs. 64.05 crores, surpassing the
approved budget of Rs. 60.23 crores outlined in the Second Control Period order. Majority of the expenses
showed a steady growth rate, except for a significant spike of 26% in FY 2020-21. During the analysis,
specific areas with significant expenses were identified, including additional R&M expenses for Inline
Baggage Manpower and a 107% increase in electronic expenses in FY 2018-19 compared to the previous
year.
AAI justified these cost increases by attributing them to new contracts, security-related expenditures, and
spare equipment purchases. Regarding the Inline Baggage Manpower expense, AAI clarified that it
should have been categorized under Hiring Charges as part of the Utility & Outsourcing expense head,
rather than R&M expenses.
Considering the above, the Authority re-categorized the Inline Baggage Manpower expense to Utilities
& Outsourcing expenses and R&M-BOT XBIS lease to A&G expense (refer para 3.4.15.4 and 3.4.7.1
(8) (1) of the Study on Opex respectively). After necessary adjustments, the revised R&M expenses for
the Second Control Period and Pre-COD were found to be Rs. 59.89 crores and Rs. 9.58 crores,
respectively, which were deemed reasonable.
The Authority also analyzed the R&M expenses in relation to the Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) and
observed that the R&M expenses are reasonable and within the range of 6% of the Opening RAB
throughout the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period (refer Table 30 and Table 55 of Study on
Opex). This aligns with the methodology used for similar airports and further supports the reasonableness
of AAI’s R&M expenses.
In conclusion, the Authority’s comprehensive analysis suggests that AAI’s R&M expenses were justified
and reasonable, considering the explanations provided and the alignment with industry norms and
practices.
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• Utility and Outsourcing Expenses: The Authority notes that AAI exceeded the approved amount
mentioned in the Second Control Period order (Rs. 70.01 crores) and incurred a total cost of Rs. 82.25
crores. The Authority observes that in FY 2017-18, there were significant increases in expenses for
upkeep and watch & ward compared to the previous year. AAI justified the increase in upkeep expenses
due to additional requirements like implementing mechanized cleaning services. The watch & ward
expenses escalated due to the engagement of the Kerala traffic police for traffic control and increased
costs of the bird chaser contract. In FY 2020-21, the actual costs exceeded the projected figures in the
Second Control Period order despite COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The increase was attributed to
expenses related to hiring charges and other contracts for airport maintenance and cleanliness.
After adjustments for recategorization of inline baggage manpower cost from R&M expense to Utility
and Outsourcing Expense head, the revised expense for Second Control Period amounted to Rs. 84.74
crores.
For pre-COD Period, it can be observed that AAI has exceeded the estimated amount computed in the
Study. Upon analysis, it was noticed that in Pre-COD Period, the major expense was towards hiring
manpower for screening of Inline Baggage (ILBS) for Rs. 1.01 crores and trolley retrieval of Rs. 0.23
crores.
Overall, the analysis concludes that the expenses incurred were necessary for the proper functioning and
maintenance of the airport, and thus the Utility and Outsourcing Expenses appear to be reasonable.
External benchmarking analysis also suggests that AAI’s expenses are in line with those of comparable
airports.
• Other outflows: The Authority notes that AAI has exceeded the approved amount of Rs. 4.15 crores
specified in the Second Control Period order for Other Outflows by incurring a total of Rs. 10.68 crores.
The increase in expenses beyond the approved figures can be attributed mainly to the collection charges
paid to IATA, which were not included in the Second Control Period Order’s projected figures for
collection charges on User Development Fee (UDF) and Passenger Service Fee (PSF). However, after
careful consideration of the analysis, the Authority considers the expenses submitted by AAI for the
Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period to be reasonable. These expenses were necessary for the
collection of aeronautical revenue.
4.9.15 Further, the Authority observes that AAI has considered interest on working capital as a separate line item in
the true up of ARR. However, the Authority considers working capital interest as part of the Operations and
Maintenance (O&M) expenses. AAI has calculated working capital interest based on the actual revenue and
payment of expenses. According to their calculations, the need for working capital interest arose during the
Pre COD period.
The Authority, after careful consideration, observes that the expenses related to the Pre COD period have
been actualized, and there is no evidence of working capital interest being incurred in the books of TRV. As
a result, including the working capital interest in the true-up calculation appears unreasonable.
Therefore, the Authority proposes to exclude the working capital interest from the true-up process.
4.9.16 Based on the analysis and rationale provided in the above paras for each head of O&M expenses, the expenses
submitted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period have undergone adjustments. These
adjustments are summarized in the table below to determine the adjusted figure for subsequent reclassification
and reallocation:
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Table 41: Impact of Adjustments on the O&M Expenses proposed by the Authority for Second Control
Period and Pre-COD Period
(Rs. in crores)
Pre-
SCP Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 COD
Total (A) (A+B)
(B)
O&M expenses as submitted by AAI
111.01 136.60 152.05 169.01 127.64 696.30 70.78 767.08
(A)
Adjustment to
A&G Expenses (B) -1.19 0.21 0.54 -0.42 -3.14 -4.00 0.08 -3.92
CHQ/RHQ Expense (C) -17.91 -25.49 -11.75 -8.84 -4.35 -68.33 -2.45 -70.78
Repair and Maintenance Costs (D) - -0.29 -0.65 -0.55 -2.33 -3.82 - -3.82
Utilities & Outsourcing Expenses
- -0.02 -0.08 0.29 2.30 2.49 - 2.49
(E)
Total adjustments as per the
-19.10 -25.58 -11.93 -9.52 -7.52 -73.66 -2.37 -76.03
Study (F = B + C + D + E)
Adjusted O&M expenses as per the
91.91 111.01 140.11 159.48 120.12 622.64 68.40 691.05
Study (G = A + F)
c) Reclassification and Reallocation of Expenses
4.9.17 The Authority notes that the Study on efficient O&M expenses for TRV has allocated O&M expenses into
Aeronautical, Non-aeronautical and Common based on the following principles:
• Aeronautical Expenses: Expenses which are incurred for operation and maintenance of Aeronautical
assets were categorized as aeronautical expenses.
• Non-aeronautical Expenses: Expenses which are incurred for operation and maintenance of non-
aeronautical assets were categorized as non-aeronautical expenses.
• ANS Expenses: Expenses which are incurred for operation and maintenance of ANS assets were
categorized as ANS expenses.
• Common Expenses: Expenses for which the benefits or use cannot be exclusively linked to either
Aeronautical, Nonaeronautical or ANS were segregated as Common expenses.
4.9.18 The Authority has analysed the submission made by AAI on allocation of Common expenses into
Aeronautical and Non-aeronautical on a case-to-case basis and applied appropriate re-classification and
allocation ratio on the expenses wherever it noted discrepancies in the allocation of expenses by AAI in
accordance with principles presented above in para 4.9.17. The table below presents the expense classification
for aeronautical and common expenses, as well as the allocation ratio for each category and subcategory of
O&M expenses related to the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period submitted by AAI (Table 34)
together with Authority’s proposed classification and reasons:
Table 42: O&M expenses classification and allocation ratio adopted by AAI and proposed by the
Authority for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
Expense Sub- Expense Classification as
Expense
Category / per Reasons Ref*
Category
Description AAI Authority
It was noticed that AAI had
Employee previously categorized retirement
Salary, wages & Common Common Table 17
Benefit benefits allocated by CHQ as 100%
bonus (EHCR) (EHCR) & 46
Expenses aeronautical expenses until FY
2018-19. From that point onwards
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Expense Sub- Expense Classification as
Expense
Category / per Reasons Ref*
Category
Description AAI Authority
until COD, AAI has used EHCR
key (refer Table 34) to allocate the
cost. This has been addressed by
the Authority to rectify the
approach by applying the revised
ratio (Table 39) from FY 2016-17
onwards.
The Authority proposes to classify
these expenses as common, as they
are incurred for official purposes
and are expected to benefit the
entire organization. Traveling
Travelling expenses, expenditures on seminars
Expenses; and development courses, freight
Expenditure on charges, and insurance costs are
Seminar & Common likely to be shared across different
Development Aeronautical (EHCR - departments and units as
Course; (100%) Aero:Non- employees from various divisions
Freight Aero) engage in these activities.
Charges/Shifting Given the common nature of these
Expenses; expenses, the Authority proposes to
Insurance Costs apply a revised Employee Head
Count Ratio (EHCR) to allocate
these common expenses between
aeronautical (aero) and non-
aeronautical (non-aero)
departments.
The Authority proposes to classify
these expenses as common, as they
A&G Table 24
are associated with the facilities
Expenses & 51
used by the organization for its
Municipal Tax;
operations, benefiting the entire
Rent, Rates &
organization as a whole. Rent,
Taxes;
rates, taxes, and other professional
Other Professional
Aeronautical Common fees and expenses are not limited to
Fees & Expenses;
(100%) (GBR) specific departments but support
Interest &
various activities, including both
Solatium
aeronautical and non-aeronautical
Prior Period
operations.
Expenses
Given their common nature, the
Authority proposes allocating these
expenses by applying the gross
block ratio.
Books, Journals &
The Authority proposes to classify
Periodicals;
these expenses as common. These
Telephone
Common Common expenses benefit the entire
Charges;
(EHCR - (EHCR - organization as they contribute to
Office Expenses;
Aero:Non- Aero:Non- the smooth functioning, knowledge
Other Sundry
Aero:ANS) Aero:ANS) enhancement, and communication
Expenses;
needs of all departments. They are
Expenditure on
not specific to any department, thus
Rajbhasha
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Expense Sub- Expense Classification as
Expense
Category / per Reasons Ref*
Category
Description AAI Authority
making them suitable for common
classification.
To allocate these common
expenses among different
departments, the Authority
proposes to use the Employee Head
Count Ratio (EHCR) approach.
The EHCR ensures that the
expenses are distributed fairly
based on the number of employees
working for Aero, Non-aero or
ANS department.
Aeronautical The Authority conducted a
Common
Civil & Electrical (100%) / comprehensive analysis of each
(TBLR/GB
works Common line item of R&M expenses to
R/ EHCR)
(TBLR) ensure the accuracy of the
Furniture and Common Common allocations made by AAI. It was
Fittings (EHCR) (EHCR) observed that AAI had allocated
Aeronautical expenses based on actual data,
Common
(100%) / where specific breakdowns for
Electronics (TBLR/
Common Aero, Non-Aero, and ANS were
EHCR)
(EHCR) available. For the remaining
expenses categorized as common,
AAI applied relevant ratios for
R&M Table 32
allocation.
Expenses & 56
The Authority has considered the
actual allocation submitted by AAI
and for the common expenses,
proposes to reclassify and
Aeronautical Common
Vehicle reallocate using the principles and
(100%) (EHCR)
revised ratios presented in para
4.9.17 and Table 39 respectively.
This ensures that the allocation of
costs aligns more accurately with
the nature and utilization of these
expenses across different activities
within the Airport.
Hire Charges of
The Authority conducted a
Car/Jeeps; Common
comprehensive analysis of each
Consumption of Aeronautical (EHCR -
line item of Utility & Outsourcing
Petrol Oil, (100%) Aero:Non-
expenses to ensure the accuracy of
Lubricant (Car & Aero)
the allocations made by AAI.
Jeeps)
During the examination, it was
Utility & Water Costs;
Aeronautical Common observed that AAI had allocated Table 36
Outsourcing Other Hire
(100%) (GBR) expenses based on actual data, & 58
Expenses Charges
where specific breakdowns for
Consumption Of Common
Aero, Non-aero, and ANS were
Other Actuals (TBLR -
available. For the remaining
Consumables. 90:10)
expenses categorized as common,
Common
Watch & Ward Common AAI applied relevant ratios for
(TBLR -
Exp./Other (TBLR) allocation.
90:10)
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Expense Sub- Expense Classification as
Expense
Category / per Reasons Ref*
Category
Description AAI Authority
Security The Authority has considered the
Contracts; actual allocation submitted by AAI
Conservancy and for the common expenses
Charges/Cleaning proposes to reclassify and
Contracts (ESS); reallocate using the principles and
Upkeep (MESS) revised ratios presented in para
4.9.17 and Table 39 respectively.
This ensures that the allocation of
costs aligns more accurately with
the nature and utilization of these
expenses across different activities
within the Airport.
*References are from the Study on Efficient Operation and Maintenance Expenses for TRV.
4.9.19 Based on the reclassification presented in Table 42, the adjusted O&M expenses as per Table 41 has been
recomputed and the impact of such reclassification/reallocation on each head of O&M expenses is as
summarized below:
Table 43: Impact of Reclassification and Reallocation on the O&M expenses for Second Control Period
and Pre-COD Period proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
SCP Pre-
Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total COD
(A+B)
(A) (B)
Adjusted O&M Expense as per the
91.91 111.01 140.11 159.48 120.12 622.64 68.40 691.05
Study (A) (refer Table 41)
Impact due to reclassification &
reallocation of
Employee Benefit Expenses (B) -0.56 -0.86 -1.18 -1.09 -0.85 -4.53 -1.99 -6.52
A&G Expenses (C) -0.21 -0.07 -0.12 -0.14 -0.08 -0.62 -0.05 -0.67
CHQ & RHQ Expenses (D) - - - - - - - -
R&M Expense (E) -0.12 -0.05 -0.04 -0.05 -0.09 -0.34 -0.03 -0.37
Utility & Outsourcing Expenses (F) -0.17 -0.20 -0.27 -0.24 -0.30 -1.18 -0.13 -1.30
Other Outflows (G) - - - - - - - -
Total impact (G = B + C + D + E +
-1.05 -1.17 -1.60 -1.52 -1.32 -6.66 -2.20 -8.87
F)
Revised O&M expenses (H = A + G) 90.87 109.84 138.51 157.97 118.80 615.98 66.20 682.18
4.9.20 Considering the changes above, the Authority has recalculated the aeronautical O&M expenses for Second
Control Period and Pre-COD Period as given below:
Table 44: Aeronautical O&M Expenses proposed by the Authority for Second Control Period and Pre-
COD Period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre- Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
COD (B) (A+B)
(A)
As per AAI submission
Employee Benefit Expenses 48.71 60.58 74.97 78.42 58.01 320.70 33.30 354.00
A&G Expenses 2.61 1.90 2.56 3.92 5.59 16.58 0.04 16.62
CHQ & RHQ Expenses 32.58 43.44 42.45 52.47 31.11 202.05 17.54 219.59
R&M Expense 11.95 11.46 12.54 12.46 15.65 64.05 9.61 73.66
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SCP
Pre- Total
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
COD (B) (A+B)
(A)
Utility & Outsourcing Expenses 13.64 16.57 16.52 18.68 16.83 82.25 9.63 91.88
Other Outflows 1.53 2.64 3.01 3.06 0.45 10.68 0.66 11.33
Total Aeronautical O&M
111.01 136.60 152.05 169.01 127.64 696.30 70.78 767.08
Expenses
As per the Authority
Employee Benefit Expenses 48.15 59.73 73.80 77.33 57.16 316.17 31.31 347.48
A&G Expenses 1.21 2.05 2.98 3.35 2.37 11.96 0.06 12.02
CHQ & RHQ Expenses 14.67 17.96 30.70 43.63 26.76 133.72 15.09 148.80
R&M Expense 11.83 11.11 11.86 11.86 13.23 59.89 9.58 69.47
Utility & Outsourcing Expenses 13.47 16.36 16.16 18.73 18.83 83.56* 9.50 93.07
Other Outflows 1.53 2.64 3.01 3.06 0.45 10.68 0.66 11.33
Total Aeronautical O&M
90.87 109.84 138.51 157.97 118.80 615.98 66.20 682.18
Expenses
*The increase in Utility and Outsourcing expenses is due to the following – increase of Rs. 2.85 crores due to reclassification of
Inline Baggage Manpower expense from R&M expenses, exclusion of Rs. 0.36 crores due to reclassification of Other Hire Charges
(AAICLAS) and decrease of Rs.1.18 crores due to change in classification (aeronautical, non-aeronautical and common) and
reallocation of ratios.
4.9.21 As can be seen above, the aeronautical O&M expense proposed by the Authority for the Second Control
Period and the Pre-COD Period is determined to be Rs. 682.18 crores after considering the following:
A. Adjustments to the O&M expenses submitted by AAI (refer Table 41) – Impact of Rs. 76.03 crores
B. Re-classification and Re-allocation of the O&M expenses (refer Table 42 and Table 43 respectively) –
Impact of Rs. 8.87 crores
4.10 True up of Return on Land
AAI’s submission for true up of Return on Land (Unamortized value of land) for Second Control
Period and Pre-COD period
4.10.1 AAI has claimed unamortized value of land of Rs 0.33 crores in the Pre COD period as part of its true up
submission process. Considering that TRV has been transferred to TKIAL w.e.f. 14th October 2021, AAI has
submitted that the unamortized cost of the land be allowed to be claimed in the Pre-COD Period.
Authority’s examination and proposal for true up of Return on Land (Unamortized value of land) for
Pre-COD period
4.10.2 The Authority notes that AAI has included the unamortized cost of the land in their claims for the Pre-COD
period. The Authority notes that the Land has not been transferred by AAI to TKIAL. The Authority
highlights the following clauses in the Order No. 42/ 2018-19 (In the matter of determination of Fair Rate of
Return (FRoR) to be provided on the Cost of Land incurred by various Airport Operators in India) dated 5th
March 2019:
“4.1.4 In case land is purchased by the airport operating company either from private parties or from
government, the compensation shall be in the form of equated annual instalments computed at actual cost of
debt or SBI, base rate plus 2% whichever is lower over a period of thirty years.
4.1.8 This order of the Authority will take effect from the next control period.”
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4.10.3 From the perusal of the above Order, it is evident that the benefit of compensation is available to the Airport
Operator (AAI)
(i) over a period of thirty years; and
(ii) from the Control Period subsequent to the date of the Order i.e. 5th March 2019.
4.10.4 Further, the Order envisages return on land over a period of thirty years and it does not contemplate providing
cumulative return on land as proposed by AAI in its submission for true up of Pre-COD period. Hence, the
Authority proposes not to consider the amortization of the balance cost of Land claimed by AAI (Rs. 0.33
crores), as part of its true up submission for the pre-COD period.
4.11 True up of Non-Aeronautical Revenue
AAI’s submission for true up of Non-Aeronautical Revenue for Second Control Period and Pre-COD
period
4.11.1 AAI has submitted the actual Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR) for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD
period for TRV as follows:
Table 45: Non-Aeronautical Revenue submitted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD
Period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre-COD Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
(B) (A+B)
(A)
Revenue from Trading Concessions
Restaurant / Snack Bar 2.97 3.01 7.79 8.43 1.39 23.60 0.79 24.39
TR Stall/ others 16.74 21.67 22.30 27.33 3.31 91.35 6.71 98.05
Hoarding & Display 2.00 2.03 2.84 3.85 0.48 11.21 0.08 11.29
Rent and other revenues
Land Leases 0.18 1.25 0.12 0.37 0.45 2.37 0.58 2.95
Buildings (Residential) 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.06 0.00 0.06
Buildings (Non-Residential) 6.05 5.53 8.21 9.01 6.36 35.16 10.28 45.44
Duty Free Shops 15.26 14.33 17.84 22.47 3.58 73.47 1.87 75.34
Car Parking 5.64 5.95 7.42 5.49 0.75 25.24 0.54 25.77
Admission Tickets 1.04 2.04 2.21 2.02 0.13 7.44 0.08 7.52
Rest Room 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.04
Other Misc. Income 5.72 2.29 6.54 9.82 8.11 32.47 1.85 34.32
Total 55.62 58.12 75.29 88.81 24.56 302.40 22.79 325.19
Recap of decision taken by the Authority for Non-aeronautical Revenue at the time of tariff
determination for the Second Control Period
4.11.2 The Authority vide Decision no. 10 of Order no. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017 had decided the following
with respect to NAR for the Second Control Period:
• Decision no. 10.a. The Authority decides to consider the revenues accruing to AAI on account of the
aeronautical services of Cargo facility, Ground Handling Services and Supply of fuel to aircraft (FTC)
including land lease rentals and building rent from these activities as aeronautical revenue.
• Decision no. 10.b. The Authority decides to consider the Non-Aeronautical revenue as per Table 35.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 68 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
Table 46: NAR as approved by the Authority for Second Control Period (Table 35 in Second Control
Period Order)
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
Non-Aeronautical Revenues as per AAI (A) 60.29 66.13 72.54 79.58 87.30 365.84
Adjustment:
Revenue from Cargo, ground handling and fuel
5.76 6.24 6.76 7.32 7.93 34.01
services considered as aeronautical revenues (1)
Additional revenues from increase in non-
0.82 2.81 3.09 3.40 3.74 13.86
aeronautical area (2)
Change in lease revenue on account of drop of
0.72 0.79 0.87 0.95 1.05 4.38
domestic cargo terminal proposal (3)
Adjustment by the Authority (B =1-2+3) 5.66 4.21 4.53 4.87 5.23 24.50
NAR Projections as per Authority (A-B) 54.63 61.92 68.01 74.71 82.07 341.34
• Decision no 10.c “The Authority decides that non-aeronautical revenue will be trued up if it is higher
than the projected revenues. In case there is a shortfall, true up would be undertaken only if the Authority
is satisfied that there are reasonably sufficient grounds for not realizing the projected revenues.”
Authority’s examination and proposal for true up of Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR) for the Second
Control Period and Pre-COD period
4.11.3 The Authority has taken note of the non-aeronautical revenues related to the Second Control Period and Pre-
COD Period submitted by AAI. To assess and compare the non-aeronautical revenues during the Pre-COD
period, the Authority computed estimated figures by extrapolating the approved non-aeronautical revenues
from FY 2020-21 (as per the Second Control Period order) to the Pre-COD period of 196 days. This
extrapolation was done using the growth rate (10%) used to project NAR for FY 2020-21 as specified in the
order.
Table 47: NAR for Pre-COD Period (196 days) extrapolated based on growth rates decided in the
Second Control Period Order for FY 2020-21
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 21 Growth % FY 22 Pre COD*
NAR 82.07 10.00% 90.28 48.48
* Prorated considering the number of days from 1st April 2021 till 13th October 2021, i.e., 196 days
4.11.4 The Authority compared the actual Non-aeronautical revenue submitted by AAI as per Table 45 with the
projections given in the Tariff Order for the Second Control Period as per Table 46 and Pre COD Period as
per Table 47 and the same is detailed as follows:
Table 48: Comparison of actual non-aeronautical revenue as per AAI and projections as per Tariff
Order for Second Control Period and estimated figure for Pre COD period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP Pre-
Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total COD
(A+B)
(A) (B)
NAR Projections as per
Tariff Order for the Second 54.63 61.92 68.01 74.71 82.07 341.34 48.48 389.82
Control Period (A)
Actual NAR as per AAI’s
55.62 58.12 75.29 88.81 24.56 302.40 22.79 325.19
submission (B)
Variance (A-B) -0.99 3.80 -7.28 -14.10 57.51 38.94 25.69 64.63
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 69 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
4.11.5 For FYs 2016-17, 2018-19 and 2019-20 the Authority noted that the NAR as per AAI has exceeded the
projections approved by the Authority in the Tariff Order for the Second Control Period by approximately
7.16%. The Authority observed that the non-aeronautical revenues earned for FY 2017-18, FY 2020-21 and
Pre-COD period were on the lower side compared (by approximately 6%, 70% & 53% respectively) to the
projections approved by the Authority in the tariff order for the Second Control Period and estimated figure
computed above in Table 47. However, it would be pertinent to note that the passenger traffic in FY 2020-21
has dropped by approximately 76% (~79% drop in international and ~72% drop in domestic) compared to
FY 2019-20 due to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the Pre-COD period (1st April
2021 to 13th October 2021), there was a growth of 12.61% in traffic compared to the proportionate traffic
(196 days) of FY 2020-21 (the COVID-19 year). However, when compared to the traffic in FY 2019-20 (the
pre-COVID level), there was still a significant drop of 73% in traffic. The Authority also observed that the
decrease in FY 2017-18 was mainly due to a decrease in revenue earned from duty free shops, land lease and
other miscellaneous incomes.
4.11.6 The Authority notes its decision no. 10c vide Tariff No. 03/ 2017-18 which states as follows: “The Authority
decides that Non-Aeronautical revenues will be trued up if it is higher than the projected revenues. In case
there is a shortfall, true up would be undertaken only if the Authority is satisfied that there are reasonably
sufficient grounds for not realizing the projected revenues”.
4.11.7 The Authority is of the view that the variance between the projected and actual NAR for FY 2020-21 and Pre
COD period is due to adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic leading to a substantial decline in passenger
traffic and its impact on non-aeronautical revenues for the period. While there was some recovery during the
Pre-COD period, it was still far from reaching the pre-pandemic levels of traffic and revenue. Thus, the
Authority proposes to consider truing up the actual NAR submitted by AAI for the pre-COD period.
4.11.8 The Authority vide email dated 30th May 2023, requested AAI to share the details regarding “Space rentals
collected from Airlines”. AAI, vide email dated 19th June 2023, responded with the following table:
Table 49: Breakup of “Space rentals collected from Airlines” as shared by AAI
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre- Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
COD (B) (A+B)
(A)
Air Arabia PJSC 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.20 0.03 0.22
Air India Express Limited - - - 0.05 0.04 0.10 0.02 0.12
Air India Limited 3.28 1.33 1.93 0.26 1.03 7.84 0.43 8.27
Emirates 0.28 0.31 0.33 0.37 0.33 1.62 0.21 1.83
Etihad Airways 0.08 0.09 0.09 0.10 0.10 0.46 0.06 0.51
Fly Dubai 0.02 0.02 0.02 - - 0.05 - 0.05
Gulf Air 0.05 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.29 0.03 0.32
Islands Aviation Limited 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.19 0.02 0.21
Jet Airways 0.59 0.80 0.41 0.04 - 1.83 - 1.83
Kuwait Airlines 0.10 0.11 0.12 0.13 0.13 0.59 0.07 0.66
Malindo Air 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.01 0.18 - 0.18
Oman Air (S A O C) 0.10 0.11 0.12 0.13 0.12 0.57 0.07 0.64
Qatar Airways 0.11 0.12 0.13 0.14 0.13 0.62 0.07 0.69
Saudi Arabian Airlines 0.00 0.03 0.05 - - 0.07 - 0.07
Spice Jet Limited 0.22 0.13 0.11 0.12 0.69 1.27 0.42 1.69
Srilankan Airlines 0.08 0.08 0.09 0.10 0.10 0.45 0.06 0.51
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 70 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
SCP
Pre- Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
COD (B) (A+B)
(A)
Tata Sia Airlines Limited - - 0.00 0.07 0.15 0.22 0.09 0.30
Total 5.00 3.28 3.58 1.69 2.98 16.54 1.58 18.11
4.11.9 The Authority is of the view that space rentals from agencies providing aeronautical services should be treated
as Aeronautical Revenue. Hence, the Authority proposes to consider “Space rentals collected from Airlines”
amounting to Rs. 18.11 crores as Aeronautical Revenue.
4.11.10 Based on its analysis, the Authority proposes to consider the actual Non-aeronautical Revenue as given in the
table below for true up of AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period.
Table 50: Non-aeronautical Revenue proposed by the Authority for true-up of AAI for Second Control
Period and Pre-COD period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP Pre-
Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total COD
(A+B)
(A) (B)
Revenue from Trading Concessions
Restaurant / Snack Bar 2.97 3.01 7.79 8.43 1.39 23.60 0.79 24.39
TR Stall/ others 16.74 21.67 22.30 27.33 3.31 91.35 6.71 98.05
Hoarding & Display 2.00 2.03 2.84 3.85 0.48 11.21 0.08 11.29
Rent and other revenues
Land Leases 0.18 1.25 0.12 0.37 0.45 2.37 0.58 2.95
Buildings (Residential) 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.06 0.00 0.06
Buildings (Non-Residential) 6.05 5.53 8.21 9.01 6.36 35.16 10.28 45.44
Duty Free Shops 15.26 14.33 17.84 22.47 3.58 73.47 1.87 75.34
Car Parking 5.64 5.95 7.42 5.49 0.75 25.24 0.54 25.77
Admission Tickets 1.04 2.04 2.21 2.02 0.13 7.44 0.08 7.52
Rest Room 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.04
Other Misc. Income 5.72 2.29 6.54 9.82 8.11 32.47 1.85 34.32
Total (A) 55.62 58.12 75.29 88.81 24.56 302.40 22.79 325.19
Less: Space rentals collected
from Airlines (B) (refer para 5.00 3.28 3.58 1.69 2.98 16.54 1.58 18.11
4.11.9)
Total Non-Aero Revenue (A-
50.62 54.84 71.71 87.11 21.58 285.86 21.21 307.07
B)
4.12 True up of Aeronautical Revenue
AAI’s submission for true up of Aeronautical Revenue for Second Control Period and Pre-COD
period
4.12.1 AAI has submitted the actual Aeronautical revenue for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period for
TRV as follows:
Table 51: Aeronautical Revenue submitted by AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre-COD Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
(B) (A+B)
(A)
Landing charges
Landing Domestic 9.22 14.43 15.89 12.97 5.55 58.06 3.31 61.37
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 71 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
SCP
Pre-COD Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
(B) (A+B)
(A)
Landing International 21.33 31.33 35.64 28.09 10.85 127.24 7.22 134.47
Parking charges 0.72 0.24 0.30 0.48 0.68 2.41 0.39 2.80
PSF and UDF charges
PSF Domestic 7.52 2.18 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.70 0.00 9.70
PSF International 9.92 4.47 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.39 0.00 14.39
UDF Domestic 0.00 33.11 104.46 116.32 29.59 283.48 19.86 303.34
UDF International 65.03 106.44 90.40 54.84 4.43 321.13 4.70 325.83
Other revenue
CUTE charges 2.35 3.03 3.53 3.51 0.76 13.17 0.51 13.68
Fuel Throughput Revenue 1.80 2.22 2.42 2.01 0.00 8.45 0.00 8.45
Cargo Revenue 1.25 1.25 0.94 0.94 0.94 5.32 0.51 5.82
Concession Fees from
0.00 0.08 0.29 0.24 0.18 0.79 0.10 0.89
AAICLAS
Revenue from Ground
11.61 10.02 13.81 9.42 4.30 49.15 2.26 51.41
Handling Agency
Land lease to Oil companies 1.71 1.70 1.45 1.45 1.43 7.73 0.46 8.19
Land lease to GHA 4.63 3.66 2.62 -0.99 1.76 11.67 0.00 11.67
Total 137.07 214.14 271.75 229.27 60.46 912.70 39.32 952.01
Recap of decision taken by the Authority for Aeronautical Revenue at the time of tariff determination
for the Second Control Period
4.12.2 The Authority vide Decision no. 13 of Order no. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017 had decided the following
with respect to aeronautical revenue for the Second Control Period.
• Decision no. 13.b. The Authority decides to continue with waiver of landing charges for (a) aircraft with
a maximum certified capacity of less than 80 seats, being operated by domestic scheduled operators (b)
Helicopters of all types as approved by Govt. of India vide order no. G.17018/7/2001- AAI dated 9th
February 2004 in order to encourage and promote intra-regional connectivity at TRV.
• Decision no. 13c. The Authority decides to provide waiver of landing and other charges in line with the
Order No. 20/2016-17 dated 31st March 2017 of the Authority.
• Decision no. 13d. The Authority decides to merge UDF and PSF (facilitation) charges and only UDF
charges to be applicable on each domestic and international embarking passenger w.e.f. 1st July 2017.
• Decision no. 13e. The Authority decides to consider shortfall/ excess in revenues for the 2nd control
period based on proposed tariffs by AAI while determining aeronautical tariffs for the 3rd control period.
4.12.3 The Authority had estimated the aeronautical revenues as given in the table below at the time of tariff
determination for the Second Control Period.
Table 52: Aeronautical Revenue as per Tariff Order for Second Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
Aeronautical revenue Projections as per Tariff Order
136.66 207.44 253.05 280.85 312.07 1,190.07
for the Second Control Period
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 72 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
Authority’s examination and proposal for true up of Aeronautical revenue for the Second Control
Period and Pre-COD period
4.12.4 The Authority noted that as per decision no 10a. in the Order no. 03/2017-18 regarding aeronautical revenues,
AAI has considered services related to Cargo facility, Ground Handling Services and Supply of fuel to aircraft
(FTC) including land lease rentals and building rent from these activities as Aeronautical Revenue in their
true up submission.
4.12.5 The Authority compared the actual Aeronautical revenue submitted by AAI as per Table 51 with the
projections given in the Tariff Order for the Second Control Period as per Table 52 and the same is detailed
below.
Table 53: Comparison of actual aeronautical revenue as per AAI and projections as per Tariff Order
for Second Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
Aeronautical revenue Projections as per Tariff Order for
136.66 207.44 253.05 280.85 312.07 1190.07
the Second Control Period (A)
Actual Aeronautical revenue (B) 137.07 214.14 271.75 229.27 60.46 912.70
Variance (A-B) -0.41 -6.70 -18.70 51.58 251.61 277.37
4.12.6 The Authority notes that there is a slight reduction between Projected and Actual Aeronautical revenue in the
FY 2019-20 and a significant variance in FY 2020-21, which is attributable to lower passenger and ATM
traffic due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Aviation sector.
4.12.7 As observed in para 4.11.9, the Authority proposes to make certain adjustments to the aeronautical revenue
by reclassifying “Space rentals collected from Airlines” as aeronautical revenue. Hence, the Authority
proposes to recompute and consider the Aeronautical Revenue for true up of AAI for the Second Control
Period and Pre COD period as shown in the following table.
Table 54: Aeronautical Revenue proposed by the Authority for true up of AAI for Second Control
Period and Pre-COD Period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre-COD Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
(B) (A+B)
(A)
Landing charges
Landing Domestic 9.22 14.43 15.89 12.97 5.55 58.06 3.31 61.37
Landing International 21.33 31.33 35.64 28.09 10.85 127.24 7.22 134.47
Parking charges 0.72 0.24 0.30 0.48 0.68 2.41 0.39 2.80
PSF and UDF charges
PSF Domestic 7.52 2.18 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.70 0.00 9.70
PSF International 9.92 4.47 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.39 0.00 14.39
UDF Domestic 0.00 33.11 104.46 116.32 29.59 283.48 19.86 303.34
UDF International 65.03 106.44 90.40 54.84 4.43 321.13 4.70 325.83
Other revenue
CUTE charges 2.35 3.03 3.53 3.51 0.76 13.17 0.51 13.68
Fuel Throughput Revenue 1.80 2.22 2.42 2.01 0.00 8.45 0.00 8.45
Cargo Revenue 1.25 1.25 0.94 0.94 0.94 5.32 0.51 5.82
Concession Fees from
0.00 0.08 0.29 0.24 0.18 0.79 0.10 0.89
AAICLAS
Revenue from Ground
11.61 10.02 13.81 9.42 4.30 49.15 2.26 51.41
Handling Agency
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 73 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
SCP
Pre-COD Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
(B) (A+B)
(A)
Land lease to Oil companies 1.71 1.70 1.45 1.45 1.43 7.73 0.46 8.19
Land lease to GHA 4.63 3.66 2.62 -0.99 1.76 11.67 0.00 11.67
Total (A) 137.07 214.14 271.75 229.27 60.46 912.70 39.32 952.01
Add: Space Rentals
5.00 3.28 3.58 1.69 2.98 16.54 1.58 18.11
collected from Airlines (B)
Total Aeronautical revenue
142.08 217.42 275.33 230.96 63.45 929.23 40.89 970.13
(A+B)
Note – The total Aeronautical Revenue of Rs. 970.13 crores proposed by the Authority is arrived at by considering Rs.18.11 crores
of space rentals from Airlines as Aeronautical Revenues which was considered under Non-Aeronautical Revenue by AAI (refer para
4.12.7)
4.13 True up of Taxation
AAI’s submission for true up of Taxation for Second Control Period and Pre-COD period
4.13.1 AAI has submitted taxation for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period as follows:
Table 55: Tax expenditure submitted by AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP
Pre- Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
COD (B) (A+B)
(A)
Revenue
Aeronautical Revenue 137.07 214.14 271.75 229.27 60.46 912.70 39.32 952.01
Return on Land - - - - - - 0.33 0.33
Total (A) 137.07 214.14 271.75 229.27 60.46 912.70 39.65 952.34
Shortfall/ under recovery
proposed to be collected - - - - - - 812.67 812.67
(Refer Table 8) (B)
Expenses
O&M expenses (Refer Table
111.01 136.60 152.05 169.01 127.64 696.30 70.78 767.08
8)
Interest on Working Capital - - - - - - 0.68 0.68
Depreciation (as per Income
41.65 47.38 38.46 42.60 46.81 216.90 45.35 262.25
Tax Act, 1961)
Total (C) 152.66 183.98 190.50 211.61 174.45 913.20 116.81 1,030.02
Profit /Loss (D=A+B-C) -15.59 30.16 81.25 17.66 -113.99 -0.51 735.51 735.00
Prior period loss (E) -15.59 -113.99
Profit Before Tax (F) 14.57 81.25 17.66 621.52
Tax Rates (G) 34.61% 34.61% 34.94% 25.17% 25.17% 25.17%
Tax (H=F*G) - 5.04 28.39 4.44 - 156.44
Recap of decision taken by the Authority for Taxation at the time of tariff determination for the Second
Control Period
4.13.2 The Authority vide Decision no. 12 of Order no. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017 had decided the following
Taxation for the Second Control Period.
• Decision no 12.a. The Authority decides to consider the corporate tax for aeronautical activities as per
Table 43 for the 2nd Control Period.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 74 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
Table 56: Tax expenditure approved by the Authority for the Second Control Period (Table 43 of SCP
Order)
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
Aeronautical Revenue 136.66 207.44 253.05 280.85 312.07 1190.07
Aeronautical O&M (excluding CHQ/RHQ
72.55 85.65 91.38 97.56 104.22 451.36
Overheads)
CHQ/RHQ Overheads 31.36 34.67 36.62 38.68 40.86 182.19
Depreciation as per Income Tax Act 16.49 24.38 23.24 21.21 35.99 121.31
PBT 16.28 62.76 101.84 123.42 131.04 435.34
Tax for aeronautical services 5.63 21.71 35.24 42.7 45.34 150.62
• Decision no 12.b. The Authority decides to true up the difference between the actual/ apportioned
corporate tax paid and that estimated by the Authority for the 2nd control period during determination of
tariffs for the 3rd control period.
Authority’s examination and proposal for true up of Taxation for the Second Control Period and Pre-
COD period
4.13.3 The Authority notes that AAI has computed tax of Rs. 156.44 crores on the shortfall amount (difference
between Target Revenue and Actual Aeronautical revenue) of Rs. 812.67 crores, which is present value of
the shortfall of the Pre-COD period, that is proposed to be collected from TKIAL as per Clause 28.11.4 of
the Concession agreement (Refer para 4.7.2 for the clause).
4.13.4 The Authority has re-computed taxation amount based on its analysis of O&M expenses, RAB, etc. and the
same is presented in the table below:
Table 57: Tax proposed by the Authority for true up of Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP Pre-
Total
Particulars FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total COD
(A+B)
(A) (B)
Aeronautical Revenue (refer
142.08 217.42 275.33 230.96 63.45 929.23 40.89 970.13
Table 54) (A)
Shortfall/ under recovery
proposed to be collected as on 662.07 662.07
COD (refer Table 58) (B)
O&M expenses (refer Table 44)
90.87 109.84 138.51 157.97 118.80 615.98 66.20 682.18
(C)
Depreciation (as per Income Tax
46.85 48.96 47.67 50.55 53.55 247.57 28.20 275.77
Act, 1961) (D)
Profit /(Loss) (E =A+B-C-D) 4.36 58.62 89.15 22.45 -108.90 65.68 608.57 674.25
Carry forward of prior period loss
-108.90 -108.90
(F)
Net profit after setting off prior
4.36 58.62 89.15 22.45 - 174.58 499.67 674.25
period losses (G=E+F)
Tax Rates (H) 34.61% 34.61% 34.94% 25.17% 25.17% 25.17%
Tax (I=G*H) 1.51 20.29 31.15 5.65 - 58.60 125.77 184.36
4.13.5 The Authority proposes to consider tax as per Table 57 for True up of the Second Control Period and Pre-
COD period. Also, the Authority has adjusted the losses incurred by AAI (Rs. 108.90 crores as per Table 57)
in the previous Financial Years against the Shortfall amount of Rs. 662.07 crores derived by the Authority
(as per Table 58), which is proposed to be collected by AAI from TKIAL.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 75 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
4.14 True up of Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR)
Authority’s examination and proposal regarding true up of ARR for the Second Control Period and
Pre-COD Period
4.14.1 Based on its analysis of the various building blocks, the Authority has determined the ARR and Shortfall
(Under recovery) for True up of the Pre-COD period as presented in the table below:
Table 58: ARR proposed by the Authority for true up of AAI for Second Control Period and Pre-COD
Period
(Rs. in crores)
SCP Pre-
Total
Particulars Ref FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total COD
(A+B)
(A) (B)
Average RAB (refer
404.63 443.96 441.60 462.13 486.51 493.75
Table 29)
Fair Rate of Return (refer
13.97% 13.97% 13.97% 13.97% 13.97% 7.50%
Table 32)
Return on Average RAB A 56.54 62.03 61.70 64.57 67.98 312.82 37.05 349.87
Depreciation (refer Table
B 29.46 33.52 37.43 39.56 42.69 182.65 22.53 205.19
28)
Operating Expenditure
C 90.87 109.84 138.51 157.97 118.80 615.98 66.20 682.18
(refer Table 44)
Corporate Tax (refer
D 1.51 20.29 31.15 5.65 - 58.60 125.77 184.36
Table 57)
Carry forward of shortfall
E 158.83 158.83 158.83
of First Control Period*
ARR (Sum A : E) F 337.20 225.68 268.78 267.75 229.47 1,328.88 251.55 1,580.43
Non-aeronautical revenue
(NAR) (refer G 50.62 54.84 71.71 87.11 21.58 285.86 21.21 307.07
Table 50)
Less: 30% of NAR H 15.19 16.45 21.51 26.13 6.47 85.76 6.36 92.12
Net ARR (F-H) I 322.02 209.23 247.27 241.61 222.99 1,243.12 245.18 1,488.31
Revenue from
Aeronautical Services J 142.08 217.42 275.33 230.96 63.45 929.23 40.89 970.13
(refer Table 54)
(Over recovery) / Under
K 179.94 -8.19 -28.06 10.65 159.55 313.89 204.29 518.18
recovery (I-J)
Present Value (PV) factor L 1.81 1.59 1.39 1.22 1.07 1.00
PV of (Over recovery) /
Under recovery as on M 325.71 -13.00 -39.10 13.02 171.16 457.78 204.29 662.07
14th October 2021 (K*L)
Total (Over-recovery) /
N 662.07
Under recovery till COD
PV factor @ 13.97% as
O 1.06
on 31st March 2022
PV of (Over recovery)
/Under recovery as on P 703.40
31st March 2022 (N*O)
PV factor @ 12.21% as
Q 1.12
on 31st March 2023
PV of (Over recovery) /
Under recovery as on R 789.29
31st March 2023 (P*Q)
*As per Decision 2.e of the Authority in Order No. 03/2017-18 for the Second Control Period
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 76 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
4.14.2 The ARR proposed by the Authority is Rs. 1488.31 crores (refer Table 58), as against Rs. 1,584.44 crores
submitted by AAI. The variance is on account of the following:
i. Reduction in Return on RAB considered by the Authority due to reclassification of assets and change
in FRoR – Impact of Rs. 4.60 crores
ii. Reduction in Depreciation considered by the Authority due to reclassification of assets and revision in
useful life of certain assets – Impact of Rs. 1.11 crores
iii. Rationalization of O&M expenses claimed by AAI, based on O&M Study report – Impact of Rs. 84.90
crores
iv. Non-consideration of working capital interest – Impact of Rs. 0.68 crores
v. Non-consideration of unamortized value of land and providing return – Impact of Rs. 0.33 crores
vi. Reduction in Corporate taxes – Impact of Rs. 9.95 crores
vii. Reduction in Non-Aeronautical Revenue – Rs. 18. 11 crores resulting in an increase in ARR by Rs.
5.43 crores
4.15 Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB
4.15.1 The Authority notes that AAI in its True-up submission had computed the Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB as
on COD as Rs. 874.93 crores after adjusting an amount of Rs. 424 crores already paid by TKIAL. In this
regard, Clause 28.11.4 of the CA states as follows:
Pursuant to the payment of the Estimated Deemed Initial RAB, and upon the reconciliation, true-up and final
determination by the Regulator of the quantum of the investment under 28.11.3(a), any surplus or deficit in
the Estimated Deemed Initial RAB with respect to the Deemed Initial RAB shall be adjusted as part of the
Balancing Payment that becomes due and payable as per Clause 31.4 after the expiry of 15 (fifteen) days
from such final determination by the Regulator, with due adjustment for the following ("Adjusted Deemed
Initial RAB”):
a) reduced to the extent of over-recoveries, if any, of Aeronautical Revenues by the Authority until the COD,
that the Regulator would provide for as a downward adjustment while determining Aeronautical Charges
for the next Control Period; or
b) increased to the extent of under-recoveries, if any, of Aeronautical Revenues by the Authority until the
COD, that the Regulator would provide for as an upward adjustment while determining Aeronautical
Charges for the next Control Period.
The amount(s) to be paid by the Authority or Concessionaire shall be the present value of Adjusted Deemed
Initial RAB calculated using the fair rate of return as determined by the Regulator for the time period from
the COD to the date of actual payment of the Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB.
4.15.2 Accordingly, the Authority computed the Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB as follows:
Table 59: Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB as computed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Formula Refer Amount
Deemed Initial RAB A Para 4.7.5 483.77
Clause 28.11.3 (b) of
Estimated Deemed Initial RAB B 424.00
CA
Difference C=A-B 59.77
PV of Under-recovery in Second Control Period and Pre-COD
D Table 58 662.07
Period as on COD
Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB as on COD E=C+D 721.84
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 77 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
4.15.3 In accordance with the provisions of Clause 28.11.4 of the CA, AERA has computed the Adjusted Deemed
Initial RAB as on COD i.e., Rs. 721.84 crores (shown in Table 59) and derived the future value of such
Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB by applying the compounding factor of FRoR and assuming a future expected
date of payment by the Concessionaire (TKIAL) to the Airports Authority of India as follows:
i. The Authority has assumed future expected date of payment of Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB as 31st May
2024, based on the assumption that the Tariff Order for TRV, Thiruvananthapuram (wherein the Deemed
Initial RAB is finally determined by the Regulator) is issued on or before 20th May 2024.
ii. The Authority has applied a compounding factor to determine future value of the Under- recovery as on
COD by applying:
• FRoR @ 13.97% from COD up to 31st March 2022 and
• FRoR @ 12.21% from 1st April 2022 up to 31st May 2024 (based on the FRoR determined by AERA
for the Third Control Period for TRV, Thiruvananthapuram, as discussed under Chapter 8 of this
Consultation Paper).
4.15.4 The Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB computed as on COD, 31st March 2022, 31st March 2023, 31st March 2024
and 31st May 2024 has been presented in the table below:
Table 60: Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB computed as on future date of payment
(Rs. in crores)
31st March 31st March 31st March 31st May
Particulars As on COD
2022 2023 2024 2024
Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB 721.84 766.90 860.54 965.62 984.70
4.15.5 It is likely that the actual date of payment is different from 31st May 2024 as presented in the above table. In
that scenario, following formula may be used for determining the Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB on a
particular payment date:
Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB t = A × (1 + r) ^ (t ÷ 365)
where,
• A = Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB computed as on 31st March 2024
• r = FRoR for Third Control Period, computed as 12.21% (refer Chapter 8).
• t = Number of days elapsed between 31st March 2024 and actual date of payment
4.15.6 The projection of Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB on a particular payment date is illustrated through the
following example:
Table 61: Illustration for computation of Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB based on date of payment
Particulars Value
Assumed date of payment 10th June 2024
Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB as on 31st March 2024 (A) (Rs. in crores) 965.62
FRoR for TCP (R) 12.21%
Number of days between 1st April 2024 and 10th June 2024 (t) 71
Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB as on 10th June 2024 (Rs. in crores) 965.62 * (1 + 12.21%) ^ (71 ÷ 365)
[A × (1 + r) ^ (t ÷ 365)] 987.50
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 78 of 253TRUE UP OF AAI FOR THE SECOND CONTROL PERIOD AND PRE-COD PERIOD
4.15.7 The Authority has proposed the Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB as explained above and requests the
Stakeholders to provide their comments on the same.
4.15.8 The Authority proposes to consider under-recovery of Rs. 789.29 crores as of 31st March 2023 (as per Table
58) for True up of AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period and readjust the same in the ARR
computation of TRV, Thiruvananthapuram for the Third Control Period.
4.16 Authority’s proposals regarding True up for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD
Period
Based on the material before it and its examination, the Authority proposes the following with respect to True
up of the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period for TRV, Thiruvananthapuram:
4.16.1 To consider the Passenger traffic and ATM as detailed in para 4.4.8 (Table 10) for true up of the Second
Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.2 To consider capital additions and aeronautical allocation of assets as detailed in Table 23.
4.16.3 To recompute Depreciation considering the revised allocation of assets as detailed in para 4.6.6 (Table 28)
for true up of AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.4 To consider RAB for AAI as detailed in para 4.7.1 (Table 29) for true up of the Second Control Period and
Pre-COD Period.
4.16.5 To consider Deemed Initial RAB for TRV as detailed in para 4.7.5 (Table 30).
4.16.6 To consider FRoR as detailed in para 4.8.10 for true up of the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.7 To not consider return on the cost of land for true up of the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.8 To consider O&M expenses and their allocation as suggested by the study on efficient O&M expenses for
TRV (summary of the Study is provided in Annexure 2 and the study is attached as Appendix 2) and as
detailed in para 4.9.20 (Table 44) for true up of Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.9 To consider Non-aeronautical Revenue as detailed in para 4.11.10 (Table 50) for true up of the Second Control
Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.10 To consider Aeronautical Revenue as detailed in para 4.12.7 (Table 54) for true up of the Second Control
Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.11 To consider Aeronautical Tax as detailed in para 4.13.5 (Table 57) for true up of the Second Control Period
and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.12 To consider the present value of under-recovery of Rs. 789.29 crores (as on 31st March 2023) for true up of
AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period as per Table 58 and readjust the same in the ARR
for the Third Control Period.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 79 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
5 TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
5.1 Background
5.1.1 AAI entered into a Concession Agreement dated 19th January 2021, with TRV (Kerala) International Airport
Limited (TKIAL, the ‘Concessionaire’) to operate, manage and develop TRV, Thiruvananthapuram for a
period of 50 years from the COD, i.e., 14th October 2021.
5.1.2 TKIAL, on 15th April 2022, sought clarification from the Authority regarding the control period for TRV.
The Authority vide its Public Notice No. 05/2022-23 dated 20th June 2022 decided the following:
i. “To shift the Control Period for Trivandrum Airport from 01.04.2021-31.03.2026 to 01.04.2022-
31.03.2027. The periodicity of the Control Period will be five years only.
ii. To consider the true up for 01.04.2021 to 31.03.2022 at the time of determination of tariff for the Third
Control Period as per AERA policy.”
5.1.3 Pursuant to the above Concession Agreement and Public Notice, TKIAL has submitted True up workings for
the period from COD up to 31st March 2022.
5.1.4 The true-up workings submitted by TKIAL cover the following building blocks:
i. Regulatory Asset Base
ii. Aeronautical Depreciation
iii. Fair Rate of Return
iv. Aeronautical Operation and Maintenance Expenses
v. Non-aeronautical Revenue
vi. Aeronautical Taxes
5.1.5 The Authority has examined TKIAL’s true-up submission in detail and has performed the following analysis:
i. Recorded Airport Operator’s submissions for True-up under different Regulatory building blocks.
ii. Provided the Authority’s examination and proposals regarding the True-up calculation of each
regulatory block of TKIAL.
5.2 TKIAL’s submission for true-up of the post-COD period from COD till 31st March 2022
5.2.1 TKIAL has made the following submission for the true-up of the post-COD period from COD till 31st March
2022.
Table 62: True-up submitted by TKIAL from COD till 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. Amount
Opening RAB as on COD A 486.26
Closing RAB as on 31st March 2022 B 442.02
Average RAB C = (A+B) ÷ 2 464.14
FRoR return @14% on Average RAB* D = C*14% 30.09
Operating expenses E 67.38
Expenses pertaining to pre-COD period incurred to achieve successful transition
F 9.02
of operation and management of Airport from AAI to PPP
Depreciation G 48.71
Taxes H -
30% of Non – Aero revenues I 4.45
ARR J = D+E+F+G+H-I 150.74
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 80 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
Particulars Ref. Amount
Actual Aero Revenues earned K 71.15
True-up L = J-K 79.59
Present Value (PV) of True-up @14% as on 31st March 2022 M 84.57
*Return on Average RAB is calculated for 169 days
5.3 Authority’s examination of true-up submitted by TKIAL for the post-COD period
5.4 True up of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)
5.4.1 The Authority proposes to consider the true-up submission made by AAI up to 13th October 2021 as the basis
for determining the value of assets as on COD for TKIAL.
5.4.2 Based on the adjusted RAB of AAI for the Pre-COD period, the Authority has derived the adjusted RAB of
TKIAL as on COD at Rs. 483.77 crores (refer Table 30).
5.4.3 The Authority has noted that according to FAR, TKIAL's capital additions in the post-COD period amounted
to Rs. 19.51 crores. This includes an amount of Rs. 9.02 crores relating to the Airport Concession Rights and
a notional lease asset (an adjustment under IND AS for the right of use asset – Building Leasehold) worth Rs.
6.16 crores. However, TKIAL has not considered these amounts as part of the Regulated Asset Base (RAB).
The remaining Rs. 4.33 crores consist of assets capitalized by TKIAL post-COD as given in the table below.
Table 63: Projects included in RAB by TKIAL from COD till 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Computer Hardware 3.09
Office Equipment 1.04
Plant & Machinery 0.08
Furniture & Fixture 0.12
Total 4.33
Reclassification of assets of TKIAL
5.4.4 The Authority has conducted an independent study on the allocation of assets for the period from FY 2016-
17 till FY 2021-22 and has used the outcome of the study to true up the RAB for the post-COD period, i.e.,
from COD till 31st March 2022, for TKIAL.
5.4.5 The Authority has considered the adjusted RAB of TKIAL as on COD (i.e., Rs. 483.77 crores), capital
additions and corresponding depreciation based on the results of the Asset Allocation report (refer Annexure
1 for the Summary of the report and Appendix 1 for the detailed report on Study on Allocation of Assets).
5.4.6 The asset allocation study reviewed the various asset categories and developed a basis for the segregation of
various assets into Aeronautical, Non-aeronautical and Common assets. Based on the same, the Authority has
reclassified some portion of assets submitted by TKIAL for true-up of the period from COD till 31st March
2022 which has been detailed hereunder:
Table 64: Additional items included in the RAB by TKIAL from COD till 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Asset Sub-Category / Reason for Asset classification as per Impact
Category
Description Reclassification TKIAL Study
Global Navigation
It is used for the
Satellite System Common
IT equipment terminal building Aeronautical -0.20
(GNSS) System, IT (TBLR)
as a whole.
infrastructure, network
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 81 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
Asset Sub-Category / Reason for Asset classification as per Impact
Category
Description Reclassification TKIAL Study
& security server &
storage, workstations,
Multiprotocol Label
Switching (MPLS)
links & connectivity
It is used by the
employees of
TKIAL, thus
Laptops, desktops, Common
classified as Aeronautical -0.02
video controllers, tec. (EHCR)
common and
allocated based on
EHCR
Implementation of
billing software
Non-
EPOS Implementation which is used for Aeronautical -0.10
Aeronautical
retail shops within
the airport.
It is used by the
employees of
Chairs, office table, TKIAL, thus
Common
sofa, cabinet, wastebin classified as Aeronautical -0.00
Furniture & (EHCR)
etc. common and
fixtures
allocated based on
EHCR
Que management
- Aeronautical Aeronautical -
system
Safety related
equipment & - Aeronautical Aeronautical -
accessories, CCTV
It is used by the
employees of
Office equipment Display, projector, TKIAL, thus
fingerprint enrollment classified as Common
Aeronautical -0.01
unit, IP & voice over common and (EHCR)
phone allocated based on
Employee Head
Count Ratio
Measuring wheel,
speed gun, alcohol
breath analyzer, - Aeronautical Aeronautical -
handheld metal
Plant and detector
Machinery Used for both aero
and non-aeronautic
Bush, cutter, drive Common
activities. Thus, Aeronautical -0.00
lever shaft (TBLR)
classified as
common
Total Impact -0.33
5.4.7 Based on the above adjustments the Authority has derived the aeronautical capital additions for post-COD
period as Rs. 4 crores as against Rs. 4.33 crores submitted by TKIAL.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 82 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
5.4.8 The Authority has also noted that in addition to the Capital Addition of Rs. 4.33 crores, TKIAL has also
proposed financing allowance of Rs. 0.14 crores on the average WIP in FY 2021-22 (post-COD). The
Authority proposes to exclude the financing allowance during computation of RAB for true-up of post-COD
period due to reasons given in para 4.5.16 a) of this Consultation Paper.
5.5 True up of Depreciation
5.5.1 For the purpose of true up submission, TKIAL has calculated depreciation for the period from COD up to 31st
March 2022 on Opening RAB (Initial RAB) based on their determination of remaining useful life of assets
(calculated from the date of capitalization of assets provided by AAI to TKIAL). For the capital additions
made from COD till 31st March 2022, the assets have been depreciated based on the useful life prescribed
under Order No. 35/ 2017-18 dated 12th January 2018 issued by the Authority except for Computer Hardware
and Plant & Machinery which the Authority proposes to change as per Order No 35/2017-18 dated 12th
January 2018.
5.5.2 The Authority has proposed to consider the remaining balance useful life of AAI assets as on COD i.e., 14th
October 2021 for the Opening RAB and depreciate the same for the period from COD to 31st March 2022.
5.5.3 Depreciation has not been computed on certain assets such as Right of Use assets (Capitalization of Lease
costs) as the same is excluded from the RAB.
5.5.4 Accordingly, the depreciation of Rs. 48.71 crores on Aeronautical assets as submitted by TKIAL has been
revised by the Authority (post reclassification and other adjustments) to Rs. 29.83 crores, thereby resulting in
a reduction in depreciation by Rs. 18.88 crores.
5.5.5 The Average RAB and Depreciation determined by the Authority for the period from COD till 31st March
2022, post reclassifications and other adjustments are as follows:
Table 65: Average RAB considered by the Authority for true up from COD till 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. Amount
Opening RAB (A) Table 30 483.77
Addition (B) Para 5.4.7 4.00
Financing Allowance (C) Para 5.4.8 -
Depreciation (D) Para 5.5.4 29.83
Closing RAB (E = A + B + C – D) 457.94
Average RAB (F = (A + E) ÷ 2) 470.86
5.5.6 Based on its analysis, the Authority proposes to consider RAB and depreciation as per Table 65 for true-up
of the period from COD till 31st March 2022.
5.6 True up of Fair Rate of Return (FRoR)
TKIAL’s submission for true-up of Fair Rate of Return
5.6.1 TKIAL has submitted FRoR as 14.00% for true-up of the period from COD till 31st March 2022.
Authority’s examination and proposal regarding true up of FRoR for the post-COD Period
5.6.2 The Authority notes that TKIAL, in its MYTP, has assumed an FRoR of 14% for the period from COD till
31st March 2022. However, the Authority proposes to consider the FRoR for true up of the post COD period
till 31st March 2022 as 13.97% in line with that proposed for true up of the Second Control Period and the
Pre-COD Period for AAI taking into account that the Airport Operator had only operated the Airport for five
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 83 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
months during the post COD Period. The Authority proposes to consider the FRoR for the Airport Operator
in line with other PPP airports from the next Control Period.
5.6.3 It is to be noted that TKIAL operated the Airport in FY 2021-22 for the period from COD till 31st March
2022. Therefore, TKIAL is eligible to claim a return on RAB only for the period from COD till 31st March
2022. Hence, for FY 2021-22, the Authority proposes to pro-rate the FRoR for the number of days during
which TKIAL operated the Airport, i.e. 169 days. The pro-rated FRoR for FY 2021-22 has been computed as
follows:
𝑛
𝐹𝑅𝑜𝑅 = 𝐹𝑅𝑜𝑅×
𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝐶𝑂𝐷 365
where,
FRoR is the fair rate of return for the entire FY 2021-22,
FRoR post COD is the pro-rated FRoR for the period from COD till 31st March 2022, and
n is the number of days in operation in FY 2021-22.
5.6.4 Based on the above approach the pro-rated FRoR for FY 2021-22 has been computed as follows:
Table 66: Pro-rated FRoR for FY 2021-22 proposed to be considered by the Authority for true up from
COD till 31st March 2022
Particulars Ref. Value
FRoR for FY 2021-22 A 13.97%
Number of days of operation in FY 2021-22 B 169
Pro-rated FRoR for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 C = A * B ÷ 365 6.47%
5.6.5 The Authority proposes to consider FRoR as 6.47% for the true-up of the period from COD till 31st March
2022, as shown in Table 66.
5.7 True up of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenses
TKIAL’s submission for true-up of Operation and Maintenance expenses
5.7.1 TKIAL has submitted the aeronautical O&M expenses for true-up of the period from COD till 31st March
2022 based on actuals incurred during the period.
5.7.2 The component-wise break up of Aeronautical Operation and Maintenance expenses submitted by TKIAL
for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 is as per the table below.
Table 67: Aeronautical O&M expenses submitted by TKIAL for the period from COD till 31st March
2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount % to Total
Manpower expenses - AAI employees 28.08 42.68%
Manpower expenses - Adani employees 4.20 6.38%
Utility expenses 5.60 8.51%
IT expenses 0.88 1.34%
Security expenses 3.76 5.72%
Corporate Support Service expenses 7.01 10.66%
Administrative Expenses - Collection Charges on UDF 0.11 0.17%
Administrative Expenses - Others 2.93 4.45%
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Particulars Amount % to Total
Insurance 0.76 1.16%
R&M 5.96 9.06%
Other operating expenses 4.46 6.78%
Bank and finance charges 0.37 0.56%
Independent Engineer's Fees 1.67 2.54%
Total 65.79 100%
Authority’s examination and proposal for Operating Expenses for the post-COD
5.7.3 The Authority has commissioned an independent study through the Consultant appointed by AERA on
efficient Operation and Maintenance expenses for TRV for the Second Control Period and FY 2021-22 (Pre
and Post COD of AAI and TKIAL respectively) (summary of the study is given in Annexure 2 and the Study
is attached as Appendix 2) and has used the outcome of the said study to true up the O&M expenses for the
period from COD till 31st March 2022 for TKIAL.
5.7.4 As per TKIAL’s MYTP submission, it was noted that no specific ratio was used for the allocation of the
O&M expenses. Instead, TKIAL has considered all expenses as 100% without categorizing the expenses into
aeronautical and non-aeronautical expenses.
5.7.5 The study commissioned has undertaken evaluation of each expense head on a case-by-case basis. Based on
the same, appropriate re-classification and re-allocation of the expenses were undertaken (refer to Study on
Opex attached as Appendix 2).
5.7.6 Based on outcomes of the Study on Opex for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period, the Authority
has made the following observations regarding TKIAL’s submission of O&M expenses under various heads
for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period in the following sequence:
i. Assessment of Allocation Ratios
ii. Assessment of O&M expenses and their allocation
Assessment of Allocation Ratios
Terminal Building Ratio (TBLR)
5.7.7 It was observed that TKIAL has classified the entire area of the terminal building as Aeronautical. Upon
enquiry, TKIAL stated that this was done in accordance with the AERA Act. It was also noted that there has
been no increase in the area of the terminal building from the date of Commercial Operations (COD) until
31st March 2022.
5.7.8 TKIAL has classified the entire area of the terminal building as aeronautical but has not provided proper
justification for the same. Considering that there has been no expansion or increase in the area of the terminal
building, the Authority proposes to consider the ratio 90%:10% (Aeronautical: Non-aeronautical) as decided
in Order No. 03/2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017 (refer para 4.9.6 for detail) for the expenses incurred by TKIAL
in Post COD period and for the Third Control Period, which is in line with the recommendation of the IMG
norms and in line with the ratio considered by AERA for other similar airports.
Gross Block Ratio (GBR)
5.7.9 To determine the allocation of expenses that apply to the entire airport area, the Authority proposes to utilize
the Gross Block ratio for allocation into Aero, Non-Aero components. This ratio is calculated by dividing the
aeronautical gross block by the total gross block. Based on the outcome of the independent study on the
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 85 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
allocation of assets, the ratio of aeronautical assets to total assets was determined as 99.38% for the post COD
period till 31st March 2022.
Employee Head Count Ratio (EHCR)
5.7.10 It is observed that TKIAL has categorized all employees, irrespective of their department, as aeronautical
employees. However, the services rendered by these employees are both aeronautical and non-aeronautical
services in nature.
5.7.11 Based on the details and clarifications provided by TKIAL, the Study has examined employee allocation of
TKIAL and made certain adjustments and reclassifications based on which the revised EHCR is as given
below.
Table 68: Revised Employee Head Count Ratio for the period from COD till 31st March 2022
Particulars Aeronautical (%) Non-Aeronautical (%)
AAI employees 98.56% 1.44%
TKIAL employees 91.67% 8.33%
Total employees 98.19% 1.81%
5.7.12 Based on the above analysis of ratios, the Authority proposes to consider the following revised ratios for
allocation of expenses of TRV for the post-COD Period.
Table 69: Allocation Ratios proposed by the Authority for the period from COD till 31st March 2022
Particulars Ratio
Employee Head Count Ratio - AAI employees 98.56%:1.44%
Employee Head Count Ratio - TKIAL employees 91.67%:8.33%
Employee Head Count Ratio - Total employees 98.19%:1.81%
Terminal Building Ratio 90.00%:10.00%
Gross Block Ratio 99.38%:0.62%
Assessment of O&M expenses and their allocation
5.7.13 Upon review and analysis of the O&M expenses submitted by TKIAL for the post-COD Period, the Authority
notes the following:
• Manpower Expenses – AAI Employees: The Authority notes that TKIAL has considered the Manpower
expenses as 100% Aeronautical. However, the Authority on examination of the relevant clauses of the
Concession Agreement, has considered the employee expenses of AAI employees up to the ‘Deemed
Deputation Period’ as Common, since the employee expenses of AAI pertain to both Aeronautical and
Non-aeronautical activities. Accordingly, the Authority proposes to reallocate the employee expenses of
AAI in the ratio of Employee Head Count of AAI employees [98.56%:1.44%] (refer Table 71 of the
Study on Opex).
Impact: The reallocation results in a reduction of aeronautical manpower expenses by Rs. 0.40 crores
for the period from COD till 31st March 2022.
• Manpower Expenses – TKIAL: The Authority notes that the TKIAL had considered all 25 of its
employees as being 100% Aeronautical. On a detailed examination, it was understood that out of 25
employees, only 23 employees were involved in aeronautical activities, the remaining 2 were involved
in non-aeronautical activities. Accordingly, the Authority proposes to reallocate the Manpower expenses
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 86 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
in the revised Employee Head Count ratio [91.67%:8.33%] derived by the Authority (refer Table 71 of
the Study on Opex).
Impact: The reallocation resulted in a reduction of Manpower expenses by Rs. 0.35 crores for the period
from COD till 31st March 2022.
• Utility Expenses: Utility expenses have been considered by TKIAL as 100% Aeronautical. Considering
that the power and fuel costs were net of recoveries from Concessionaires, the Authority proposes to
consider the same as 100% Aeronautical. The Authority also noted that the water charge amounting to
Rs. 0.08 crores were included in the administrative expenses by TKIAL. The Authority proposes to
consider the same under utility expense and to reallocate the water charge based on the Gross Block ratio
[99.38%:0.62%] (refer Table 68 of the Study on Opex).
Impact: The above recategorization and reallocation has resulted in an increase in Utility expenses by
Rs. 0.08 crores for the period from COD till 31st March 2022.
• Security Expenses: Security expenses include contractual manpower deployed for Kerbside
management, traffic marshalling, traffic management, landside security, patrolling, Billing & accounting
for National Aviation Security Fee Trust (NASFT), Co-ordination with CISF/Policy, Emergency
Response etc. and security admin expenses include R&M expenses of security equipment and Annual
Maintenance Contracts (AMCs) of Mechanical Equipment, Bosch Closed Circuit Television (CCTV),
XBIS, etc. TKIAL has considered the Security expenses as being 100% Aeronautical. However, the
Authority notes that expenses amounting to Rs. 2.04 crores related to the repairs and maintenance of
security equipment are included in Security Expenses and hence proposes to recategorize the same to
"Repairs and Maintenance" expenses (refer para 4.4.15 of the Study on Opex). The Authority also
proposes to reallocate the Security expenses in the Gross Block Ratio [99.38%:0.62%] (refer Table 68 of
the Study on Opex).
Impact: The recategorization and reallocation of the Security expenses has resulted in a decrease of Rs.
2.05 crores for the period from COD till 31st Mar 2022.
• Corporate Support Service (CSS) Expenses: The Corporate Support Service expenses have been
considered by TKIAL as 100% Aeronautical. However, the Authority notes that the major component of
these costs consists of Salaries and administrative costs that are recovered by AEL & AAHL through
appropriate allocation methods. It is noted that the in-house legal team cost of Rs. 0.04 crore is included
in the Corporate Cost allocation for Post COD Period. However, the employee expenses towards the in-
house legal team of TKIAL have already been allowed under employee expense and therefore, providing
additional expenses towards the legal department at the corporate level would result in redundancy. The
Authority, therefore, proposes to exclude the in-house legal team cost and to reallocate the resulting CSS
expenses in the ratio of TKIAL Employee Headcount ratio [91.67%:8.33%] as determined by the
Authority.
Impact: The adjustment to and reallocation of CSS expense results in a decrease of Rs. 0.62 crores for
the period from COD till 31st Mar 2022 (refer Table 82 of the Study on Opex).
• Administrative & General (A&G) Expenses: The Authority observes that the administrative expenses
include professional and consultancy charges, travelling and conveyance, printing & stationery and other
misc. expenses, water charges, audit fees, IT expenses, insurance and bank and finance charges, and these
expenses were considered as 100% Aeronautical. The Authority proposes to reallocate the administrative
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 87 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
expenses on the basis of Gross Block ratio [99.38%:0.62%] / Employee Head Count Ratio (AAI &
TKIAL) [98.19%:1:81%] depending upon the nature of expenses.
Impact: The impact of the reallocation results in a decrease in the administrative expenses of Rs. 0.12
crores for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 (refer Table 84 of the Study on Opex).
• Repairs & Maintenance Expenses: The Authority observes that repair & maintenance includes the
maintenance of various assets, including Constant Current Regulators, Airfield Lighting System & Power
Supply System, Electrical & Mechanical Installations of Terminal Buildings, Central Air Conditioning
System of Terminal Buildings, Baggage Conveyors, Water Coolers/Water Purifiers, Water Treatment
Plant, AC Plant, Civil Works at Terminal Buildings/Ancillary Buildings, Civil Works at CISF
Barracks/Admin Building, Painting of Runway, and Apron Marking among others and that the expenses
were considered as 100% Aeronautical. However, the Authority proposes to consider certain maintenance
expenses such as Constant Current Regulators, Airfield lighting system & Power supply system, Painting
of runway and Apron marking, Security machines i.e., XBIS / ETD, Baggage Conveyors, etc. as
Aeronautical and the remaining expenses be reallocated on the basis of Gross Block Ratio
[99.38%:0.62%] / Terminal Building Ratio [90.00%:10.00%] depending upon the nature of expenses.
The Authority also proposes to consider the R&M expenses related to security equipment amounting to
Rs. 2.04 crores under the "Repairs and Maintenance" (R&M) expenses (refer para 4.4.33 of the Study on
Opex).
Impact: The impact of the recategorization and reallocation has resulted in an increase in Repairs and
Maintenance expenses by Rs. 1.93 crores for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 (refer Table 86
of the Study on Opex).
• Other Operating Expenses: The Authority notes that the other Operating expenses include
housekeeping, deployment of medical staff, outsourced manpower for trolley and data entry operations,
machines on rent hired for airside operations etc. and that TKIAL had considered all expenses as 100%
Aeronautical. However, the Authority proposes to reallocate the same in the Terminal Building ratio
[90%:10%]/EHCR [98.19%:1.81%]/Aeronautical [100%] based on the nature of the expenses.
Impact: The reallocation resulted in a reduction of Other Operating expenses by Rs. 0.41 crores for the
period from COD till 31st March 2022 (refer Table 88 of the Study on Opex).
• Collection Charges on UDF: It is observed that the collection charges totaling Rs. 0.11 crores include
the amount incurred towards payment to airlines for collection of UDF from the passengers. The
collection charges have more or less remained consistent when compared to the period prior to COD.
Thus, the collection charge on UDF of Rs. 0.11 crores incurred by TKIAL appears to be reasonable.
• Independent Engineer Fees: It is observed that TKIAL has included a cost of Rs. 1.67 crores in respect
of fees payment to the Independent Engineer as part of the O&M expenses. It is to be noted that the
independent engineer is appointed by AAI for a period of 3 years for a fee of Rs. 11.35 crores starting
from 22nd October 2021. As per Clause 24 of the Concession Agreement, an Independent Engineer has
to be appointed by AAI and remuneration shall be paid by AAI which in turn shall be reimbursed by
TKIAL to AAI. Further, as per Clause 24.3.1 of the Concession Agreement, this cost has to be considered
as a passthrough by the Regulator. Based on a comprehensive review of the relevant clauses in the
Concession Agreement, it is noted that the remuneration of the Independent Engineer must be treated as
a pass-through expense by AERA. Consequently, the study considers the fee of Rs. 1.67 crores as an
O&M expense for the Post COD period.
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5.7.14 Further, the Authority observed that TKIAL has considered interest on working capital and finance charges
as a separate line item at the time of true up of ARR. The Authority notes that TKIAL has calculated working
capital interest based on the actual revenue and payment of expenses. According to their calculations, the
need for working capital interest amounting to Rs. 1.59 crores arose during the post-COD period.
The Authority observes that the expenses related to the post-COD period have been actualized, and there is
no evidence of working capital interest being incurred in the books of TRV. As a result, including the working
capital interest in the true-up calculation appears unreasonable. Therefore, the Authority proposes to exclude
the working capital interest from the true-up process.
The Authority also notes that TKIAL has submitted Finance charges to the extent of Rs. 0.37 crores based on
actuals and has considered the same as 100% aeronautical for the post-COD period. The Authority proposes
to accept this amount of Rs. 0.37 crores but allocate the same into Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical based
on the Gross Block ratio (refer Table 69) for the period.
5.7.15 The Authority notes that TKIAL has submitted pre-COD expenses amounting to Rs. 9.02 crores for true-up
of the post-COD period. This expense included Rs. 1.43 crores related to manpower cost including corporate
cost allocation.
The Authority takes cognizance of the fact that AAI deputed its staff and management personnel to the Airport
during the transition period, including prior to the COD to ensure that the relevant knowledge and experience
of the operation and management of TRV is transferred to TKIAL. Therefore, the deputation of such staff is
relevant towards the objective of smooth transition of the airport from AAI to AO, and fulfilment of the terms
of the CA.
Furthermore, the Authority also notes that as per Clause 15.1.2 of the Concession Agreement, the
Concessionaire is mandated to achieve COD within 180 days from the date of the Concession Agreement.
Based on the above factors, the Authority notes that AAI deputed its staff and management personnel to the
Airport during the transition period, including prior to the COD and the cost of such personnel was paid by
the Airport Operator. Additionally, Adani Group also deputed its own manpower from other group entities.
The Authority has accordingly decided to consider salary expenses pertaining to such Adani Group entities
for the period of six months prior to COD, i.e., from 14th April 2021 to 13th October 2021, for the purpose
of tariff determination.
Based on the above considerations, the total costs pertaining to manpower cost prior to COD, as allowed for
the purpose of true-up of TRV is as follows:
Table 70: Pre-COD expenses proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Nature of % Proposed Pre-
Particulars Period Total
Expenses Allowable COD expenses
Project Cost for setup for Airport Business Corporate Cost May'21 to
-* 0% -
- Allocation by parent companies Allocation Oct’21
On roll Aug'21 to
Pre-COD Payroll Cost 0.50 100% 0.50
employee cost Sep’21
Total 0.50 0.50
*AO has not provided any details for the period May 2021 to October 2021
The Authority proposes to consider only this manpower cost for true-up based on the following analysis.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 89 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
• The Authority, after making a detailed study on the provisions of the Concession Agreement, decided
that there is no provision in the Concession Agreement to include in the true up, the remaining costs
incurred by TKIAL prior to COD.
• The Authority proposes that the bid expenses incurred prior to the date of Letter of Award of TKIAL,
and expenses incurred between the date of Concession Agreement and COD (other than as specifically
considered above), as submitted by TKIAL are not to be considered for tariff determination.
5.7.16 The impact on the Aeronautical O&M expenses of TKIAL on account of the proposed recategorization,
reallocation and other adjustments of expenses is as follows:
Table 71: Impact of proposed adjustments to TKIAL’s Aeronautical O&M expenses
(Rs. in crores)
Expense Sub- Expenses classification Impact
Expense Category Category /
TKIAL Study
Description
Payroll expenditure –
Aeronautical (100%) EHCR (98.56% : 1.44%) 0.40
AAI employees
Manpower expenses
Payroll expenditure –
Aeronautical (100%) EHCR (91.67% : 8.33%) 0.35
TKIAL employees
Professional & Gross Block Ratio (99.38% :
Aeronautical (100%) 0.01
Consultancy Fees 0.62%)
Travelling &
Aeronautical (100%) EHCR (98.19% : 1.81%) 0.002
Conveyance
Printing, Stationery &
Aeronautical (100%) EHCR (98.19% : 1.81%) 0.01
Other Misc. Exp
Water Charges Aeronautical (100%) Considered in Utilities 0.08
A&G Expenses Gross Block Ratio (99.38% :
Audit Fees Aeronautical (100%) 0.00
0.62%)
Gross Block Ratio (99.38% :
IT expenses Aeronautical (100%) 0.01
0.62%)
Gross Block Ratio (99.38% :
Insurance Aeronautical (100%) 0.005
0.62%)
Gross Block Ratio (99.38% :
Bank Charges Aeronautical (100%) 0.002
0.62%)
Consumption of Stores Terminal Building Ratio
Aeronautical (100%) 0.07
& Spares-Domestic (90% : 10%)
Consumption of
Terminal Building Ratio
Operating Supplies- Aeronautical (100%) 0.004
(90% : 10%)
Domestic
Aeronautical (100%),
Repairs & Terminal Building Ratio
Aeronautical (100%) 0.01
Maintenance-Buildings (90% : 10%) & Gross Block
Ratio (99.38% : 0.62%)
R&M Expenses
Repairs & Aeronautical (100%) &
Maintenance-Plant & Aeronautical (100%) Terminal Building Ratio -2.03
Machinery (90% : 10%)
Aeronautical (100%) &
Electric works Aeronautical (100%) Terminal Building Ratio 0.02
(90% : 10%)
Aeronautical (100%) &
Repairs & Maintenance
Aeronautical (100%) Terminal Building Ratio 0.001
– Others
(90% : 10%)
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 90 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
Expense Sub- Expenses classification Impact
Expense Category Category /
TKIAL Study
Description
Corporate Cost
CSS Expenses Aeronautical (100%) EHCR (91.67% : 8.33%) 0.62
Allocation
Utility expenses Terminal Building Ratio
Aeronautical (100%) -
(power & Fuel) (90% : 10%)
Utility Expenses
Gross Block Ratio (99.38% :
Water Charges Aeronautical (100%) -0.08
0.62%)
Security Agency Gross Block Ratio (99.38% :
Aeronautical (100%) 0.01
Security Expenses charges 0.62%)
Security Equipment Aeronautical (100%) 2.04
Factory & Office
Aeronautical (100%) EHCR (98.19% : 1.81%) 0.004
Expenses
Contractual Terminal Building Ratio
Aeronautical (100%) 0.10
Manpower-Operations (90% : 10%)
Other outflow Equipment Rentals-
Aeronautical (100%) Aeronautical (100%) -
expenses Operations
House Keeping Terminal Building Ratio
Aeronautical (100%) 0.28
Expenses (90% : 10%)
Terminal Building Ratio
Vehicle Hiring Charges Aeronautical (100%) 0.02
(90% : 10%)
Independent
Aeronautical (100%) Aeronautical (100%) -
Engineer Fee
Total 1.93
5.7.17 Based on the above analysis, the Authority has derived the O&M expenses that it proposes to consider for
True up for TKIAL from COD till 31st March 2022 and the same is detailed below:
Table 72: Adjusted Aeronautical O&M expenses proposed to be considered by the Authority for True
up from COD till 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Heads Sub Heads Post COD
Manpower expenses - AAI employees 27.68
Employee Benefit Expenses
Manpower expenses - Adani employees 3.85
Utility & Outsourcing Utility expenses 5.68
Expenses Security expenses 1.71
CSS Expenses Corporate Cost Allocation 6.39
Independent Engineer Fee 1.67
A&G Expenses
Administrative Expenses – Others 4.81
R&M Expenses R&M 7.89
Collection Charges on UDF 0.11
Other Outflows
Others 4.05
Finance Charges Finance Charges 0.37
Pre-COD Expenses Pre-COD Expenses 0.50
Total 64.71
5.7.18 The Authority proposes to consider O&M expenses of Rs. 64.71 crores for true-up of the period from COD
till 31st March 2022, as shown in Table 72.
5.8 True up of Non-Aeronautical Revenue
5.8.1 TKIAL has submitted the following components of NAR for the period from COD till 31st March 2022.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 91 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
Table 73: NAR submitted by TKIAL for True up from COD till 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Car parking 0.13
Building rent 2.66
Other Income 5.38
Master Concessionaire 6.67
Total NAR 14.84
5.8.2 The Authority notes that TKIAL has concessioned the non-aeronautical activities to Adani Airport Holdings
Limited (AAHL) for a period of 25 years effective from December 2021. In consideration for the concession,
AAHL is expected to pay TKIAL, higher of Minimum Guarantee of Rs. 20 crores or Revenue Share on the
gross revenue for the year.
5.8.3 TKIAL, in an email dated 4th August 2023, has subsequently shared the actual NAR and the entries in the
Book of Accounts for the period from COD till 31st March 2022. The Authority notes that the actual NAR
for the period was Rs. 14.65 crores as against Rs. 14.84 crores in the MYTP submission and therefore
proposes to consider the same for the post-COD period.
5.8.4 The Authority, on verification of the NAR submitted with the Book of Accounts entries of TKIAL, notes that
Rs. 0.19 crores relate to Notional Income on Security Deposit which is an IND AS adjustment entry and Rs.
1.22 crores relate to revenue earned from agencies involved in aeronautical activities as given below.
Table 74: Breakup of revenue earned from agencies involved in aeronautical activities for the period
from COD till 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Air Arabia PJSC 0.01
Air Asia -
Air India Express Ltd -
Air India Ltd 0.11
AIX Connect Pvt Ltd -
Alliance Air Aviation Ltd -
Emirates 0.05
Etihad Airways 0.01
Go Airlines India Ltd -
Gulf Air 0.01
Interglobe Aviation Ltd 0.09
Island Aviation Services Ltd 0.01
Kuwait Airways Company 0.02
Malindo Airways -
Oman Air SAOC 0.02
Qatar Airways 0.02
Spice Jet Ltd 0.02
Srilankan Airlines Ltd 0.01
Tata Sia Airlines Ltd 0.02
Others including Cargo, Ground Handling and Fuel Service Providers 0.83
Total 1.22
5.8.5 The Authority is of the view that space rentals from agencies providing aeronautical services should be treated
as aeronautical revenue. The authority, therefore, proposes to exclude both the Notional Income on Security
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 92 of 253TRUE UP OF TKIAL FOR THE POST COD PERIOD FROM COD TILL 31st MARCH 2022
Deposit and Space Rentals from agencies providing aeronautical services from the NAR for the post-COD
period.
5.8.6 The Authority notes that TKIAL has received Rs. 6.67 crores as revenue share from the Master
Concessionaire and proposes to consider the same for the period from COD till 31st March 2022.
5.8.7 Based on the above discussion, the adjustments to the actual Non-Aeronautical Revenue for the period from
COD till 31st March 2022 is as given below:
Table 75: Adjustment to Revenue from Non-Aeronautical Services considered by the Authority for
True up from COD till 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Actual Non-Aeronautical Revenue as submitted by TKIAL (A) 14.65
Adjustment:
Revenue from agencies providing aeronautical services including airlines (B) 1.22
Notional Income on Security Deposit (C) 0.19
Non-Aeronautical Revenue as per the Authority (A-B-C) 13.24
5.8.8 The revised NAR for the post-COD period as proposed by the Authority is as given in table below.
Table 76: NAR proposed by the Authority for True up from COD till 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Car parking 0.13
Building rent 1.53
Other Income 4.91
Master Concessionaire 6.67
Total NAR 13.24
5.9 True up of Aeronautical Revenue
5.9.1 TKIAL through its MYTP submission has submitted Aeronautical Revenue of Rs. 70.67 crores for the period
from COD till 31st March 2022. Subsequently, TKIAL has shared vide email dated 4th August 2023 the actual
Aeronautical Revenue for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as Rs. 71.15 crores as shown in the table
below.
Table 77: Actual Aeronautical Revenue submitted by TKIAL for the period from COD till 31st March
2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Landing revenue 12.92
Parking & housing revenue 0.36
Ground handling revenue 3.24
Passenger UDF 53.03
CUTE and BRS revenue 1.13
Land Lease Revenue 0.48
Total Aero revenue 71.15
5.9.2 The Authority proposes to consider TKIAL’s submission of Aeronautical revenue for the post-COD period
as given in Table 77. The Authority also proposes to include the Aeronautical revenue of Rs. 1.22 crores that
was submitted as part of the NAR by TKIAL but was not included as part of NAR proposed by the Authority
(refer para 5.8.4).
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5.9.3 The Authority proposes to consider revised Aeronautical Revenue for the period from COD till 31st March
2022 as per table given below.
Table 78: Aeronautical Revenue as proposed by the Authority for True-up from COD till 31st March
2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Landing revenue 12.92
Parking & housing revenue 0.36
Ground handling revenue 3.24
Passenger UDF 53.03
CUTE and BRS revenue 1.13
Land Lease Revenue* 1.70
Total Aero revenue 72.37
*Includes Rs. 1.22 crores reclassified from non-aeronautical revenue to aeronautical revenue.
5.10 True up of Taxation
5.10.1 TKIAL has submitted ‘Nil’ tax for the period from COD till 31st March 2022. The Authority notes that the
actual Aeronautical revenue earned by TKIAL for the above approximate 6-month period is less than the
Operating expenses and Depreciation incurred by TKIAL, thereby resulting in losses and hence ‘Nil’
Aeronautical Taxation. The same is presented in the table below.
Table 79: Taxation proposed to be considered by the Authority for true up from COD till 31st March
2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. Amount
Aero Revenues (refer Table 78) A 72.37
Aero O&M Expenses (refer Table 72) B 64.71
Interest Expense C 11.31
Depreciation as per IT Act D 29.83
Aero Profit Before Tax E=A-(B+C+D) -33.48
Previous loss adjustment F -
Taxable Profit G=Max. of 0 or (E-F) -
Tax rate (%) H 25.17%
Aeronautical Tax I=G*H -
Opening Losses J -
Current period (loss)/profit K=E -33.48
Closing Losses L=J+K -33.48
5.11 True up of Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR)
5.11.1 Based on its analysis of the various building blocks, the Authority has determined the ARR and Shortfall
(Under recovery) for True up of the Pre-COD period and the same is presented in the table below:
Table 80: ARR proposed to be considered by the Authority for true up from COD till 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. Amount
Average RAB (A) Table 65 470.86
FRoR (B) Table 66 6.47%
Return on Avg. RAB (C = A*B) 30.46
Operating expenses* (D) Table 72 64.71
Depreciation (E) Para 5.5.4 29.83
Tax (F) Table 79 -
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Particulars Ref. Amount
ARR (G = Sum[C:F]) 125.00
NAR (H) Table 76 13.24
30% of NAR (I = 30%*H) 3.97
Net ARR as on 31st March 2022 (J = G – I) 121.03
Actual Aeronautical Revenue (K) Table 78 72.37
(Over)/Under Recovery as on 31st March 2022 (L = J – K) 48.66
Compounding Rate (M) 12.21%
Compounding Factor (N = [1 + M] ^ t) 1.12
PV of Under Recovery as on 31st March 2023 (O = L*N) 54.60
*Operating expenses consist of Rs. 63.84 crores of Aeronautical Operating expenses incurred for the period from COD till 31st
March 2022, Rs. 0.50 crores of pre-COD expenses (refer para 5.7.15) and Rs. 0.37 crores of Aeronautical Finance Charges (refer
para 5.7.14)
5.11.2 The Authority proposes to consider the under-recovery of Rs. 54.60 crores for True-up of TKIAL for the
period from COD up to 31st March 2022 and consider the same in the ARR computation of TRV,
Thiruvananthapuram for the Third Control Period.
5.11.3 The ARR proposed by the Authority is Rs. 121.03 crores as against Rs. 150.74 crores submitted by TKIAL.
The variance is on account of the following:
• Increase in the Return on RAB derived by the Authority due to re-classification of assets and change in
FRoR – Impact of Rs. 0.38 crores
• Reduction in Depreciation derived by the Authority due to re-classification of assets and revision in
useful life as applicable – Impact of Rs. 18.88 crores
• Rationalization of O&M expenses claimed by TKIAL based on O&M Study report – Impact of Rs. 11.69
crores.
• Increase in ARR due to reduction of Non-Aeronautical Revenue – Rs. 0.48 crores
5.12 Authority’s proposals regarding True up for the period from COD till 31st March 2022
Based on the material before it and its examination, the Authority proposes the following with respect to True
up of the period from COD till 31st March 2022 for TRV, Thiruvananthapuram:
5.12.1 To consider RAB and depreciation for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as per Table 65
5.12.2 To consider FRoR for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as per Table 66.
5.12.3 To consider O&M expenses for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as per Table 72.
5.12.4 To consider Non-Aeronautical Revenue for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as per Table 76.
5.12.5 To consider Aeronautical revenue for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as per Table 78
5.12.6 To consider under recovery of Rs. 54.60 crores for True-up of TKIAL as per Table 80 for the period from
COD till 31st March 2022 and readjust the same in the ARR for the Third Control Period.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 95 of 253EVALUATION OF MYTP FOR THE
THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 96 of 253TRAFFIC FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
6 TRAFFIC FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
The historical passenger traffic, ATM and cargo traffic at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport are given
in the table below.
Table 81: Historical passenger traffic, ATM and cargo traffic at TRV
Passengers (Nos.) ATM (Nos.) Cargo (MT)
Year
Domestic Int'l Total Domestic Int'l Total Domestic Int'l Total
FY 10 637,808 1,695,912 2,333,720 10,166 15,185 25,351 1,442 31,708 33,150
FY 11 684,061 1,842,824 2,526,885 8,213 16,656 24,869 1,540 37,795 39,335
FY 12 978,847 1,835,952 2,814,799 11,708 15,531 27,239 1,449 46,753 48,202
FY 13 988,552 1,850,469 2,839,021 10,642 14,161 24,803 1,490 37,963 39,453
FY 14 985,525 1,948,549 2,934,074 9,631 14,150 23,781 1,794 27,283 29,077
FY 15 1,080,993 2,093,025 3,174,018 8,916 14,803 23,719 1,166 28,731 29,897
FY 16 1,196,245 2,274,543 3,470,788 9,692 16,309 26,001 957 34,613 35,570
FY 17 1,571,767 2,309,742 3,881,509 12,473 16,644 29,117 1,508 26,942 28,450
FY 18 1,916,127 2,477,342 4,393,469 14,680 19,058 33,738 1,195 27,520 28,715
FY 19 1,904,908 2,529,551 4,434,459 14,452 18,641 33,093 1,506 23,661 25,167
FY 20 1,709,229 2,209,964 3,919,193 14,030 14,812 28,842 2,023 23,488 25,511
FY 21 476,559 458,876 935,435 5,111 4,202 9,313 1,048 13,751 14,799
FY 22 699,447 956,059 1,655,506 7,010 8,346 15,356 1,706 14,873 16,579
Note – TRV has achieved the highest passenger volume in FY 2018-19 while the highest ATM traffic was in FY 2017-18. The maximum
cargo volumes managed at TRV airport were in FY 2011-12.
6.1 TKIAL’s submissions regarding Traffic for the Third Control Period
6.1.1 TKIAL submission of passenger traffic, ATM and cargo traffic along with their expected annual growth rates
assumed in its MYTP for Third Control Period are as given in the table below:
Table 82: TKIAL’s submission of traffic at TRV for the Third Control Period
Passenger ATM Cargo
Year
Domestic Int'l Total Domestic Int'l Total Domestic Int'l Total
Traffic
FY 23 1,544,108 1,912,523 3,456,631 12,275 12,967 25,242 1,686 20,474 22,160
FY 24 1,973,016 2,468,437 4,441,453 15,430 16,278 31,708 2,142 25,654 27,796
FY 25 2,252,173 2,878,675 5,130,848 17,570 18,934 36,504 2,568 30,323 32,891
FY 26 2,446,514 3,169,234 5,615,748 19,039 20,784 39,823 2,923 33,828 36,751
FY 27 2,647,049 3,388,367 6,035,416 20,551 22,134 42,685 3,307 36,635 39,942
Total 10,862,860 13,817,236 24,680,095 84,865 91,097 1,75,962 12,626 146,914 159,540
Growth rates
FY
120.76% 100.04% 108.80% 75.11% 55.37% 64.38% -1.17% 37.66% 33.66%
23*
FY 24 27.78% 29.07% 28.49% 25.70% 25.53% 25.62% 27.05% 25.30% 25.43%
FY 25 14.15% 16.62% 15.52% 13.87% 16.32% 15.13% 19.89% 18.20% 18.33%
FY 26 8.63% 10.09% 9.45% 8.36% 9.77% 9.09% 13.82% 11.56% 11.74%
FY 27 8.20% 6.91% 7.47% 7.94% 6.50% 7.19% 13.14% 8.30% 8.68%
*Growth rates are computed based on FY 2021-22 traffic
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6.1.2 TKIAL has also submitted that it expected to process certain cargo volumes out of the total volume at its own
cargo facility. The following table summarizes the total cargo volumes proposed to be handled by TKIAL
out of the total cargo traffic at TRV during TCP.
Table 83: Cargo volumes to be handled by TKIAL out of the total cargo traffic during the Third
Control Period
Particulars (in MT) FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Domestic 1,000 2,000 2,000 2,046 2,315 9,361
International - 4,500 6,000 23,680 25,645 59,824
Total by TKIAL (A) 1,000 6,500 8,000 25,726 27,959 69,185
Total cargo traffic at TRV (B) 22,160 27,796 32,891 36,751 39,942 1,59,540
TKIAL Market Share (A/B) 4.51% 23.38% 24.32% 70.00% 70.00%
6.1.3 TKIAL had engaged an independent agency – M/s Mott MacDonald for assessing passenger traffic, ATM,
and cargo traffic for TRV. Based on its analysis, M/s Mott MacDonald issued a report on 3rd September 2021
wherein it provided low, base, and high case for projected traffic for the Third Control Period. The broad
assumptions for the three cases as per the report are as follows.
“The Base case adopts realistic but conservative assumptions on the progress of the pandemic, roll-out of
COVID-19 vaccines, relaxation of travel restrictions, recovery of passengers’ willingness to travel, and
recessionary impacts of the crisis on the Indian and key source markets.
The Low case reflects more prolonged measures to control the pandemic (such as a further wave of infections
or a greater time to roll out the COVID-19 vaccines more widely), which results in slower relaxing of travel
restrictions, a slower passenger recovery, and a greater recessionary impact in the Indian and key source
markets. The Low case also incorporates a scenario in which SpiceJet (which has struggled for profitability
in recent years) fails during April 2022…
The High case incorporates more optimistic, albeit still realistic, assumptions (such as COVID-19 vaccines
being widely available by mid-2021, swift relaxation of travel restrictions in the Indian and key source
markets, and rapid restoration in passengers’ confidence to travel).”
6.1.4 The traffic projections submitted by TKIAL in Table 82 above are adopted from Mott MacDonald’s ‘base
case’ scenario.
6.1.5 The Passenger traffic and ATM projected above have been adjusted by TKIAL to account for billable
passenger traffic (excluding certain categories of passengers such as infants for whom UDF charges are not
leviable) and billable domestic ATMs (other than ATMs pertaining to less than 80-seater capacity flights that
are exempt from landing charges, which includes flights operating under Regional Connectivity scheme
(RCS) scheme initiated by the GoI). The exempt ATMs considered by TKIAL ranges from 8% to 13% of the
total domestic ATMs and the exempt passenger traffic was considered at 3% of the total passenger traffic, as
given in the table below.
Table 84: Exempted Domestic ATM and Passenger Traffic submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control
Period
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27
Exempt Domestic ATM submitted by TKIAL as a % of total
13.00% 11.00% 10.00% 9.00% 8.00%
Domestic ATM
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 98 of 253TRAFFIC FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27
Exempt Passengers (Domestic and International) submitted by
3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00%
TKIAL as a % of total passengers
6.1.6 The adjusted Passenger traffic, ATM and cargo submitted by TKIAL are as follows:
Table 85: Adjusted traffic at TRV submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
Passenger ATM Cargo
Year
Domestic Int'l Total Domestic Int'l Total Domestic Int'l Total
Traffic
FY 23 14,97,785 18,55,147 33,52,932 10,679 12,967 23,646 1,686 20,474 22,160
FY 24 19,13,826 23,94,384 43,08,209 13,733 16,278 30,011 2,142 25,654 27,796
FY 25 21,84,608 27,92,315 49,76,922 15,813 18,934 34,747 2,568 30,323 32,891
FY 26 23,73,119 30,74,157 54,47,276 17,325 20,784 38,109 2,923 33,828 36,751
FY 27 25,67,637 32,86,716 58,54,353 18,907 22,134 41,041 3,307 36,635 39,942
Total 1,05,36,974 1,34,02,719 2,39,39,692 76,457 91,097 1,67,554 12,626 1,46,914 1,59,540
Growth rates
FY 23* 114.14% 94.04% 102.53% 52.34% 55.37% 53.99% -1.17% 37.66% 33.66%
FY 24 27.78% 29.07% 28.49% 28.59% 25.53% 26.92% 27.05% 25.30% 25.43%
FY 25 14.15% 16.62% 15.52% 15.15% 16.32% 15.78% 19.89% 18.20% 18.33%
FY 26 8.63% 10.09% 9.45% 9.56% 9.77% 9.68% 13.82% 11.56% 11.74%
FY 27 8.20% 6.91% 7.47% 9.13% 6.50% 7.69% 13.14% 8.30% 8.68%
*Growth rates are computed based on FY 2021-22 traffic
6.2 Authority’s examination regarding TKIAL’s submission of Traffic for the Third Control
Period
6.2.1 The Authority notes that Mott MacDonald, appointed as a consultant by TKIAL, has forecasted the passenger
traffic at TRV based on the combination of the two approaches detailed below.
• Short-term ‘bottom-up’ approach wherein the historical traffic, the epidemiological situations, COVID
scenarios, load factor and flight frequency development were analyzed to arrive at the short-term forecast
of traffic at TRV.
• An econometric forecast using a traditional econometric model wherein regression analysis was used to
establish the relationship between passenger traffic and GDP. The model was developed based on analysis
of AAI traffic data, short-term forecasts, etc.
6.2.2 The ATM was forecasted based on the average seats per movement growth (considering the current and
potential fleet mix at the airport, domestic and international separately) and load factor growth assumptions.
6.2.3 The cargo traffic has been forecasted based on analysis of average cargo tonnage per aircraft movement for
domestic and international separately over time.
6.2.4 The Authority notes that the TKIAL has assumed the ‘base scenario’ estimates of traffic forecasts submitted
by Mott MacDonald for projecting Passenger traffic, ATM and Cargo traffic (both domestic and
international).
6.2.5 The Authority notes that the TKIAL has considered only billable ATM, after excluding ATM traffic that is
exempted from landing charges. However, the Authority is of the view that RCS scheme is promoted by the
GoI with the objective of making regional air connectivity affordable by supporting airline operators through
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 99 of 253TRAFFIC FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
concessions offered by the Central Government, State Government and the Airport Operators. As this scheme
is promoted to encourage small aircraft, the flights operating under this scheme are not eligible to be claimed
as exemption. The Authority noted that out of the total exempted traffic submitted by TKIAL for FY 2022-
23 (12.2% of the total domestic ATMs), 1.0% constitutes flights operating under the RCS Scheme and the
balance pertains to non-RCS flights. Hence, the Authority had considered the billable ATM traffic after
excluding the ATMs that pertain to less than 80-seater capacity non-RCS flights that are exempted from
landing charges.
6.2.6 The Authority also notes that TKIAL has, vide its reply to queries dated 6th November 2023, informed that
the RCS flights operated by InterGlobe Aviation Limited (Indigo) has ceased from 30th May 2022 and that
there are no flights operating under RCS Scheme beyond this date from TRV.
6.2.7 The Authority, after rationalization, has derived the exempted traffic as approximately 11% for FY 2022-23
and has considered the same for determining the billable domestic ATM for FY 2022-23. For FY 2023-24,
the Authority proposes to consider the same exempt traffic as determined for FY 2022-23 while for the
remaining tariff years, the Authority proposes to consider the exempt traffic submitted by TKIAL.
6.2.8 Similarly, Government of India has allowed exemption of UDF to certain categories of passengers through
Order No. AIC 14/2019 read with AIC 20/2019. TKIAL cannot claim any pass-through regarding UDF on
such categories and this is followed by AERA across all the Major Airports.
6.2.9 Based on the above factors, the exempt traffic considered by the Authority for determining billable domestic
ATM (after excluding ATMs that pertain to less than 80-seater capacity flights which fall under non-RCS
category) and billable passenger traffic for the Third Control Period for TRV is as follows:
Table 86: Exempt traffic considered by the Authority for determining billable traffic at TRV airport
for the Third Control Period
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27
Exempt Domestic ATM proposed by Authority
11.26% 11.00% 10.00% 9.00% 8.00%
as a % of total Domestic ATM
* Actual data has been considered for FY 2022-23
6.2.10 As part of its examination of traffic forecast submitted by the TKIAL, the Authority has calculated
Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for Passenger traffic, ATM and Cargo traffic from FY 2009-10
to FY 2019-20 (10-year CAGR), FY 2009-10 to FY 2018-19 (9-year CAGR), FY 2014-15 to FY 2019-20 (5-
year CAGR) and FY 2016-17 to FY 2019-20 (3-year CAGR).
6.2.11 The table below provides the details of the CAGR for Passenger traffic, ATM and Cargo. The 10-year, 5-year
and 3-year CAGRs have been computed for the respective periods up to FY 2019- 20, as FY 2020-21 and FY
2021-22 traffic were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore may not provide an appropriate basis
for arriving at the CAGR. The computation of 9-year CAGR is based on the period FY 2009-10 to FY 2018-
19, in order to remove certain extraneous events of FY 2019-20 as detailed in para 6.2.13 below.
Table 87: CAGR for Passenger traffic, ATM and Cargo
10-year CAGR 9-year CAGR 5-year CAGR 3-year CAGR
Particulars
(FY10-FY20) (FY10-FY19) (FY15-FY20) (FY17-FY20)
Passengers:
Domestic 10.36% 12.93% 9.60% 2.83%
International 2.68% 4.54% 1.09% -1.46%
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10-year CAGR 9-year CAGR 5-year CAGR 3-year CAGR
Particulars
(FY10-FY20) (FY10-FY19) (FY15-FY20) (FY17-FY20)
Total 5.32% 7.39% 4.31% 0.32%
ATM:
Domestic 3.27% 3.99% 9.49% 4.00%
International -0.25% 2.30% 0.01% -3.81%
Total 1.30% 3.01% 3.99% -0.32%
Cargo:
Domestic 3.44% 0.48% 11.65% 10.29%
International -2.96% -3.20% -3.95% -4.47%
Total -2.59% -3.01% -3.12% -3.57%
6.2.12 The Authority notes that there is a variation in traffic and volatility in past trends, causing CAGR for these
periods and not to be suitable for estimation of future traffic.
6.2.13 The Authority notes that there has been a decrease in the Passenger and ATM traffic particularly in the FY
2019-20, which is a pre-COVID year, mainly due to the closure of operations by Jet Airways with no
replacement for those vacant slots together with the impact of COVID-19 pandemic towards the end of the
FY 2019-20.
6.2.14 It was observed that for FY 2020-21, when compared to FY 2019-20, there was a reduction of 72.12% and
79.24% in domestic passenger traffic and international passenger traffic respectively, 63.57% and 71.63%
respectively in domestic ATM and international ATM, and 48.20% and 41.46% respectively in domestic
Cargo and international Cargo. This was due to the adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the domestic
and international aircraft movements.
Computation of traffic forecasts by the Authority, considering the impact of COVID-19 pandemic
6.2.15 The traffic forecasts have been computed by the Authority, after taking into account the analysis by the
following agencies regarding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Aviation sector, apart from the study
report provided by Mott MacDonald for TKIAL.
6.2.16 Airports Council International (ACI) - ACI in its latest report available has projected the following air
passenger traffic outlook:
• Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global passenger volume was estimated to reach 10.5 billion
passengers in 2023. However, the current projection of global passenger volume in 2023 is
approximately 8.6 billion passengers, which is 94.2% of the 2019 level.
• The year 2024 is expected to be a milestone for global passenger traffic recovery as it reaches 9.4 billion
passengers, surpassing the year 2019 that welcomed 9.2 billion passengers (102.5% of the 2019 level).
Compared to the pre-COVID forecast that predicted 10.9 billion passengers in 2024, the effects of the
pandemic represent a potential loss of 13.9%.
• While the Asia-Pacific region is expected to have a substantial jump in passenger traffic in the first half
of 2023 along with the ongoing opening of the Chinese market, its recovery is predicted to slow down
significantly in the second half of the year due to challenges in overseas tourism and looming economic
concerns. By the end of the year, the region is expected to reach 2.9 billion passengers, or 87.3% of the
2019 level. With the uncertainty from both upside and downside factors, the region is expected to reach
approximately 3.4 billion passengers, or 99.5% of the 2019 level, in 2024.
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6.2.17 International Air Transport Association (IATA) - IATA in its latest market analysis report has reported
the following:
• Industry-wide revenue passenger-kilometers (RPKs) increased 29.7% year-on-year (YoY) in November
and closed the gap to 2019 levels to within 1%.
• Available seat-kilometers (ASKs) rose by 28.6% YoY, recovering to 98.2% of pre-pandemic capacity.
Global passenger load factor increased over the year and compared to 2019, now standing at 81.8%.
• Domestic RPKs grew 6.7% over pre-pandemic levels with an annual growth rate of 34.8%. International
RPKs 94.5% of pre-pandemic levels and increased 26.4% YoY.
• Air passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger-kilometers (RPKs), continued to grow in November
with a 29.7% increase over the year. Global RPKs are now just 0.9% lower than pre-pandemic levels. In
seasonally adjusted terms, growth continued although at a slightly slower pace compared to the previous
months with 0.6% month-on-month (MoM) growth.
Conclusion on traffic forecasts based on the above assumptions.
6.2.18 Considering the extraordinary adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic on domestic and international air
travel, the Authority has taken into consideration the forecasted data published by ACI and IATA cited in
para 6.2.16 and 6.2.17 above for arriving at the revised traffic projections.
6.2.19 The Authority has reviewed the actual Passenger traffic, ATM and Cargo traffic data for FY 2022-23 (from
AAI website) and has considered the same for estimating traffic for the remaining years of the Third Control
Period:
Table 88: Actual Passenger, ATM and Cargo traffic for the period FY 2022-23
Particulars (in No’s) Domestic International Total
Actual Traffic data from April 2022 to March 2023:
PAX 1,679,385 1,798,682 3,478,067
ATM 12,270 12,324 24,594
Cargo 1,800 14,922 16,722
6.2.20 The Authority has also compared the actual traffic achieved during YTD December 2023 (i.e., April 2023 to
December 2023) with that of the corresponding period in FY 2019-20 (i.e., pre-COVID period) and notes that
the actual Passenger traffic and ATM of YTD December 2023 has surpassed the pre-COVID levels of FY
2019-20, while that for Cargo is at 67% of traffic in the corresponding period in FY 2019-20. The details of
the same are given below.
Table 89: Comparison of Passenger traffic, ATM and Cargo traffic at TRV in FY 2023-24 with FY
2019-20
Traffic Apr’19 – Dec’19 Apr’23 – Dec’23 As a % of FY 20
(in No’s) Domestic Int’l Total Domestic Int’l Total Domestic Int’l Total
Passenger 12,93,347 17,58,028 30,51,375 17,23,291 15,07,612 32,30,903 133% 86% 106%
ATM 10,358 11,613 21,971 12,445 9,795 22,240 120% 84% 101%
Cargo 1,621 18,749 20,370 1,901 11,794 13,695 117% 63% 67%
6.2.21 Considering the positive outlook of the GDP growth predicted by the GoI and relatively better revival of the
domestic aviation market, the Authority is of the view that domestic passenger traffic and ATM will revert to
pre-COVID levels (of FY 2019-20) by FY 2023-24.
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6.2.22 Further, the Authority notes that as per the predictions done by the above agencies (as cited in para 6.2.16
and 6.2.17 above), international passenger traffic and ATM will reach pre-COVID levels (of FY 2019-20) by
FY 2024-25. However, the Authority notes that, the actual international traffic has already reached 86% of
comparable period of FY 2019-20 by December 2023. Therefore, the Authority is of the view that the
international passenger traffic will reach pre-COVID levels in FY 2023-24 itself which is the view of TKIAL
as seen from the traffic estimates submitted by it.
6.2.23 Considering the positive outlook provided by the Expert Agencies and the encouraging trend in the traffic
numbers reported in the first nine (9) months of FY 2023-24, the Authority proposes to consider the passenger
traffic and ATM proposed by the TKIAL for the remaining tariff years viz., FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27.
6.2.24 In respect of Cargo traffic, the Authority notes that TRV has achieved only 67% of pre-COVID level in YTD
December 2023 with the domestic cargo traffic achieving 117% of the pre-COVID level. Further, considering
the positive trend in the combined Cargo traffic for the first nine months of FY 2023-24 as against the same
period in FY 2022-23, the Authority proposes to consider the Cargo traffic projections submitted by the
TKIAL for the remaining four tariff years of the Third Control Period.
6.2.25 The Authority also notes that, as per the MYTP submission, TKIAL was expected to begin the international
cargo operation from 1st April 2023. However, in the reply to queries dated 8th November 2023, TKIAL has
informed that the international cargo operation is expected to begin in Quarter 4 of FY 2023-24. Considering
the revised start date, the Authority proposes to prorate the international cargo volume handled by TKIAL in
FY 2023-24. The Authority also proposes to consider volume for FY 2024-25 as submitted by TKIAL and
the market share of 70% as submitted by TKIAL for estimating the cargo to be handled in FY 2025-26 and
FY 2026-27.
6.2.26 Based on the above analysis, the growth rates and the corresponding traffic for Passengers, ATM and Cargo
as considered by the Authority for the Third Control Period are as given in the table below.
Table 90: Traffic proposed to be considered by the Authority for the Third Control Period
Particulars FY 23* FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Domestic Passengers
Domestic PAX submitted by
15,44,108 19,73,016 22,52,173 24,46,514 26,47,049 1,08,62,860
TKIAL
Domestic PAX proposed by the
16,79,385 19,73,016 22,52,173 24,46,514 26,47,049 1,09,98,137
Authority (A)
TKIAL’s submission as a % of
90% 115% 132% 143% 155%
FY 2019-20 traffic
Proposed traffic as per Authority
98% 115% 132% 143% 155%
as a % of FY 2019-20 traffic
International Passengers
International PAX submitted by
19,12,523 24,68,437 28,78,675 31,69,234 33,88,367 1,38,17,236
TKIAL
International PAX proposed by
17,98,682 24,68,437 28,78,675 31,69,234 33,88,367 1,37,03,395
the Authority (D)
TKIAL’s submission as a % of
87% 112% 130% 143% 153%
FY 2019-20 traffic
Proposed traffic as per Authority
81% 112% 130% 143% 153%
as a % of FY 2019-20 traffic
Total passengers
Total PAX as per TKIAL's
34,56,631 44,41,453 51,30,848 56,15,748 60,35,416 2,46,80,095
submission
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 103 of 253TRAFFIC FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Particulars FY 23* FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Total (Domestic and
International) proposed by the 34,78,067 44,41,453 51,30,848 56,15,748 60,35,416 2,47,01,531
Authority
Proposed total traffic as per
TKIAL's submission as a % of 88% 113% 131% 143% 154%
FY 2019-20 traffic
Proposed total traffic as per
Authority as a % of FY 2019-20 89% 113% 131% 143% 154%
traffic
Domestic ATM (in No's)
Domestic ATM submitted by
12,275 15,430 17,570 19,039 20,551 84,865
TKIAL
Domestic ATM proposed by the
12,270 15,430 17,570 19,039 20,551 84,860
Authority (H)
TKIAL's submission as a % of
87% 110% 125% 136% 146%
FY 2019-20 ATM
Proposed ATM traffic as per
Authority as a % of FY 2019-20 87% 110% 125% 136% 146%
ATM
Domestic exempted ATM (in
%)
Submitted by TKIAL 13.00% 11.00% 10.00% 9.00% 8.00%
As per the Authority (I) 11.26% 11.00% 10.00% 9.00% 8.00%
Domestic Billable ATM (in
No's)
Submitted by TKIAL 10,679 13,733 15,813 17,325 18,907 76,457
As per the Authority (J=H*(1-I)) 10,888 13,733 15,813 17,325 18,907 76,666
International ATM (in No's)
International ATM submitted by
12,967 16,278 18,934 20,784 22,134 91,097
TKIAL
International ATM proposed by
12,324 16,278 18,934 20,784 22,134 90,454
the Authority (K)
TKIAL's submission as a % of
88% 110% 128% 140% 149%
FY 2019-20 ATM
Proposed ATM traffic as per
Authority as a % of FY 2019-20 83% 110% 128% 140% 149%
ATM
Total ATM (in No's)
Total ATM (Domestic and
International) as per TKIAL's 25,242 31,708 36,504 39,823 42,685 1,75,962
submission
Total ATM (Domestic and
International) proposed by the 24,594 31,708 36,504 39,823 42,685 1,75,314
Authority
TKIAL's submission as a % of
88% 110% 127% 138% 148%
FY 2019-20 total ATM
Proposed total ATM as per
Authority as a % of FY 2019-20 85% 110% 127% 138% 148%
ATM
Total Billable ATM (in No's)
Submitted by TKIAL 23,646 30,011 34,747 38,109 41,041 1,67,554
As per Authority (L=J+K) 23,212 30,011 34,747 38,109 41,041 1,67,120
Domestic Cargo (in MT)
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Particulars FY 23* FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Domestic Cargo submitted by
1,686 2,142 2,568 2,923 3,307 12,626
TKIAL
Domestic Cargo proposed by the
1,800 2,142 2,568 2,923 3,307 12,740
Authority
TKIAL's submission as a % of
83% 106% 127% 144% 163%
FY 2019-20 total Cargo
Proposed Cargo traffic as per
Authority as a % of FY 2019-20 89% 106% 127% 144% 163%
ATM
International Cargo (in MT)
International Cargo submitted by
20,474 25,654 30,323 33,828 36,635 1,46,914
TKIAL
International Cargo proposed by
14,922 25,654 30,323 33,828 36,635 1,41,362
the Authority
TKIAL's submission as a % of
87% 109% 129% 144% 156%
FY 2019-20 Cargo
Proposed Cargo traffic as per
Authority as a % of FY 2019-20 64% 109% 129% 144% 156%
Cargo
Total Cargo (in MT)
Total Cargo submitted by TKIAL 22,160 27,796 32,891 36,751 39,942 1,59,540
Total Cargo proposed by the
16,722 27,796 32,891 36,751 39,942 1,54,102
Authority
TKIAL's submission as a % of
87% 109% 129% 144% 157%
FY 2019-20 total Cargo
Proposed Cargo traffic as per
Authority as a % of FY 2019-20 66% 109% 129% 144% 157%
Cargo
TKIAL's share of Cargo Traffic
As per TKIAL
Domestic cargo 1,000 2,000 2,000 2,046 2,315 9,361
International cargo - 4,500 6,000 23,680 25,645 59,824
Total cargo 1,000 6,500 8,000 25,726 27,959 69,185
TKIAL Market Share 4.51% 23.38% 24.32% 70.00%** 70.00%
As per the Authority
Domestic 1,382 2,000 2,000 2,046 2,315 9,743
International - 750 6,000 23,680 25,645 56,074
Total 1,382 2,750 8,000 25,726 27,959 65,817
* Note – The traffic of FY 2022-23 is based on the actuals as available in AAI’s website
** based on TKIAL’s expectation
6.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Traffic for the Third Control Period
Based on the available facts and analysis thereupon, the Authority proposes the following with regard to
traffic forecast for the Third Control Period:
6.3.1 To consider the Passenger traffic, ATM and Cargo traffic for the Third Control Period for TRV as per Table
90.
6.3.2 To true up the traffic volume (Passengers, ATM and Cargo) based on actual traffic in the Third Control Period
while determining tariffs for the Fourth Control Period.
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7 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX), DEPRECIATION AND REGULATORY ASSET
BASE (RAB) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
7.1 Background
7.1.1 RAB is an essential element in the process of tariff determination. The return to be provided on the RAB
constitutes a considerable portion of the Aggregate Revenue Requirement for an Airport Operator. To
encourage the participation of the private sector in airport development and operations, investors must be
fairly compensated for the capital outlays involved. At the same time, to safeguard the interests of the airport
users, it must be ensured that the capital additions are efficient, their needs justified, and the return on
investment is provided solely on the assets related to the core operations (i.e., Aeronautical services) of the
airport.
7.1.2 The Authority notes that Schedule B to the Concession Agreement (CA) details the development of the airport
which includes construction and procurement of various assets such as:
• Environmental Sustainability projects relating to water, energy, materials/resources, waste management,
indoor environment quality etc.
• Runways, Taxiways, Aprons, Aircraft parking bays, Air Traffic control tower, Cargo facilities, Parking,
Flight kitchens, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, Warehousing facilities, Airline
offices, administrative offices and associated facilities.
• Construction and procurement of Terminal Building and facilities and
• Construction of required approach roads.
7.1.3 The relevant clauses of Schedule B of the CA have been given in Annexure 4 of Chapter 17 of this
Consultation Paper.
7.1.4 In this background, the Authority observes that TKIAL has planned to develop TRV Airport to increase the
annual passenger throughput capacity (domestic and international) and annual cargo handling capacity, along
with ancillary facilities as per the demand projections.
The Authority also notes that TKIAL is mandated to develop a new integrated terminal building in a phased
manner which should be sustainable and economical, as defined under Schedule B of Annex I of the CA
(refer to Annexure 4 of Chapter 17 of this Consultation Paper). Further, as per Clause 23.7.1 of the CA –
“The Concessionaire shall participate in the user survey of ASQ undertaken by ACI or any substitute thereof,
conducted every quarter and ensure that the Airport achieves and maintains a rating of at least 4.5 out of 5.0
and/ or shall appear within top 20 percentile of all airports, in its category in the World in such survey within
five (5) years from the COD and maintain the same throughout the rest of the Concession Period.”
7.1.5 The Independent Consultant appointed by the Authority has performed an in-depth analysis of the
submissions made by TKIAL regarding Aeronautical Capital Additions, Depreciation and RAB. In this
respect, the Independent Consultant has performed the following functions:
(i) Sought and verified various technical and study reports provided by TKIAL, Drawings and Plans, BOQs,
cost estimates and break-up, detailed justification and explanation, Demand vs. Requirement statement,
Copies of Letter of Intent (LOI), Letter of Award (LOA), Purchase Orders and Work Orders, etc. as
applicable, provided by the TKIAL, and
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(ii) Sought documentary evidence and verified the process of approval of CAPEX projects including
competitive bidding process for award of various work orders, where applicable, to the contractors for
such projects.
7.1.6 Based on the review of documents as stated above, the Authority has rationalized the CAPEX projects,
submitted by TKIAL by shifting the capitalization date of some of the projects within the Third Control
Period and deferring certain others to the next Control Period based on the essentiality and necessity for
Airport operations.
7.1.7 In the background of the facts stated above, the Authority has examined the capital expenditure proposed by
TKIAL, considering the historical traffic trends and future traffic estimates such that only essential,
reasonable and efficient CAPEX is considered as part of RAB for the Third Control Period with a view to
encourage the investment and maintain a balanced approach between the sustainable operations of the TKIAL
and the interest of the airport users. Further, the Authority takes cognizance of the fact that, if any excessive
CAPEX is allowed in this Control Period, it would be against the regulatory framework, as tariff would have
no link to the services/ facilities created at the Airport and the resultant high aeronautical charges would be
unfair to the end-users.
7.1.8 Towards this objective, the Authority has examined in detail the Aeronautical Capital Expenditure,
Depreciation and RAB submitted by the TKIAL and has presented its views in the following order:
(i) Capital expenditure for the Third Control Period
(ii) Aeronautical allocation of capital expenditure for the Third Control Period
(iii) Aeronautical depreciation for the Third Control Period
(iv) Regulatory Asset Base for the Third Control Period
7.1.9 While analyzing the MYTP regarding capitalization of Aeronautical Expenditure for the Third Control
Period, the Authority has considered the actual traffic, growth in traffic and actual Peak Hour Passenger
(PHP) as submitted by TKIAL. In this background, the Authority has sought and examined the TKIAL’s
submission based on the following details/criteria:
• Nature of the expenditure
• Necessity/requirement of the expenditure
• Business plan and Master plan for all projects
• Number of PAX on hourly basis, both at present and projected, for the Third Control Period
• Terminal Capacity both at present and projected for the Third Control Period
• Other short-term and long-term plans of the TKIAL
• Sustainability of the airport operations
• Passenger considerations
• Safety and security of the airport
• Process of approval and sanction for various work orders/purchase orders
7.1.10 Based on the above, the Authority has rationalized the capital expenditure for all the projects and accordingly
proposes capital additions for the Third Control Period. However, if the project is mandated by regulatory
requirements or are incurred for improving operational efficiency, the Authority will true up the costs on
actual incurrence basis, subject to evaluation of reasonableness and efficiency at the time of determination of
tariff for the next Control Period.
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7.1.11 The Authority, through its Independent consultant, which interacted with the Technical team of TKIAL on
the aspects of airport planning, traffic estimation, designing and its short, mid and long term impact on Airport
Economics as provided in the Concession Agreement, observed that prima facie, it appears that TKIAL does
not have the domain specific expertise to carry out detailed evaluation of the infrastructure requirements
based on which the Capital Expenditure Projects may be assessed and planned at the airport, in the overall
interest of all the stakeholders of the airport. The Airport Operator needs to work on the aspect of capacity in
this regard as has been highlighted in earlier tariff orders.
In view of these facts, the Authority notes that the Capital Expenditure estimates submitted by TKIAL are
not reasonable / their need is not justifiable. Therefore, the Authority has considered various applicable
factors such as current capacity, traffic estimates, normative cost benchmarks, need assessment etc. together
with the need for modular development of facilities as mandated by the Concession Agreement and has
rationalized the Capital Expenditure proposed as detailed below.
7.2 TKIAL’s submission of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) proposed for the Third Control
Period
7.2.1 TKIAL has submitted Aeronautical Capital Expenditure of Rs. 4,026.52 crores (inclusive of Financing
Allowance, preliminaries, pre-operative costs, indexation, contingencies etc.) in its MYTP for the Third
Control period as given below:
Table 91: Asset category wise Capital additions submitted by the Airport Operator for TCP as part of
the MYTP
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Total
Terminal Building 0.23 23.26 940.01 - 1,347.09 2,310.60
Runway, Taxiway and Apron 3.57 128.14 33.98 - 174.24 339.92
Boundary wall - - 7.99 - 45.32 53.31
IT equipment 3.93 47.82 6.25 6.83 7.65 72.48
Security equipment 1.38 2.17 - - - 3.55
Plant and Machinery 25.6 40.46 40.92 20.03 2.75 129.76
Other Buildings 6.45 21.76 4.52 460.35 8.47 501.54
Furniture & fixtures 0.72 2.80 2.51 3.00 3.17 12.20
Vehicles 6.51 4.37 2.90 1.09 0.31 15.17
Total Airport (A) 48.38 270.79 1,039.08 491.29 1,589.00 3,438.54
Cargo Complex (B) - - - 100.90 - 100.90
Cargo Equipment (C) 9.44 - - - - 9.44
Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant
- 37.25 - 440.39 - 477.65
System (D)
Grand Total (A + B + C + D) 57.82 308.05 1,039.08 1,032.58 1,589.00 4,026.52
Note – Project wise details are available in Table 92
7.2.2 Basis of capital expenditure considered in preparing the estimation as submitted by TKIAL is as follows:
i) Block Cost Estimate – Block Cost estimation for works as included in each category of CAPEX are
based on DSR / MoRTH / Market rate including taxes, duties, levies etc. as applicable.
ii) Indexation @ 5% per annum has been considered (as per RBI forecaster survey Dec 2022) based on the
cash flow projections being made in the respective years of the Control Period.
iii) Soft Costs of approx. 16% covering contingencies, preoperative Cost, design cost, PMC and preliminary
expenses.
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iv) Financing Allowance – Financing Allowance is calculated on the proposed capital expenditure based
on construction phasing and capitalization of assets. The amount is calculated considering the cost of
debt of 12%.
7.2.3 TKIAL has submitted multiple environmental and sustaining related projects under different heads. TKIAL
has confirmed vide email dated 9th September 2023 that there is no duplication of items between these projects
and that these are individually distinct items.
7.3 Authority’s examination of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for the Third Control Period
7.3.1 The Authority has analyzed TKIAL’s submissions regarding Capital Expenditure for the Third Control Period
as submitted in the MYTP. The Authority has grouped the proposed capital expenditure for the Third Control
Period into various categories for evaluation along with the respective base cost as detailed below. The
indexation increase based on the amount spent in different years, soft cost and Financing Allowance/IDC are
given separately as a total for all the proposed capital expenditure at the end of the table below.
Table 92: Project wise details of Capital Expenditure submitted by TKIAL for Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Base FY of
Ref. No. Project Detail
Cost* capitalization
A Terminal Building
A.1 Upgradation of Existing Terminal Building (T-I) 18.70 2024
A.2 Construction of New Domestic Terminal Building (T-I) 878.87 2027
A.3 Upgradation & Expansion of Terminal Building (T-II) 679.51 2025
Sub-Total (A) 1,577.08
B Runway, Taxiway and Apron
B.1 Airside/Landside Drain Network (3.5m W x 2 m D) 116.97 2027
B.2 Development of RESA for RWY 32 0.52 2025
Grading of runway, taxiway strips and other critical areas in operational
B.3 16.50 2024
area.
B.4 GSE Staging - (Rigid Pavement) 2.31 2025
B.5 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works 7.36 2023, 2024
Expansion of Terminal T-II apron (Area includes HOS, Transition
B.6 81.75 2024
pavements, demolition & new pavements)
Sub-Total (B) 225.41
C Runway Recarpeting
C.1 Runway and taxiway micro/ re surfacing and associated works 78.43 2025
Sub-Total (C) 78.43
D GA Terminal Building, Apron & Taxiway
Construction of Code C Taxiway for GA Apron (Activity includes
D.1 11.62 2025
demolition items)
Construction of General Aviation (GA) Apron (Area includes HOS,
D.2 11.11 2025
Transition pavements, demolition & new pavements)
D.3 GA Terminal 7.63 2025
Sub-Total (D) 30.36
E CNS/ATM
E.1 Airside Improvement Works 6.94 2024, 2025
E.2 ATC Tower and Technical Block 283.49 2026
Sub-Total (E) 290.43
F Cargo Complex & Equipment
F.1 Interim ICC and DCC equipment 7.89 2023
F.2 International Cargo Centre (ICC) 73.19 2026
Sub-Total (F) 81.08
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Base FY of
Ref. No. Project Detail
Cost* capitalization
G Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant System
G.1 IOCL & BPCL Asset procurement 10.00 2024
G.2 Dead stock of Product 5.00 2024
G.3 Equipment cost 14.50 2024
G.4 Fuel hydrant line 167.57 2026
G.5 Fuel storage farm 138.55 2026
Sub-Total (G) 335.62
H Boundary Wall
H.1 Airport Boundary Wall 4.52 2027
H.2 New Airside Perimeter after shifting boundary 6.05 2025
H.3 Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) 25.92 2027
Sub-Total (H) 36.49
I Other Buildings
2025, 2026,
I.1 New Airside Security Gate -1,2,3 2.13
2027
I.2 Security equipment for Gates 1.52 2027
Upgradation of Airside gates- Crash Gates, Morcha construction at gate 6,
I.3 2.32 2027
10, 11
I.4 Airport Administration Building 45.57 2026
2023, 2024,
I.5 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works 18.40
2025, 2027
Sub-Total (J) 69.93
J IT
J.1 Strategic Projects 2023, 2024,
45.10 2025, 2026,
2027
J.2 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works 2023, 2024,
12.95 2025, 2026,
2027
Sub-Total (I) 58.05
K Environment Related Projects
Airside Fuel/ EV Charging Station (30KW charging points 3 nos; 2 fuel
K.1 2.08 2025
dispensing units and associated facilities)
2023, 2024,
K.2 Airport Owned Electric Vehicles Procurement 6.16
2025
2023, 2024,
K.3 Other Environment Related 8.50
2026
2023, 2024,
K.4 DG Retro fitting 3.08
2025, 2026
K.5 Triturator 3.34 2025
K.6 Solid Waste Management - Landside 0.44 2023
K.7 Solid Waste Management Plant at T-II 0.55 2024
Sub-Total (K) 24.15
L Sustaining / Minor Capex Works
L.1 Oil Water Separators (OWS) 11.46 2025
L.2 1 Runway Rubber Removal Machine 6.82 2023
2023, 2024,
L.3 Fire Fighting Equipment and facilities 42.71 2025, 2026,
2027
2023, 2024,
L.4 Trolleys 7.67 2025, 2026,
2027
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Base FY of
Ref. No. Project Detail
Cost* capitalization
2023, 2024,
L.5 Other Works 37.83 2025, 2026,
2027
Sub-Total (L) 106.49
M Grand Total (Sum(A:L)) 2,913.53
N Add: Indexation (@5%) 351.97
O Add: Soft Cost (@16%) 522.48
P Add: FA/IDC (@12% Cost of Debt) 340.34
Q Less: Runway Recarpeting Considered as Operating Expenditure 101.80
R Capex Considered for RAB by TKIAL (Sum(M:P) - Q) 4,026.52
*The base cost for each project line item excludes respective indexation, soft cost and FA/IDC which are given separately from N
to P
7.3.2 As per the AERA Guidelines 2011 (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Tariffs for Airport Operators)
dated 28th February 2011, the Authority shall determine the Opening and Closing RAB in each Tariff Year
of the Control Period on the basis of the forecasted RAB. In this context, the Authority has examined the
submission of TKIAL regarding forecasted capital expenditure in the following paragraphs.
7.3.3 The Authority notes that TKIAL has conducted Airport Users Consultative Committee (AUCC) meeting on
23rd January 2023 with all the stakeholders and discussed about the Capital Expenditure proposed to be
undertaken during the Third Control Period effective from FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27. The meeting was
attended by various aviation stakeholders including International Air Transport Associations (IATA),
Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI),
Indigo, SpiceJet, Emirates and AAI. As per the minutes of the meeting, the Authority observed that TKIAL
had broadly discussed the following with the stakeholders:
(i) History of TRV, its catchment area, attractiveness, existing and potential facilities at the airport.
(ii) Traffic trends (historical & future)
(iii) Detailed presentation on the projects planned by the TKIAL during the Third Control Period with
reference to the existing challenges at TRV pertaining to its location, topography, availability of land,
etc. and with specific emphasis on key issues relating to all areas, i.e., landside, terminal and airside.
(iv) Key objectives of the Master plan for the Airport in the background of the Concession Agreement
covering 50 years of the Concession period along with the projects that will be undertaken during Phase
1 (7 years as required under the Concession Agreement) and 5 years in the Third Control Period (1st April
2022 to 31st March 2027).
7.3.4 Certain observations made by some of the stakeholders are as below:
(i) FICCI suggested increasing the connectivity between airports in Kerala using smaller aircrafts and
increasing the connectivity between Kochi to TRV, from one flight per day to two-three flights per day.
(ii) IATA recommended TKIAL to ensure that prior to additional capital expenditure proposals for
upgradation, expansion and new construction, the existing airport infrastructure is exhausted to ensure
optimal use of the airport facilities in a timely manner.
(iii) FIA suggested that only necessary capital items related to safety and security should be considered in the
Third Control Period for the smooth and safe conduct of airport operations.
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7.3.5 The Authority notes from the Minutes of the AUCC meeting that, stakeholders have emphasized to carry out
only the necessary and essential projects during the Third Control Period, after fully utilizing the existing
infrastructure. The Authority also notes that certain observations were made by some of the stakeholders
relating to the aspects of normative costing, cost estimates projected for the capex projects, traffic forecast,
etc.
7.3.6 The Authority notes that CWIP of Rs. 0.73 crores was transferred by AAI to TKIAL on COD. As per the
FARs shared on 10th January 2024, Rs. 0.22 crores was capitalized in FY 2022-23 and Rs. 0.05 crores was
capitalized till September 2023.
7.3.7 The Authority has examined the capital expenditure projects submitted by TKIAL and has rationalized it
based on present and future designated capacity of the Airport to handle the forecasted traffic, observations
on progress made during the Airport visit by the Independent Consultants and with the perspective of keeping
the tariff at a reasonable level.
7.3.8 The Authority observes that TKIAL has submitted various Minor Projects/Works under different heads
consisting of numerous sub-projects/procurements planned to be carried out over the Third Control Period.
The Authority notes that for certain Minor Projects, TKIAL has provided POs and BOQs for only a portion
of the cost. For the remaining amounts, which consist of multiple line items, cost estimates have not been
submitted by TKIAL to justify the proposed costs. The Authority notes that these are budgets for various
procurements and minor works over the Third Control Period. Therefore, detailed estimates and POs may not
be available at this stage. In the absence of such details, it is not possible to assess the reasonableness of these
expenses. Thus, the Authority proposes to rationalize the capital expenditure for some of the projects/ capital
items at this stage. In the event that such projects are necessary and critical to airport operations, TKIAL may
incur the remaining amounts and the same would be taken into due consideration on actual incurrence basis
subject to evaluation of efficiency and reasonableness, by the Authority, at the time of determination of tariffs
for the Fourth Control Period (refer Annexure 3 for the list of such projects not considered as addition to
RAB in the current control period).
The Authority has also examined the individual line items under each Project and classified them based on
the nature of the project into aeronautical, non-aeronautical and common. The common assets were further
bifurcated using the Terminal Area Ratio or Employee Head Count Ratio. Accordingly, only the aeronautical
portion of the cost has been considered as part of aeronautical capital expenditure. The Authority has detailed
its examination of the respective Minor Projects under the relevant heads.
7.3.9 The Authority examined the cost estimate submitted by TKIAL and noted that they are generally based on
CPWD / PAR rates (exceptions noted to this have been detailed in the respective sections). The Authority
also notes that TKIAL has considered 10% additional cost towards working in operational areas, in certain
BOQ line items. However, the Authority is of the view that the provision made by TKIAL towards additional
cost for working in operational area is quite high and therefore proposes to consider the allowance for extra
cost over applicable rates for working in operational areas to the maximum allowable level, i.e. 5% as per the
public works guidelines (generally where NOTAM is issued), in the BOQ items where TKIAL has claimed
10% additional cost.
7.3.10 The Authority’s examination of the projects proposed by TKIAL (refer Table 92) is given project-wise in the
following paragraphs. The values of costs given herein denote the base cost for the item. Evaluation of other
costs added to the base cost are detailed subsequently:
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A. Terminal Building (Rs. 1,577.08 crores)
7.3.11 The Authority notes that TKIAL has proposed the following activities relating to the Terminal Buildings:
• Upgradation of the Existing Terminal Building (T-I) (Rs. 18.70 crores)
• Construction of New Domestic Terminal Building (T-I) (Rs. 878.87 crores)
• Upgradation and Expansion of existing Terminal Building (T-II) (Rs. 679.51 crores)
7.3.12 The Authority notes that the above three activities are interrelated. Detailed analysis in this regard is presented
below.
A.1 Upgradation of Existing Terminal Building T-I (Rs. 18.70 crores)
TKIAL’s submission
7.3.13 TKIAL has submitted as follows:
Existing TI (located at southern side) is a 38-year-old infrastructure commissioned in 1985, spread across
an area of approximately 15,800 sqm, with peak hour capacity of 800 (arrival and departure). TKIAL
proposes the refurbishment of T-I to accommodate the current and near future passenger traffic till FY 2024-
25. Henceforth, all passenger traffic will be redirected to Terminal Building (T-II) for integrated domestic
and international operations. The proposed refurbishments include the following:
Table 93: Details of Refurbishment of Terminal I proposed by TKIAL
Processor Existing Required Proposed Modification
Currently, two entry gates (with two check
5/1
points each), make a total of 4 entry points. The
Terminal Entry (Departure) 4 (Economy/
demand for FY 2023- 24 is 6, therefore, an
Premium)
additional entry gate is required.
Self Service Kiosks (CUSS) 3 9 Add 6 CUSS units on the Curbside
Add 4 additional XBIS with minimal
Security Screening XBIS 2 6
modification and a DFMD per XBIS
Provide 2 additional DFMD units with frisking
Security Screening DFMD 4 6
booth and podium
Elevators, Escalators &
1 2 Add 1 escalator and 1 additional elevator
Travelators
X Ray Screening Machines
- Pre-check in 2 4 Replace existing machines with dual view
- Handbag screening 2 3 Replace existing machines with dual view
Replace existing machine with dual view
- Standby 1 1
machine
CCTV Cameras 116 142 Add 26 additional CCTV cameras
Change interior, renovate toilets, replace
damaged floor and ceiling tiles, add more lights,
Facelift Works
change glass facade and airside canopy, modify
entrance canopy
7.3.14 The break-up of the estimated cost submitted by TKIAL is given below:
Table 94: Cost towards T-I upgradation submitted by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Terminal
Description of Activities Kerbside Total
Building
Preliminary Works 0.44 0.33 0.77
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Terminal
Description of Activities Kerbside Total
Building
General Items 0.37 0.22 0.59
Civil and Structural Works 0.09 4.00* 4.09
Architectural Works 1.20 0.51 1.71
Interior Works 4.04** - 4.04
Heating Ventilation and Airconditioning (HVAC) 0.29 - 0.29
Fire Protection System 0.01 0.01 0.02
Fire Alarm System 0.00 - -
Electrical Works 0.46 0.09 0.55
Plumbing and Sanitary Fixtures (PHE) 0.26 0.14 0.40
CCTV 0.11 0.06 0.17
Access Control and Display System 0.30 0.10 0.40
Lifts and Escalators 0.22 - 0.22
Demolition Works 0.39 - 0.39
Miscellaneous Works - 0.61 0.61
Security Screening Equipment & Related Works 1.62 - 1.62
Total Cost excl. GST 9.80 6.05 15.85
GST -18% 1.76 1.09 2.85
Total Cost incl. GST 11.56 7.14 18.70
*Civil and Structural works at Kerbside includes structural steel works and tensile structured canopy
** Interior works at Terminal includes Trigon ceiling, horizontal baffle ceiling, granite cladding, Z beam cladding etc.
Authority’s examination regarding Upgradation of Existing Terminal Building T-I
7.3.15 The Authority has reviewed the basis of estimates of these costs which have been prepared by TKIAL based
on Market rate estimations. The Authority notes that, in addition to the interior repairs/ refurbishment works,
the costs include estimates towards Security equipment and towards demolition and re-building of canopy.
The Authority notes that the cost for Security Equipment is estimated at an overall basis of Rs. 1.62 crores
which needs to be detailed at the time of tendering.
7.3.16 The Authority notes that TKIAL is currently undertaking the upgradation of the domestic terminal T-I with
a view to enhance passenger satisfaction and improve service quality for both passengers and airlines. During
the Airport visit on 2nd December 2023, the Authority, through its Independent Consultants, noted that the
project is currently under implementation.
7.3.17 As noted in the Airport visit by the Independent Consultant, the works are currently in progress and not
completed. Hence, the Authority proposes to consider the capitalization relating to Terminal-I upgradation
as part of additions to RAB in FY 2024-25 instead of FY 2023-24.
7.3.18 The Authority notes that while certain upgradations to Terminal-I are being undertaken by TKIAL currently,
this building is proposed to be demolished in the coming years (Refer para 7.3.23). The Authority notes that
the activities being carried out are for certain immediate requirements to enhance service quality and hence
the Authority proposes to consider the same. The Authority directs TKIAL to ensure that:
• TKIAL should only carry out activities that are essential and necessary for airport operations.
• TKIAL should ensure the re-use of all the existing equipment/fittings etc. in the other Terminal spaces
on demolition of the current Terminal.
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A.2 Construction of New Domestic Terminal (T-I) (Rs. 878.87 crores)
TKIAL’s submission
7.3.19 TKIAL has submitted that the existing Terminal Building (T-I) has completed its useful life which will be
demolished in FY 2024-25 and a new Domestic Terminal (T-I) with a built-up area of 56,000 sqm will be
constructed in the existing place of T-I by FY 2026-27. The rationale for the area requirement of 56,000 sqm
considered by TKIAL is based on the assessment of total Terminal area requirement as submitted below.
7.3.20 TKIAL has conducted a study on Traffic assessment through M/s Mott Macdonald. Based on the study, along
with daily distribution flight simulation, TKIAL has projected the following peak hour capacity and terminal
area requirement:
Table 95: Peak hour capacity and terminal area requirement submitted by TKIAL
Particulars Unit FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27
PHP estimate as per traffic study Nos 2,139 2,631 2,952 3,147 3,318
Area requirement considering 35 sqm per
Sqm 74,865 92,085 103,320 110,145 116,130
passenger
Area Availability/ planned for TCP
Terminal I Sqm 15,800 15,800
New Terminal I Sqm 56,000
Terminal II (including expansion) Sqm 43,500 43,500 63,000 63,000 63,000
Total Area supply Sqm 59,300 59,300 63,000 63,000 119,000
Note – TKIAL has proposed expansion of 19,500 sqm for T-II to be available in FY25. Refer analysis detailed in Para 7.3.37 on
Terminal II expansion.
7.3.21 Considering the requirement of 1,16,130 sqm in FY 2026-27 to cater to the required peak hour capacity,
TKIAL has proposed a new domestic terminal having size of 56,000 sqm on the same place as existing old
T-I such that the combined area for T-II and the new Domestic terminal will help to create necessary capacity
to meet the demand requirements.
7.3.22 Based on the sizing details given above, cost estimate for construction of new Terminal T-I submitted by
TKIAL is as given below:
Table 96: Cost estimate for Construction of new Domestic Terminal Building (T-I) submitted by
TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars UoM Rate Quantity Amount
Demolition Works
Demolition of Flexible Pavement Sqm 570 3,569 0.20
Demolition of Rigid Pavement Sqm 3,290 39,530 13.01
Demolition of Existing Structure Sqm 3,900 20,274 7.91
New Pavement
Landside Access Road Sqm 9,900 6,508 6.44
Transportation Management Sqm 6,100 9,360 5.71
Terminal Structure
New Structure Sqm 151,000 56,000 845.60
Total of T-I 878.87
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Authority’s Examination regarding Construction of New Domestic Terminal (T-I)
Evaluation of need for new Terminal building (T-I)
7.3.23 The Authority has sought evaluation report from TKIAL on the structural stability of T-I. TKIAL, vide email
dated 5th September 2023, submitted a condition assessment study conducted by a Third Party in August
2023. This study included study of structural systems, visual inspection of the structures for any visible
distress/damage, conducting various tests etc. The study has been enclosed in Appendix 3.
7.3.24 From the above report, the Authority notes that the existing Terminal-I has structural challenges which needs
to be considered when planning for the augmentation of the infrastructure of the Airport.
Sizing of the Terminal
7.3.25 Considering an average of 25 sqm per passenger, the requirement for Terminal-I in FY 2026-27, based on
the total PHP considered by TKIAL is only 82,950 sqm (3,318 passengers * 25 sqm per passenger). The
Authority is conscious that the Terminal capacity should be planned considering a longer period of planning
horizon. The Authority notes that even with a 5% growth in PHP for the next 5 years, the area requirement
works out to ~ 1,06,000 sqm (4,234 passengers * 25 sqm per passenger).
7.3.26 The Authority notes that TKIAL has computed the terminal building area requirement based on the Peak
Hour Passenger estimates. In order to ensure optimal sizing of Terminal Building area and also to ensure that
the asset created are used fully, the Authority directs TKIAL to explore all factors including appropriate slot
management techniques, use of technology in operations (for example Self Baggage drop facilities etc.) to
ensure optimal planning of different operational areas considering applicable IMG norms and other
guidelines.
Timing of commissioning of new Terminal Building T-I
7.3.27 The Authority notes that following sequence of activities have to be performed by TKIAL with respect to
new Terminal Building T-I commissioning:
• Improvements planned for the existing Terminal-I building have to be completed (The Authority notes
that this will be capitalized in FY 2024-25)
• Upgradation and Expansion related activities relating to Terminal-II are required to be carried out and
commissioned. The Authority, during Airport visit on 2nd December 2023 by its Independent Consultants,
noted that only preparatory works (Marking for preparing “as-built drawings” etc.) preceding the actual
upgradation/ expansion activities were being undertaken. Hence, these activities of upgradation and
expansions are expected to commence in January 2024 / February 2024 and complete by August 2025
(considering a timeline of 20 months in line with the initial time estimate of May 2023 as submitted by
TKIAL), and not by FY 2024-25 as submitted by TKIAL in its MYTP.
• Post completion of Terminal-II upgrade, the passenger flow from Terminal-I is required to be shifted to
Terminal-II and stabilized.
• Terminal-I re-development is expected to be carried out post upgradation and expansion of Terminal-II
sometime after August 2025. New Terminal-I construction activity is expected to commence around
January 2026. Considering a reasonable timeline of 2 years (as considered by TKIAL also in their
submission i.e. From March 25 to Feb 27), Terminal-I is expected to be completed by December 2027
(FY 2027-28).
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7.3.28 Based on the above, the Authority proposes not to consider the capitalization of New Terminal-I at this stage,
as part of additions to RAB for the Third Control Period, as it is expected to be commissioned in the Fourth
Control Period. If the new Terminal-I building is commissioned and put to use in the third control period, the
same will be considered based on incurrence, at the time of true up, subject to evaluation of efficiency and
reasonableness.
Cost estimates
7.3.29 The Authority notes that TKIAL has submitted a cost estimate of Rs. 1,51,000 per sqm for new Terminal-I
together with certain costs relating to demolition and reconstruction of pavements. The Authority reiterates
that TKIAL should ensure that the costs spent are reasonable and efficient and the selection of contractor
should be in accordance with the relevance clauses of the Concession Agreement to ensure efficiency and
reasonableness of the Capital Expenditure projects carried out.
7.3.30 To summarize, with respect to the capital expenditure proposal for the new Terminal-I building, the Authority
notes that TKIAL should plan the area sizing for T-I, considering the traffic requirement and projections
together with considering a modular construction, phase wise expansion of key functions such as baggage
claim halls and processing areas, as detailed in Schedule B of Annex 1 of the Concession agreement and
considering guidelines prescribed in IMG norms. The extract of Concession Agreement is reproduced below:
“The organization of the spaces and structural design of the terminal should be modular thereby allowing
flexibility and ease of expansion. The terminal processor should allow for phase-wise development of key
functions such as baggage claim halls and processing areas.”
A.3 Upgradation & Expansion of Terminal Building (T-II) (Rs. 679.51 crores)
TKIAL’s submission
7.3.31 Based on the overall Peak Hour passenger evaluation and the overall Terminal Capacity needed, together
with the fact that a new Terminal-I building will be constructed, TKIAL has proposed to carry out certain
upgradation and expansion to its existing Terminal-II building, which is in use since 2011. Details of works
proposed to be executed in Terminal-II are as follows:
• Expanding the side of the terminal and provision of additional Baggage handling spaces (19,500 sq. m)
• Optimizing space within the terminal building to provide for additional passenger flows, together with
additional 16 check-in counters and 10 self-bag drop facilities, upgraded Baggage Handling System to
level 5, relocation of emigration area, introduction of a new terminal entry point with fast-track options,
and an expanded immigration area with 21 counters.
7.3.32 TKIAL has submitted that the above modifications aim to optimize and expand T-II to meet traffic
requirements until the new terminal T-I is commissioned.
7.3.33 Details of upgradation to Baggage Handling system proposed by TKIAL is as follows:
Table 97: Details of upgradation to Baggage Handling system proposed by TKIAL
Item Description Existing Proposed
Departure (outbound)
Baggage
System congestion and dieback is
Handling 3,000 Bags per Hour
experienced beyond 400 bags per hour
Capacity
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Item Description Existing Proposed
per check in line (1,200 bags/hr combined
capacity)
Redundancy
Limited, reversible conveyor between Complete flexibility in island setup with
Check-in
zone 1 & 2. No redundancy for zone 3 additional redundancy via 180-degree curves
Level-I X-ray 100% redundancy with load sharing and fallback
No redundancy
lines capabilities
Level-3,4 feeder Dual feeder lines to Level-3, 4 and new
No redundancy
lines standalone X-ray machine.
Sortation area NA 100% redundancy with common sortation
Check-in counters 38 Nos 55 Nos
SBD Nil 10 Nos
Makeup positions 38 (3 carousels) 54 (4 carousels + 8 accumulation chutes)
Security decision
20s (Level 2 screening) 90s (BCAS complaint Level 2A/2B screening)
time
Arrival (inbound)
Single feed lines
with inline X-ray 4 reclaim carousels 2 additional reclaims
machines
7.3.34 TKIAL has submitted that the capacity will be insufficient in the interim to manage the requirements, till new
Terminal-I is commissioned which will be managed with coordinated slot management and planning
activities etc.
7.3.35 Cost estimation submitted by TKIAL for the upgradation and expansion is summarized as below:
Table 98: Cost details submitted by TKIAL for Terminal II upgradation and expansion
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars UoM Rate Quantities Amount
New Structure Sqm 1,51,000 13,000 196.30
Expansion for Baggage Makeup Area Sqm 70,000 6,500 45.50
Terminal Modification (Table 99 and Table 100) Sqm 1,00,624 43,500 437.71
Total of T-II 679.51
7.3.36 Break-up of costs relating to Terminal Modification as submitted by TKIAL are as below:
Table 99: Cost estimate of Terminal Modification (Terminal-II) as submitted by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
S. No Description of activities Amount
1 Preliminary works 3.89
2 General items 2.59
3 Civil and structural 7.15
4 Architectural works 39.86
5 Mep works
5.1 HVAC 0.74
5.2 Fire protection system 0.42
5.3 Fire alarm system 0.11
5.4 Electrical works 1.92
5.5 Plumbing 1.31
5.6 CCTV 10.27
5.7 Access control and display system 0.81
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S. No Description of activities Amount
5.8 Network and Lan system 0.31
5.9 Lifts 0.52
6 Demolition works 2.01
7 Security equipment 10.00
8 Interior works 90.00
9 BHS works 125.60
10 Other general & allied capital works for terminal 47.21
Total cost excluding GST 344.71
GST -18% 62.05
Total cost including GST 406.76
Table 100: Cost estimate of Terminal TII modification (Landside and Forecourt) as submitted by
TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
S.
Description of activities Landside Forecourt Total
No
1 Preliminary works 0.93 0.16 1.08
2 General items 0.62 0.10 0.72
3 Civil and structural works 9.34 0.31 9.64
4 Architectural works 0.00 1.34 1.34
5 Road works 2.73 0.00 2.73
6 Pathways 0.16 0.00 0.16
7 Traffic signage and road appurtenances 0.29 0.00 0.29
8 Landscaping works 0.03 0.00 0.03
9 MEP works
9.1 Fire protection system 0.72 0.01 0.73
9.2 Electrical works 0.71 0.14 0.85
9.3 External storm water pipe / plumbing works with sanitary fixtures 0.42 0.25 0.67
9.4 Irrigation system 0.05 0.09 0.14
9.5 CCTV 0.17 0.07 0.24
9.6 Network and display system 0.07 0.32 0.39
9.7 Boom barrier system 0.19 0.00 0.19
9.8 EV charging station 0.34 0.00 0.34
10 Miscellaneous works 0.14 0.00 0.14
11 Demolition works 0.08 0.10 0.17
Landscape development at landside with irrigation and aesthetic
12 5.76 0.00 5.76
elements (landscape aesthetic elements green wall, moss wall)
13 Construction of toilet at landside area of T-II 0.60 0.00 0.60
Total cost excluding GST 23.35 2.88 26.23
GST -18% 4.20 0.52 4.72
Total cost including GST 27.55 3.40 30.95
TKIAL has submitted detailed BOQ estimates for the computation of the costs detailed above.
Authority’s Examination regarding Upgradation & Expansion of Terminal Building (T-II)
Need for expansion and upgradation of Terminal Building T-II
7.3.37 The Authority has carefully reviewed the submissions made by TKIAL with respect to the need for upgrading
and expansion of facilities at Terminal-II. The Authority notes that upgradation and expansion activity is
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required, in view of the increase in passenger traffic as well as the need to rebuild Terminal-I. In this regard,
the Authority notes as follows:
i) During the Airport visit on 2nd December 2023, the Authority noted through its Independent Consultant
that the initial marking and analysis activities to prepare an “As built” drawing were being carried out.
TKIAL team informed the consultants that once this is completed and the drawings of the Terminal
Building are prepared, those drawings will be used as a basis for the detailed planning of activities relating
to the upgradation and expansion of terminal. TKIAL also informed that the appointment of consultants
for executing the Terminal -II upgradation was underway.
ii) The existing Terminal-II was found to be well operational and as confirmed by TKIAL, needed minor
repairs and modifications together with activities required to re-orient the flow and the need for a
makeover of the Baggage handling system.
iii) The Authority understands that the current capacity of the Terminal Building is sufficient to handle the
peak hour passenger load including managing the occasional peaks at other hours, both for arrivals and
departures. The Authority notes that effective slot allocation strategies will play a crucial role in managing
peak demands.
7.3.38 The Authority directs the Airport Operator to ensure that the expansion and upgradation activity be performed
in a seamless manner, ensuring that only the essential activities are carried out in the upgradation process
avoiding all capex that can be avoided/deferred.
Evaluation of cost estimates
7.3.39 The Authority examined the cost estimate submitted by TKIAL and noted that they are generally based on
CPWD / PAR rates (exceptions to this noted have been detailed in the respective sections). The Authority
also notes that TKIAL has considered 10% additional cost towards working in operational areas, in certain
BOQ line items. However, the Authority is of the view that the provision made by TKIAL towards additional
cost for working in operational area is quite high and therefore proposes to consider the allowance for extra
cost over applicable rates for working in operational areas to the maximum allowable level, i.e. 5% as per the
public works guidelines (generally where NOTAM is issued), in the BOQ items where TKIAL has claimed
10% additional cost.
7.3.40 The Authority notes that the rate estimates for Terminal-II Expansion & Upgradation and Upgradation of
Terminal-I were prepared by TKIAL considering the market estimates and not as per DSR 2021 rates. Also,
the Authority notes that the rate considered for the same item for Terminal-II is double of what has been
considered for Terminal-I in certain cases as detailed below.
Table 101: Comparison of Rate estimates for Terminal-II Expansion and Upgradation of Terminal-I
Rate (Rs.)
S. No. Description of Activities Unit
T-I T-II
3 Civil and Structural Works
3.1 Soling Cum 1,600 3,200
3.2 Backfilling Cum 224 448
3.3 Disposal Of Unserviceable Material Cum 427 854
3.4 Plain Cement Concrete Cum 4,874 9,748
3.5 Reinforced Cement Concrete Works Cum 5,583 11,166
3.6 Formwork Sqm 600 1,200
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Rate (Rs.)
S. No. Description of Activities Unit
T-I T-II
3.7 Reinforced Works Sqm 84 168
3.8 Structural Steel Works Kgs 129 258
3.9 Roofing/ Canopy Works Sqm 1,011 2,022
3.10 Waterproofing Works Sqm 437 874
7.3.41 Authority’s examination of various components of the cost estimates are given below:
i) New Structure – 13,000 sqm: TKIAL has proposed a cost of Rs. 1,51,000 per sqm for the new structure
which the Authority proposes to evaluate as follows:
a. The Normative cost approved by the Authority vide its Order No. 07 / 2016-17 dated 6th June 2016
for Terminal Buildings is ₹ 65,000/- per sqm. The cost of following items of specification have been
considered for analysis of the prescribed rate per sqm - cost of terminal building, air conditioning,
fire-fighting system, water supply, sanitary, substation equipment for power supply including stand
by system, passenger facilities viz FIDS, Furniture, Signages and Security surveillance, airlines
related services viz Check-in, CUTE, CUSS and Baggage Reconciliation System, In-line X ray
screening, Standalone screening, BHS for arrival and departure, Escalators, Elevators, Travelators
and PBB are included. However, the cost of Elevated and other roads connected with the Terminal
Building is not part of the Normative rate and has been considered separately. The cost of other items
required for the Terminal Building, but which are not covered in the aforementioned list, will be
derived separately and added to the overall cost of the project.
b. In this respect, the Authority notes that it has considered a normative cost of Rs. 1,00,000 per sqm for
FY 2020-21 in some of the recent tariff orders of Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Patna, etc, based on the
superior specifications, processes and the architectural features of modern Terminal Buildings.
Further, the Authority feels that as the work on Terminal Building projected by TKIAL would be
carried out over the Third Control Period, it would be reasonable and justifiable to derive the project
cost based on inflation-adjusted normative cost up to FY 2026-27 (using WPI inflation index) to
address the time value of money.
c. The Authority has derived the inflation adjusted normative rates for Terminal Building for the current
Control Period by considering the rate of inflation as follows:
• FY 2021-22 –The Authority observes that FY 2021-22 was an exceptional year due to COVID-19
pandemic, wherein the inflation rate was 12.97%. However, during the period FY 2016-17 to FY
2020-21, the rate of inflation was in the range of 1.31% to 4.26%. Considering this extraordinary
situation, the Authority feels that the inflation rate of FY 2021- 22 needs to be rationalized. Hence,
instead of considering the inflation rate of 12.97% for FY 2021-22 (as per press release dated 18th
April 2022 by Dept. for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India), the
Authority has considered the average rate of inflation of FY 2020-21 (1.29%) and of FY 2021-22
(12.97%), which works out to 7.14%. The Authority has considered this average rate of inflation
for FY 2021-22, in order to smoothen out the volatility in commodity price caused by COVID-19
pandemic and the supply side disruptions.
• FY 2022-23 – 9.42% (considered as per the data published by the Office of the Economic Advisor,
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) and
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• FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 – 0.30% in FY 2023-24 and 3.80% thereafter (considered as per 85th
Round of Survey of Professional Forecasters on macroeconomic indicators).
• In the Order No.07/2016-17 dated 13th June 2016 on “In the matter of Normative Approach to
Building blocks in Economic Regulation of Major Airports – Capital costs Regarding” the ceiling
cost mentioned is inclusive of taxes applicable at that time, which is 12%. Subsequently, GST has
been introduced wherein the GST rate is 18%. Hence, the inflation adjusted normative cost is
worked out below by considering the additional 6% resulting in a total GST rate of 18%.
The inflation adjusted normative costs, thus derived is presented in the below table:
Table 102: Details of Inflation-adjusted Normative rates derived by the Authority
Inflation adjusted Inflation adjusted normative cost
Year Inflation (%)
normative rates (Rs.) @18% GST*
Base Amount 1,00,000 1,05,357
FY22 7.14% 1,07,140 1,12,880
FY23 9.42% 1,17,233 1,23,513
FY24 0.30% 1,17,584 1,23,883
FY25 3.80% 1,22,052 1,28,591
FY26 3.80% 1,26,690 1,33,477
FY27 3.80% 1,31,505 1,38,550
*Note:
Inflation adjusted base amount (inclusive of 12% GST) (A) = Rs. 1,00,000 per sqm
Inflation adjusted base amount (exclusive of 12% GST) (B=A*100/112) = Rs. 89,286 per sqm
Add GST @ 18% (refer para 7.3.41i) c) (C=B*18%) = Rs. 16,071 per sqm
Normative cost including GST (D = B+C) = Rs. 1,05,357 per sqm
d. The Authority accordingly proposes to consider a cost of Rs. 1,33,477 per sqm as the normative cost
for the expansion proposed instead of Rs. 1.51 lakhs per sqm considered by TKIAL. To this, an
additional 5% towards allowance for extra cost over applicable rates for working in operational area
as detailed in para 7.3.39 is proposed to be added making the total cost estimate to be Rs. 1,40,151,
rounded to Rs. 1.40 lakhs per sqm. Accordingly, the total cost of the said expansion works out to Rs.
182.00 crores (Rs. 1.40 lakhs per sqm * 13,000 sqm).
ii) Expansion of Baggage Make-up area (BMA)
a. TKIAL has proposed a cost of Rs. 45.50 crores for the baggage make up area. This includes RCC
structure, interior finishing works, MEP facilities, Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
systems and landscaping cost.
b. A rate of Rs. 70,000 has been considered as the base for projecting the cost for 6,500 sqm of area.
c. The Authority notes that this cost is reasonable and within the overall normative range and hence
proposes to consider the cost estimate submitted by TKIAL.
iii) Modifications/ upgradation within the existing Terminal building T-II
The Authority’s examination based on the detailed evaluation done by the Independent Consultant
appointed by the Authority is detailed below:
a. TKIAL has considered an overall estimate of Rs. 1,00,624 per sqm as the cost for the modifications/
upgradation to be carried out. The Authority notes that Terminal-II is a functional and operative
terminal which has been operational for the past 12 years and in proper working condition. Hence, the
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estimated average rate of Rs. 1,00,624 appears to be very high, especially considering that the
superstructure that has been built will be the same and only modifications within are being proposed.
b. The Authority notes that, in the estimation, TKIAL has not provided any break-up for Rs. 10 crores
of Security related costs which was included as part of the estimate.
c. Certain works such as Air-conditioning, artwork, signages, security systems, IT etc. totaling to Rs.
16.16 crores were considered twice in the projections.
d. The amount of Rs. 125.59 crores has been considered for the Baggage Handling System. TKIAL has
submitted the details of the enhancements proposed in BHS as detailed in Table 97 above. TKIAL
has submitted that it has considered as Ball Park amount of Rs. 125 crores based on BHS cost awarded
for Lucknow of Rs. 108 crores in 2021. TKIAL has submitted that this is also benchmarked with the
cost for Navi Mumbai Airport. The Authority notes that detailed estimates for the Baggage Handling
System have not been submitted by TKIAL at this stage.
e. The Authority notes that TKIAL has estimated re-doing of the granite tiles for the Terminal building
(Rs. 31.70 Crore) as well as certain architectural works to the tune of Rs. 39.80 crores. Based on the
information and details provided by the Airport Operator, AERA has appropriately rationalized the
capital item as submitted by TKIAL and considered the estimate accordingly.
f. As the as-built drawings are currently being documented, the actual nature and extent of the
modifications to be carried out in Terminal-II will be finalized only based on the documentation and
analysis of the actual configuration of the systems available in Terminal-II. Considering the same,
together with issues in cost estimation as noted above and in view of the very high per sqm cost for
refurbishment activities, the Authority proposes to consider Rs. 75,000 per sqm as a tentative estimate
for the refurbishment activities currently. The Authority directs TKIAL to ensure that only the
activities that are mandatorily required be carried out currently and other activities considered for
Terminal-II upgradation and refurbishment be deferred to later control periods. The costs proposed
by the Authority will be reviewed on the basis of actuals at the time of determination of tariff for the
next control period, based on evaluation of reasonableness and efficiency.
g. Accordingly, the cost works out to Rs. 326.25 crores (Rs. 75,000 per sqm * 43,500 sqm) which the
Authority proposes to consider as an addition to RAB in the current control period.
h. The Authority also notes that the activities relating to the refurbishment have not yet begun and these
will begin only after the initial assessment is complete and due evaluation and planning by the
Consultant who is yet to be appointed by the Airport Operator. Hence, the Authority proposes to
consider this cost as capitalization in FY 2025-26 instead of FY 2024-25.
7.3.42 TKIAL had subsequently shared the FAR as on 31st March 2023 and 30th September 2023 vide response to
query dated 10th January 2024. On examination of the FAR shared, the Authority notes that capex amounting
to Rs. 9.21 crores and Rs. 2.39 crores, relating to Terminal-II expansion and upgradation, have been
capitalized in FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24 respectively. The Authority proposes to consider the same in the
respective years and proposes to capitalize the remaining portion of Rs. 553.75 crores (base cost) in FY 2025-
26 as discussed in above paragraph.
7.3.43 Based on the above discussions, the adjustments to Terminal-II upgradation and expansion cost as proposed
by the Authority is as given below:
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Table 103: Cost proposed by the Authority towards T-II upgradation and expansion
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars UoM Rate Quantities Amount Remarks
Inflation adjusted normative cost inclusive of 18%
New Structure Sqm 1,40,000 13,000 182.00 GST and 5% for extra over approved rates for
working in operational areas
Expansion for BMA Sqm 70,000 6,500 45.50
Terminal Modification Sqm 75,000 43,500 326.25 Tentative rate estimate considered
Total 553.75
Note – The cost of Rs. 553.75 crores proposed by the Authority for T-II upgradation and expansion is arrived at by considering a
reduction of Rs. 125.76 crores on TKIAL’s submission of Rs. 679.51 crores (refer Table 98). Reduction in cost is on account of
various factors as detailed above, including certain elements of costs being considered twice, reduction in allowance for extra over
approved rates for working in operational areas etc.
7.3.44 Based on the detailed analysis with respect to A.1, A.2 and A.3 as given above, the Authority proposes to
consider the cost towards upgradation of T-I, expansion of T-II and construction of new T-I as given below:
Table 104: Cost towards upgradation of existing T-I, expansion of T-II and construction of new T-I
proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
S.No Project Detail Year of capitalization Base Cost as per
Variance
A Terminal Building TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
Upgradation of Existing Terminal Building
A.1 2024 2025 18.70 18.70 -
(T-I) (refer para 7.3.17)
Construction of New Domestic Terminal
A.2 2027 - 878.87 - 878.87
(T-I) (refer para 7.3.28)
Upgradation & Expansion of Terminal
A.3 2025 2026 679.51 553.75 125.76
Building (T-II) (refer para 7.3.41)
Total 1,577.08 572.45 1,004.63
B. Runway, Taxiway and Apron (Rs. 225.41 crores)
7.3.45 The Authority notes that the costs proposed is mainly related to Airside infrastructure upgrades and
improvements at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport including GSE Staging, Airside Drain Network,
AVDGS replacement and installation, LED flood lights for Apron Lighting, Flexible Pavements Phase 2 and
grading of critical areas.
7.3.46 The Authority notes that it is essential for maintaining the airport in compliance with DGCA regulations and
as per international standards, such as ICAO Annex 14. The proposed airside development works are
considered crucial to enhance safety, accommodate growth, and comply with relevant regulations.
7.3.47 The Authority notes that TKIAL has submitted the estimates of cost based on CPWD/PAR rates and noted
that TKIAL has considered 10% additional cost towards working in operational areas, in certain BOQ line
items. However, the Authority is of the view that the provision made by TKIAL towards additional cost for
working in operational area is quite high and therefore proposes to consider the allowance for extra cost over
applicable rates for working in operational areas to the maximum allowable level, i.e. 5% as per the public
works guidelines (generally where NOTAM is issued), in the BOQ items where TKIAL has claimed 10%
additional cost. The detailed list of BOQ for Runway, Taxiway and Apron works is given below:
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Table 105: Cost towards Runway, Taxiway & Apron project as submitted by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Sl. Amount submitted
Description of Activities
No. by TKIAL
B.1 Airside/Landside Drain Network (3.5m W x 2 m D)
Drainage (AS) including extra allowance for working in operational area 84.48
Drainage (LS) 30.13
Culvert 2.36
Total Airside/Landside Drain Network 116.97
Development of RESA for RWY 32 including extra allowance for working in
B.2 0.52
operational area
B.3 Grading of runway, taxiway strips and other critical areas in operational area. 16.50
B.4 GSE Staging - (Rigid Pavement) 2.31
B.5 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works
− Replacement of VDGS with AVDGS Laser unit for AVDGS for Bay nos 24, 25,
26, 5 & 6 and SITC of A-VDGS at Bay no. 44,45, 46 and 47 at 3.41
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
− Provision of LED flood lights for Apron Lighting 1.65
− Flexible Pavements in Operational Area At Thiruvananthapuram International
1.28
Airport (Phase 2 Ramp areas, approach roads and blast pad)
− Grading of the runway strip 1.02
Total Sustaining / Minor Capex Works 7.36
B.6 Expansion of T-II Apron 81.75
Total of Runway, Taxiway & Apron (Other than T-II Apron expansion) 225.41
7.3.48 Authority’s evaluation of each asset cost is detailed below:
B.1 Airside/Landside Drain Network (Rs. 116.97 crores)
7.3.49 TKIAL has submitted the cost of airside/landside drain network as follows:
Table 106: Cost of Airside/Landside Drain Network as submitted by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars UOM Rate Quantity Amount
Drainage Airside R. Mt. 1,24,000 6,813 84.48
Drainage Landside R. Mt. 91,000 3,311 30.13
Culvert R. Mt. 52,000 454 2.36
Total 116.97
7.3.50 The Authority notes that the proposed drainage cost is towards covering the entire airport infrastructure with
a proper drainage facility. TKIAL has submitted that there is no RCC drainage facility available in the existing
Airside and Landside of the TRV airport.
7.3.51 Rate analysis has been prepared by TKIAL considering DSR 2021 rates as a base, adding 6.33% additional
GST and 10% additional cost for working in operational area. The Authority proposes to reduce the estimate
of extra cost over approved rates for working in operational area to 5% as detailed in para 7.3.39 on the BOQ
items on which TKIAL has claimed 10% additional cost.
7.3.52 Accordingly, the Authority has recalculated and presented below the cost estimate as Rs. 113.43 crores for
Airside/Landside drain works which the Authority proposes to consider as addition to RAB for the current
period.
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Table 107: Cost of Airside/Landside Drain Network as proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars UOM Rate Quantity Amount
Drainage Airside R. Mt. 1,18,800 6,813 80.94
Drainage Landside R. Mt. 91,000 3,311 30.13
Culvert R. Mt. 52,000 454 2.36
Total 113.43
Note – The rate per meter of Rs. 1,18,800 proposed by the Authority for Drainage Airside is arrived at by considering a reduction
from TKIAL’s submission of Rs. 1,24,000 (refer Table 106) on account of revision of the extra cost over the approved rates for
working in operational areas to 5% on certain BOQ items (refer para 7.3.51).
B.2 Development of RESA for RWY 32 (Rs. 0.52 crores)
7.3.53 TKIAL has estimated a cost of Rs. 1,150 per sqm for RESA based on DSR 2021 rates as a base, adding 6.33%
additional GST and 10% additional cost for working in operational area. The Authority proposes to reduce
the extra cost over approved rates for working in operational area to 5% as detailed in para 7.3.39 on the
BOQ items on which TKIAL has claimed 10% additional cost. Accordingly, the Authority proposes to
consider Rs. 0.50 crore as cost of Development of RESA.
B.3 Grading of runway, taxiway strips and other critical areas in operational area (Rs. 16.50 crores)
7.3.54 TKIAL has submitted that the Runway strip needs to be levelled and graded to achieve the necessary CBR
value and to comply with DGCA requirement. TKIAL has estimated the cost of Excavation, backfilling,
rolling, compacting and surface dressing.
7.3.55 The Authority notes that the break-up details submitted by TKIAL totals to only Rs. 15.60 crores instead of
Rs 16.50 crores considered by TKIAL (a difference of Rs. 0.90 crores). Further, the Authority, on analysis
of rates, notes that TKIAL has added Rs. 10 lakhs as Miscellaneous cost without any break-up. Also, TKIAL
has considered a 10% additional cost for work in operational areas.
7.3.56 Subsequently, on review of the project status shared by TKIAL, the Authority notes that this project has been
completed and the total cost incurred was Rs. 9.76 crores. Accordingly, the Authority proposes to consider
this actual cost incurred of Rs. 9.76 crores as cost of Levelling and Grading of strip.
B.4 GSE Staging – Rigid Pavement (Rs. 2.31 crores)
7.3.57 TKIAL has considered a cost of Rs. 8,600 per sqm for an area of 2,687 sqm for GSE staging – rigid pavement.
TKIAL has generally considered the cost based on DSR 2021 rates as a base, adding 6.33% additional GST
and 10% additional cost for working in operational areas. However, the Authority noted that TKIAL has
considered, in certain cases, MoRTH rates as the basis instead of CPWD DSR rates. The Authority propose
to change the same and consider the rates as per CPWD DSR 2021 as these rates are lower than the MoRTH
rates. The Authority also proposes to consider extra cost over approved rates for working in operational areas
at 5% as detailed in para 7.3.39 on the BOQ items on which TKIAL has claimed 10% additional cost.
7.3.58 Accordingly, the Authority proposes to consider Rs. 2.18 crores as cost of GSE staging works.
Table 108: Cost proposed by the Authority for GSE Staging – Rigid Pavement
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Cost submitted by TKIAL for GSE Staging - Rigid Pavement 2.31
Less: Change in rates 0.08
Less: Extra cost over approved rates for working in operational areas considered at 5% 0.05
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Particulars Amount
Cost proposed by the Authority for GSE Staging - Rigid Pavement 2.18
B.5 Sustaining/Minor Capex Works (Rs. 7.36 crores)
7.3.59 The Authority notes that these are costs relating to replacement of VDGS with AVDGS, Relocation of
Localizer, DVOR etc. The Authority finds this cost to be reasonable and the project is required considering
the overall development of the airport.
7.3.60 The Authority review the FARs for FY 2022-23 and notes that Rs. 0.05 crores, Rs. 0.91 crores and Rs. 0.23
crores have been capitalized respectively for the projects replacement of VDGS with AVDGS, flexible
pavements in operational area and grading of the runway strip. The Authority also notes that as per the status
of projects shared on 10th January 2024, both the projects flexible pavements in operational area and grading
of the runway strip have been completed and the total cost incurred was Rs. 1.03 crores for the former and
Rs. 0.99 crores for the latter. The Authority proposes to consider both the cost capitalized and the total cost
incurred as given above as addition to RAB of the current control period.
7.3.61 Accordingly, the Authority proposes to consider Rs. 7.08 crores as cost of Minor/sustaining capex works.
However, the Authority notes that only 1% of the total project cost for the replacement of VDGS with
AVDGS has been capitalized till 30th September 2023. Therefore, the Authority proposes to shift the
capitalization of the project “Replacement of VDGS” from FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24 as submitted by
TKIAL to FY 2022-23 and FY 2024-25.
B.6 Expansion of Terminal-II apron (Area includes HOS, Transition pavements, demolition & new
pavements) (Rs. 81.75 crores)
7.3.62 The Authority notes TKIAL submission of 21 NBE stands at International Building T-II which after
expansion and upgradation will be converted into Integrated Terminal Building and will cater to both the
international and domestic passenger traffic till the reconstruction of Terminal-I. The Authority notes that
TKIAL currently has 13 stands available. With the movement of domestic traffic in T-II, while extra stands
may be required, after reconstruction of T-I, the stands as proposed by TKIAL will be left unutilized. Thus,
considering the fact that T-II will be utilized for both domestic and international passengers till the
reconstruction of T-I but may revert to its position of being International Terminal only, post commissioning
of new Terminal-I, the Authority proposes to consider half of the proposed stands submitted by TKIAL as
part of Capital Expenditure.
Table 109: Detailed cost break-up for Expansion of Terminal-II Apron submitted by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Demolition Works
Demolition of Rigid Pavement 6.95
Demolition of Existing Structure 1.22
Demolition of Existing Boundary wall 0.26
New Pavement
Main Pavement (Rigid Pavement) 55.31
Transition pavement (Ramp between new and existing Apron) 5.06
Head of Stand Road 9.29
Drainage
Drainage 3.65
Total cost 81.75
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7.3.63 TKIAL submitted a cost estimate of Rs. 13,650 per sqm (including loading for demolition, additional cost
for work in operational areas etc.) for expansion of apron. The Apron area considered for evaluation by
TKIAL is 59,887 sqm. The Authority has, after detailed analysis, issued its Order on Normative cost vide
Order No. 07/2016-17 on 13th June 2016 where in the normative cost was given as Rs. 4,700 per sqm. The
Authority notes that the cost mentioned is inclusive of taxes applicable at that time, which is 12%.
Subsequently, GST has been introduced wherein the GST rate is 18%. Therefore, the Authority has
rationalized the normative cost submitted by TKIAL and computed the inflation adjusted normative cost by
considering an additional 6% thereby resulting in total GST of 18% as given below:
Table 110: Inflation-adjusted normative rate considered for Apron
Inflation adjusted normative cost
Financial Year WPI Index* Inflation %** Inflation adjusted Cost
@18% GST
FY16 109.70 4,700*** 4,952
FY17 111.60 4,781 5,038
FY18 114.90 4,923 5,187
FY19 119.80 5,133 5,408
FY20 121.80 5,218 5,498
FY21 123.40 5,287 5,570
FY22 7.14%# 5,664 5,968
FY23 9.42% 6,198 6,530
FY24 0.30% 6,217 6,550
FY25 3.80% 6,453 6,799
FY26 3.80% 6,698 7,057
FY27 3.80% 6,953 7,325
* Source: Office of The Economic Adviser, Government of India (htttps://eaindustry.nic.in)
** Source: Reserve Bank of India Publications (https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/Publications.aspx/publication=BiMonthly)
*** Base amount as per Order No.7/2016-17 dated 13th June 2016 which is inclusive of prevalent tax of 12%
Note:
Inflation adjusted base amount (inclusive of 12% GST) (A) = Rs. 4,700 per sqm
Inflation adjusted base amount (exclusive of 12% GST) (B=A*100/112) = Rs. 4,196 per sqm
Add GST @ 18% (refer para 7.3.41i) i)c) (C=B*18%) = Rs. 755 per sqm
Normative cost including GST (D = B+C) = Rs. 4,952 per sqm
# Instead of considering the inflation rate of 12.97% for FY 2021-22 (as per press release dated 18th April 2022 by Dept. for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India), the Authority has considered the average rate of inflation of FY
2020-21 (1.29%) and of FY 2021-22 (12.97%), which works out to 7.14%
7.3.64 From the above table, the Authority observes that inflation-adjusted normative cost for apron is lesser than
the normative cost proposed by TKIAL. Further the Authority notes that the current status of the proposed
capex is in design stage, hence, the Authority proposes to shift the capitalization of Apron construction to FY
2024-25 and consider the normative cost of Rs. 6,799 per sqm (inclusive of 18% GST) as base for the
computation of the cost for construction.
7.3.65 The Authority notes that TKIAL has included a 10% mark-up on costs for working in operational areas. The
Authority is of the view that the provision made by TKIAL is quite high and therefore proposes to revise
extra cost over approved rates for working in operational area to 5% as detailed in para 7.3.39 on the BOQ
items on which TKIAL has claimed 10% additional cost.
7.3.66 With necessary adjustments as proposed above, the cost for expansion of Apron proposed to be considered
is as follows:
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Table 111: Cost towards Terminal-II Apron proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref Rate (Rs.) Quantities Amount
Expansion of Terminal-II apron (Area includes HOS, Transition pavements, demolition & new pavements)
Normative cost Including GST A 6,799 59887 40.71
Cost items which were not part of Normative Costing
Demolition B 8.20
Excavation till Sub-Grade C 7.53
Additional PQC D 7.28
Aeronautical Ground Lighting E 6.27
Drainage F 3.47
Extra cost over approved rates for working in
G 2.40
Operational areas @5%
Total H=Sum(A to G) 75.87
Proposed by the Authority I=H*50% 37.94
Submitted by TKIAL (Table 109) J 81.75
Variance K=J-I 43.81
7.3.67 Based on the above, the cost estimate proposed to be considered by the Authority is as follows:
Table 112: Cost towards Runway, Taxiway and Apron proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Year of capitalization Base Cost as per
Sl. No. Project Detail Variance
TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
Airside/Landside Drain Network
B.1 2027 2027 116.97 113.43 3.55
(3.5m W x 2 m D)
B.2 Development of RESA for RWY 32 2025 2025 0.52 0.50 0.02
Grading of runway, taxiway strips and
B.3 2024 2024 16.50 9.76 6.74
other critical areas in operational area.
B.4 GSE Staging - (Rigid Pavement) 2025 2025 2.31 2.18 0.13
2023, 2023,
B.5 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works 7.36 7.08 0.28
2024 2024, 2025
Expansion of Terminal-II apron (Area
B.6 includes HOS, Transition pavements, 2024 2025 81.75 37.94 43.81
demolition & new pavements)
Total 225.41 170.87 54.54
C. Runway Recarpeting (Rs. 78.43 crores)
7.3.68 The Authority notes that in FY 2016-17, AAI completed the runway recarpeting. TKIAL has also submitted
that a committee was formed for assessing runway's condition to recommend necessary measures. The
committee's report dated 19th June 2023 highlighted wet patches and pavement issues, particularly at specific
offsets along the runway.
7.3.69 Thus, to improve the condition of the runway, TKIAL had estimated an amount of Rs. 100 crores (including
FA & IDC) under OPEX as ‘Amortization of runway recarpeting expenses’ for a period of five (5) years
wherein Rs. 20 crores along with return on unamortized portion has been claimed for each year, starting from
FY 2024-25 of the Third Control Period. The project involves milling the top DAC layer, replacing it with a
designed DAC layer, and upgrading primary feeder cables and HIRL fittings with energy-efficient LED
fittings, along with an improved earthing system. This will restore the top layer and address any cracks,
ultimately restoring the previous PCN value.
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7.3.70 As the PCN value does not increase after the recarpeting exercise, the Authority proposes to consider the
runway recarpeting expenses under Operation and Maintenance expenses in the current control period as
detailed in Authority’s Order No. 35/2017-18 dated 12th January 2018 in the matter of ‘Determination of
Useful Life of Airport Assets’. Accordingly, the Authority has examined the same under Operation and
Maintenance expenses (refer para 10.2.62)
D. GA Terminal Building, Apron & Taxiway (Rs. 30.36 crores)
7.3.71 TKIAL has submitted that the General Aviation passengers are using the domestic terminal and there is no
dedicated aircraft parking space and that as the GA traffic grows (as per the traffic forecast), a General
Aviation Terminal for dedicated use is required. The built-up area of the new proposed terminal proposed by
TKIAL is approximately 680 Sqm.
7.3.72 The Authority, upon analysis of data provided by TKIAL, observed that there were, on average, only 18 GA
aircraft movements per month during the period from April 2023 and December 2023. The Authority notes
that such few numbers of GA aircraft can be serviced from the existing infrastructure at TRV, including the
Domestic and International passenger terminals. Thus, in the Authority’s view, there is no justification to
build a separate dedicated GA terminal along with associated apron and taxiways.
7.3.73 Considering the relatively low frequency of GA aircraft movements at TRV, the Authority proposes to not
consider the construction of a separate GA terminal, apron and taxiway at this time.
E. CNS/ATM (Rs. 290.43 crores)
E.1 Airside Improvement Work (Rs. 6.94 crores):
7.3.74 TKIAL has submitted that:
“As per the master plan, to accommodate the remote aircraft stands for T-I, we need to relocate the current
MSSR. The relocation of Mono-pulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) is essentially required to ensure
safe, smooth, and efficient operation of the expanded airfield and development of New Remote stand for
Terminal 1….
The current location of LLZ32 comes within the footprint of the proposed RESA extension for RWY32. Hence
it is pertinent to shift the LLZ32…
As we intent to make RWY14 as ILS from simple approach, provision of Localizer & Glide Path for RWY 14
is proposed. This provision will help better reliable guidance for approaching aircraft on RWY 14….
There is a need to shift the DVOR as the same falls in the footprint of the proposed GA apron development
north of the existing Terminal 1…
Surface movement radar (SMR) … Currently, TIA does not have this radar at the airport. Thus, this project
is proposed, and the radar shall be installed to ensure safe, smooth, and efficient operation of the expanded
airfield…”
7.3.75 The Authority notes that the proposals submitted by TKIAL are reasonable and required considering the
overall development activities planned for the airport. However, the Authority notes that TKIAL has
considered 10% additional cost for working in operational areas, for construction of the SMR facility. The
Authority proposes to reduce the same to 5% as detailed in para 7.3.39 on the BOQ items on which TKIAL
has claimed 10% additional cost. Accordingly, the Authority proposes to consider a cost of Rs. 6.91 crores
towards Airside Improvement Work.
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7.3.76 Further, as per the status of projects as of December 2023 submitted by TKIAL, the Authority notes that the
current status of the proposed capex is still under planning stage, hence, the Authority proposes to shift the
capitalization for Relocation of DVOR, MSSR facilities, and new SMR facility to FY 2024-25 and
considering the capitalization of other items as per TKIAL’s submission.
Table 113: Cost proposed by the Authority for Airside Improvement Works
(Rs. in crores)
TKIAL Change in extra cost for Authority’s
Particulars
submission working in operational areas Proposal
Relocation of LLZ32 0.20 - 0.20
Provision of LLZ14 & GP14 0.41 - 0.41
Relocation of DVOR 0.31 - 0.31
MSSR Facilities 5.41 - 5.41
SMR Facilities 0.61 0.03 0.58
Total 6.94 0.03 6.91
E.2 ATC Tower and Technical Block (Rs. 283.49 crores):
7.3.77 The Authority notes TKIAL’s rationale for the ATC tower and technical block as follows:
“Existing ATC Tower is located near the domestic terminal T1, which has a height of 33 m. To pave way for
other infrastructure expansion works and to have a clear line of sight to all the movement area the ATC tower
needs to be suitably relocated. The existing ATC Tower has constrained visibility to the proposed airside
developments and some parts of the existing runway. The AAI has already proposed an alternate location for
ATC Tower near T2, which is marked as a carved-out area. The proposal is to relocate the ATC Tower and
Technical Block near Terminal-II…”
7.3.78 The Authority has reviewed the proposal of TKIAL on airside improvement works and construction of ATC
tower and technical block. The Authority has reviewed the terms and conditions of CNS/ATM agreement
between AAI and TKIAL, as detailed below.
"4. OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY
4.1 AAI services
4.1.1 AAI shall at all times (including by means of multi-shift operations as required over 24 (twenty four)
hours each day), during the term hereof, in accordance with the relevant ICAO Documents and Annexes and
DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements at its own cost and expense:
(a) Provide the CNS/ATM services as specifically provided in schedule 2;
(b) Maintain the AAI Equipment including carrying out periodic flight calibration of the AAI Equipment and
other tests;
(c) Upgrade and/ or augment the AAI Equipment as may be necessary from time to time: (a) to enable AAI
to provide the relevant AAI Services at the Airport; (b) to comply with the relevant ICAO Documents and
Annexes and DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements; and (c) as a result of Expansion; and
(d) Deploy such manpower as may be required to perform the AAI services.
4.1.2 AAI shall relocate AAI Equipment on the concessionaire's request on account of Expansion, at the
Concessionaire's cost and expense, provided such relocation does not adversely affect AAI' s obligations
under this Agreement:
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Provided that AAI may relocate AAI Equipment at its discretion, subject to the condition that such relocation
does not affect the Concessionaire's obligations under the Concession Agreement and/ or smooth operation
of the Airport."
7.3.79 The Authority notes that TKIAL has submitted a letter dated 13th September 2023 issued by Officer in-charge
of AAI at TRV Airport requesting for the new ATC Complex/Technical block in view of life of building
having expired and that there is no sufficient space for installation of various equipment. The letter also states
that the ATM automation system at TRV is due for replacement which will be installed in the new ATS
block. TKIAL has also informed the Authority that discussions have been underway with AAI on the same
on the detailing of the area allocations etc.
7.3.80 TKIAL vide reply to query dated 14th June 2023 had submitted the BOQ for the ATC tower and technical
block. On examination of the BOQ, the Authority notes that the total cost of the project was Rs. 288.91 crores
as against Rs. 283.94 crores in the MYTP submission. The detailed breakup of the cost of ATC block and
tower as per the BOQ is given below.
Table 114: Cost estimate of ATC block and tower submitted by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Total height (in metres) 64.50
Area for ATC block (in sqm) 11,136
Area for ATC tower (in sqm) 1,628
Cost of construction before indexation (A) 196.93
Loading for working in operational area at 5% (B) 9.84
Others including GST (C) 82.12
Total Cost (A+B+C) 288.91
7.3.81 The Authority notes that TKIAL has submitted that ATC tower construction is included as part of Schedule
to the Concession Agreement (Schedule U). Authority notes that while the cost has been considered by
TKIAL in its projections, the design of the building is still under discussion with AAI and the timing of
operationalization of the building is dependent on AAI’s plans for procurement and provision of equipment
at the building. Also, the Authority notes that TKIAL has submitted a letter in this regard received from the
AAI team located at TKIAL airport. However, the decision is required to be taken and approved at appropriate
levels at AAI Central Headquarters, involving the relevant department heads, Member – ANS etc. Hence, the
Authority proposes to consider the costs incurred on the same, at the time of true up based on the actual
completion of the building after due approvals and subject to the reasonableness and efficiency of the cost
spent on the project.
7.3.82 Based on the above, the cost estimate proposed to be considered by the Authority are as follows:
Table 115: Cost towards CNS/ATM proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Sl. Year of capitalization Base Cost
Project Detail Variance
No. TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
E.1 Airside Improvement Works 2024, 2025 2024, 2025 6.94 6.91 0.03
E.2 ATC Tower and Technical Block 2026 - 283.49 - 283.49
Total 290.43 6.91 283.52
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F. Cargo Complex & Equipment (Rs. 81.08 crores)
F.1 Interim ICC and DCC equipment (Rs. 7.89 crores)
TKIAL submission
7.3.83 TKIAL has proposed constructing a new International Cargo Facility (refer para 7.3.86). In the interim period,
TKIAL aims to provide cargo operations from a temporary facility.
7.3.84 TKIAL has proposed interim improvements to the Interim Cargo facility arrangements together with the
purchase of cargo equipment with a total estimated cost of Rs. 7.89 crores. TKIAL has excluded Rs. 2 crores
worth of cargo equipment as they are expected to be utilized in New Cargo Facility as stated in their responses
to query dated 8th August 2023. The proposed estimate encompasses provisions for additional warehouse
space and various ancillary works including the procurement of equipment such as forklifts, Door Frame
Metal Detectors (DFMDs), Explosive Trace Detectors (ETDs), X-ray Baggage Inspection Systems (XBIS),
among others. TKIAL has provided the details of cost as follows:
Table 116: Cost estimate for ICC and DCC equipment and improvement submitted by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Civil works for Export Cargo Terminal 0.98
Equipment for Export Cargo Terminal 8.08
Equipment for Domestic Cargo Terminal 0.83
Cargo Equipment submitted for TCP by TKIAL 9.89
Less: Equipment expected to be utilized in the new cargo facility 2.00
Cargo Equipment submitted for new ICC by TKIAL 7.89
Authority’s Examination regarding Interim ICC and DCC equipment
7.3.85 TKIAL vide response to query date 10th January 2024 had submitted the status of all projects including
Interim ICC and DCC equipment. On review of the same, the Authority notes that the project has been
completed and that the actual cost of the project was Rs. 6.50 crores. On review of FAR shared on 10th January
2024, the Authority notes that only Rs. 3.47 crores of the actual cost have been capitalized till 30th September
2023. Hence, the Authority proposes to consider the capitalization of Rs. 3.47 crores in FY 2022-23 as per
FAR and the remaining portion of Rs. 3.03 crores in FY 2024-25. The Authority will review the actual costs
incurred and the date of capitalization for this project at the time of true-up of Third Control Period subject
to evaluation of efficiency of costs and reasonableness.
F.2 International Cargo Centre (ICC) (Rs. 73.19 crores)
TKIAL submission
7.3.86 TKIAL has submitted that it proposes to develop a new International Cargo Centre closer to Terminal-II,
based on its evaluation of the potential for cargo operations in TRV. TKIAL has submitted that the current
interim facility would not be adequate to accommodate the plans for development of Cargo and hence, a new
International Cargo Centre is proposed to be constructed by TKIAL. Projections indicate an annual cargo
handling capacity of approximately 25,000 tonnes, a substantial increase from the current capacity of the
Interim Cargo Terminal, which stands at 6,000 tonnes per annum. This project is mandated under Clause 19.4
of the Concession Agreement.
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7.3.87 TKIAL has formulated plans for the construction of a comprehensive International Cargo Centre,
encompassing a total area of 5,000 square meters dedicated to warehouse space, along with 5,756 square
meters for parking and trucking areas.
7.3.88 The break-up of the cost proposed by TKIAL towards construction of International Cargo Centre is given in
the table below:
Table 117: Detail break-up of construction cost of International Cargo Centre as submitted by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Demolition Works
Demolition of Flexible Pavement 0.06
Demolition of Existing Structure 0.17
Demolition of Existing Boundary wall 0.03
New Pavement
Shoulders (Flexible Pavement) 1.28
Head of Stand Road 0.90
Structure
New Structure (Cargo South) 36.15
Annex building (within the warehouse) (Truck Parking) 5.17
Site Circulation 5.87
MHE equipment 21.55
Equipment expected to be utilized in the new facility (refer Table 116) 2.00
Total 73.19
7.3.89 Details of MHE equipment cost submitted by TKIAL is as follows:
Table 118: Department-wise details of MHE equipment cost submitted by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Dept. Equipment Item Cost
Forklift (3 Ton, Battery Operated) 0.44
Forklift (5 Ton, Battery Operated) 0.40
Operations Electric TUG with battery 0.44
Pallet Dolly 10 Feet 0.44
Ball Mat (Manual) - in Sqm 3.00
ETD 0.60
XIBS (100x100 DV) 1.44
XIBS (145x180 DV) 1.80
Under Vehicle Scanner & ANPR 0.40
Security
Dome Camera with Switching and Accessories 0.45
PTZ Camera Outdoors with Switching and Accessories 0.40
Base License 0.40
Radioactive Detector 3.00
Admin Cabins 1.13
IT Handheld Devices 0.40
Others 6.82
Total 21.55
Authority’s examination regarding International Cargo Centre (ICC)
7.3.90 The Authority has examined the details of the cost estimate in detail together with the supporting details
provided by TKIAL. The unit rate for the cargo terminal works out to Rs. 99,272 per sqm (including Truck
parking and site circulation and excluding MHE equipment).
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7.3.91 The Authority notes that this is higher than that approved for Lucknow airport where the estimate was Rs.
60,300 per sqm. The Authority therefore proposes to consider Rs.60,300 per sqm, i.e., the rate per sqm
allowed in Lucknow, for computing the cost of cargo terminal work. Accordingly, the revised break-up of
the cost proposed by the Authority towards construction of the International Cargo Centre is as given in the
table below.
Table 119: Detail break-up of construction cost of International Cargo Centre as proposed by the
Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Cargo terminal work (Rs. 60,300 per sqm * 5000 sqm) 30.15
MHE equipment 21.55
Equipment expected to be utilized in the new facility (refer Table 116) 2.00
Total 53.70
7.3.92 Based on above, the cost estimates considered by the Authority is as follows:
Table 120: Cost towards Cargo Complex and Equipment as proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Sl. Year of capitalization Base Cost as per
Project Detail Variance
No. TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
F.1 Interim ICC and DCC equipment 2023 2023, 2025 7.89 6.50 1.39
F.2 International Cargo Centre (ICC) 2026 2026 73.19 53.70 19.48
Total 81.08 60.20 20.87
7.3.93 During the Airport visit by the Independent Consultants appointed by the Authority, it was observed that the
cargo operations of AAICLAS have currently been suspended at the airport. The Authority expects
AAICLAS to resume its operations at the Airport, to ensure competitiveness of the Cargo operations which
is always encouraged by AERA.
G. Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant System (Rs. 335.62 crores)
G.1 IOCL & BPCL Asset procurement (Rs. 10.00 crores) and G.2 Deadstock of Product (Rs. 5.00
crores)
7.3.94 The Authority notes that as per Clause 19.3 of Concession Agreement, the Concessionaire is mandated to
provide the infrastructure required for operation of fueling services on an equal access basis for all the
aircrafts at the Airport in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner. Such infrastructure shall include tank
farms and associated facilities. In this respect, the Authority observes that presently IOCL, BPCL and HPCL
are supplying ATF with storage facilities of 950KL, 850KL, and 140KL respectively.
7.3.95 The Authority notes that TKIAL has planned to acquire the facilities of the existing players in order to give
equal access to all the aircraft. TKIAL has submitted a total cost of Rs. 10 crores under this head. TKIAL has
submitted the estimated cost of purchase of assets from IOCL and BPCL based on experience in Ahmedabad
and Lucknow where they had purchased OMC assets. In Ahmedabad the OMC assets were purchased for Rs.
11 crores (refer para 7.3.166 of TCP tariff order) and in Lucknow, they were purchased for Rs. 6 crores (refer
para 7.3.7 of the TCP tariff order). The Authority is of the view that the actual amount payable for acquisition
may vary based on discussion and negotiation with respective Oil Marketing Companies. Based on review
and analysis of the capacities of existing players in all the three airports i.e., Thiruvananthapuram,
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Ahmedabad and Lucknow, the Authority has estimated the cost for asset procurement as Rs. 9.51 crores and
proposes to consider the same during the current control period.
7.3.96 The Authority also observes that TKIAL has projected requirement of dead stock (minimum level of fuel that
needs to be maintained at all times in the storage tanks, pipelines and hydrant systems for uninterrupted
operations of the fuel farm) for Rs. 5 crores. The Authority finds this to be reasonable and proposes
considering the said cost, thereby resulting in a total Capital Expenditure of Rs. 14.51 crores. The Authority
understands that this project is currently under planning stage and hence proposes that the capitalization be
considered in FY 2024-25, rather than FY 2023-24 as proposed by TKIAL.
G.3 Equipment cost (Rs. 14.50 crores)
7.3.97 The Authority notes that TKIAL has plans to enhance its fuel infrastructure facility for smooth conduct of its
operations. In the immediate plan, TKIAL intends to acquire existing assets from Indian Oil Corporation
Limited (IOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to establish an Open Access facility.
This facility will primarily consist of Fuel Farm tanks and related infrastructure, aimed at optimizing fuel
handling capabilities. Additionally, TKIAL has planned to procure 12 refuelers/bowsers. These specialized
vehicles will be responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from the
Fuel Farm storage tanks to aircraft located at various points on Apron.
7.3.98 Considering the operational requirements of the Airport, the Authority proposes to consider the cost of Rs.
14.50 crores as submitted to be part of the additions to RAB in the current control period. The Authority
understands that this project is currently under the planning stage and hence proposes that the capitalization
be considered in FY 2024-25, rather than FY 2023-24 as proposed by TKIAL.
G.4 Fuel Hydrant line (Rs. 167.57 crores)
7.3.99 The Authority notes that TKIAL has proposed a Fuel Hydrant line spread across 7 Kms amounting to Rs.
167.57 crores. The Authority notes that the currently Domestic terminal handles a maximum of two flights
per hour, while the international apron manages a maximum of three to four flights per hour. Given the low
density of flights, using fuel bowsers is optimal for re-fueling needs. Therefore, the proposed underground
Hydrant refueling system, incurring a significant expense of Rs 167.57 crores, is considered avoidable at this
stage. Hence, the Authority proposes not to consider the same for this current control period.
G.5 Fuel Storage Farm (Rs. 138.55 crores)
7.3.100 The Authority observes that TKIAL has projected to build a new facility of approx. 5,000 KL which includes
storage Tanks, Admin Facilities, Refilling / offloading area, Pit Flushers, dead stock etc. TKIAL has
submitted that the new facility will be operational during FY 2025-26.
Table 121: Comparison of existing Fuel Storage Capacity vis a vis capacity proposed by TKIAL
Particulars Capacity in KL
Existing
IOCL 950
BPCL 850
HPCL 140
Total 1,940
Proposed by TKIAL
New Fuel Storage Farm 5,000
% Increase in capacity 158%
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Table 122: Fuel Storage requirement estimate submitted by TKIAL
FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27
ATMs in '000
Domestic 12.3 15.4 17.6 19.0 20.6
International 13.0 16.3 18.9 20.8 22.1
Total 25.3 31.7 36.5 39.8 42.7
Fuel throughput in KL 1,58,540 1,82,520 1,99,115 2,13,425
Fuel throughput per ATM (KL/ATM) 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
KL Estimate for 10 days (Total Fuel
4343 5000 5455 5847
throughput * 10 days / 365 days)
7.3.101 The Authority notes that the new greenfield facility is planned to have capacity for serving a minimum of 10
days, without recouping, for the expected demand of FY 2026-27. TKIAL has submitted the following as the
basis for arriving at 10 days.
Table 123: Recommended ATF Storage Days as per the MYTP submitted by TKIAL for the Third
Control Period
S. Average Stock Maximum Difference
Potential Purpose
No. Required Stock Required
1 Product readiness, storage 2 2 -
2 Product storage and settling 1 2 1
3 Product receipt, Logistic contingency, OMC’s issue - 5 5
4 Total 3 9 6
5 85% of Total Difference 5.1
6 Recommended ATF Storage Days 8.1
7.3.102 The Authority notes that the existing fuel farm capacity at TRV is 1,940 KL. TKIAL has submitted that the
facilities are planned considering a longer term of 10-year planning timeline and that multiple storage tanks
are required considering the need to maintain quality and testing as per the protocol defined.
7.3.103 On examination of the breakup of the cost of Rs.138.55 crores, the Authority notes that Rs. 15 crores relate
to dead stock required for the new fuel farm facility. The Authority finds this to be reasonable and proposes
to consider the same as additions to RAB during the current control period.
7.3.104 The Authority also notes that the remaining cost of Rs. 123.55 crores include a 10% additional cost for
working in operational areas. However, the Authority proposes to reduce the same to 5% as detailed in para
7.3.39 on the BOQ items on which TKIAL has claimed 10% additional cost.
7.3.105 Therefore, the Authority proposes to consider a cost of Rs. 132.43 crores which is inclusive of Rs. 117.43
crores towards new fuel farm facility as determined after modifying the estimate of extra cost over approved
rates for working in operational area and Rs. 15 crores towards dead stock required for the new fuel farm
facility. The Authority proposes to consider the capitalization of this facility in FY 2025-26 as submitted by
TKIAL.
Table 124: Cost proposed by the Authority for Fuel Storage Farm
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
New fuel farm facility (refer para 7.3.104) 123.55
Dead stock required for the new fuel farm facility (refer para 7.3.103) 15.00
Total cost submitted by TKIAL for Fuel storage farm 138.55
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Particulars Amount
Less: Change in extra cost over approved rates for working in operational area 6.12
Cost proposed by the Authority for Fuel storage farm 132.43
7.3.106 Based on the above analysis and proposals, the fuel infrastructure and hydrant system cost proposed to be
considered by the Authority for the Third Control Period is as presented below:
Table 125: Cost of Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant System proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Sl. Year of capitalisation Base Cost
Project Detail Variance
No. TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
G.1 IOCL & BPCL Asset procurement 2024 2025 10.00 9.51 0.49
G.2 Dead stock of Product 2024 2025 5.00 5.00 -
G.3 Equipment cost 2024 2025 14.50 14.50 -
G.4 Fuel hydrant line 2026 - 167.57 - 167.57
G.5 Fuel storage farm 2026 2026 138.55 132.43 6.12
Total 335.62 161.44 174.18
H. Boundary Wall (Rs. 36.49 crores)
7.3.107 TKIAL in its submission has stated the following:
H.1 Airport Boundary Wall (Rs. 4.52 crores):
“In view of the proposed land acquisition for implementation of projects like clearing of Basic strip north and
east of RWY 14, full RESA development for RWY32, etc. the existing airside boundary wall to the North and
East of RWY 14 needs to be re-constructed. Similarly, some of the existing airport site area which were not
utilized earlier need to be included within airside area, and therefore new airside boundary wall needs to be
built at these locations. This project development, however, is subject to the land acquisition/availability at
the development side… The total length of new wall proposed is approximately 1,624m.”
H.2 New Airside Perimeter after shifting boundary (Rs. 6.05 crores):
“The perimeter road towards North-East of RWY 14 falls within the basic strip of Runway 14-32. Due to this
non-compliance of basic strip on RWY 14, perimeter road needs to be shifted towards cityside to clear the
basic strip. This project development is subject to land acquisition/availability. The other perimeter road that
needs to be developed is to the southwest of RESA 14. This development involves construction of approx.
13,812 sqm road pavement works.”
7.3.108 The Authority notes the need for the project from an airport safety and security perspective. Further, the
Authority also notes that the project execution is contingent upon the acquisition or availability of land at the
Airport. Therefore, the Authority proposes not to consider the capital expenditure for boundary wall and new
Airside Perimeter in the Third Control Period and shift the same to the next control period(s) once the land
is made available for the construction of boundary wall by the airport operator.
H.3 Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) (Rs. 25.92 crores):
7.3.109 The Authority notes that TKIAL has proposed installation of Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS)
on the airside boundary wall to strengthen the airport's security infrastructure. TKIAL has submitted that
CISF vide letter dated 9th July 2022 has noted the need for PIDS. The extract the letter is as below:
“… Moreover, we currently have an approximate perimeter wall spanning approximately 11 kilometers. It
is imperative that the Perimeter Intrusion detection systems (PIDs) be installed in accordance with the latest
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specifications outlined by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Therefore, we kindly request you to
initiate the installation procedure, ensuring strict adherence to the BCAS specifications for a seamless and
compliant deployment…”
7.3.110 TKIAL has submitted an estimate of Rs. 20,500 per meter for the equipment installation together with the
cost of fixing the structure to the wall for PIDS (this rate also includes 10% for extra cost over approved rates
for working in operational area) for a total area of 12,645 meters.
7.3.111 The Authority notes that CISF has requested for PIDS to be installed and that BCAS, in its circular issued in
June 2022, has stated that all hyper-sensitive airports in India needs to have PIDS installed by December
2023. However, TRV is categorized as a sensitive airport and not as hyper-sensitive.
7.3.112 Also, TKIAL has proposed the construction of a new boundary wall (Refer H.1 Airport Boundary Wall) in
certain locations at the airport. The Authority notes that while the PIDS implementation will be subject to the
mandate of BCAS, this can be executed only after completion of changes to the perimeter structure and the
new boundary wall, in order to ensure that work relating to PIDS is efficiently carried out.
7.3.113 Therefore, the Authority is of the view that the project on PIDS may be executed in a phased manner once
the perimeter structure and the new boundary wall is firmed up, as it would help in avoiding infructuous
expenditure. Hence, the Authority proposes not to consider the same as part of RAB for this current control
period. The Authority will review the same at the time of true up, during determination of tariff for fourth
control period, subject to evaluation of efficiency and reasonableness.
I. Other Buildings (Rs. 69.93 crores)
I.1 New Airside Security Gates (Rs. 2.13 crores),
I.2 Security equipment for gates (Rs. 1.52 crores) and
I.3 Upgradation of Airside gates - Crash Gates, Morcha construction at gate 6,10,11 (Rs. 2.32 crores)
7.3.114 TKIAL has submitted that the proposed airfield developments for Terminal-I and Terminal-II, including
apron expansions and other airside projects, necessitate the establishment of three new Airside Security
Gates, security equipment for the gates and upgradation of the existing gates 6,10,11 (Crash Gates, Morcha
construction). These gates play a crucial role in ensuring the connectivity and safety of the airfield. The
significance and purpose of these proposed gates is to enhance the connectivity between different sections of
the airfield, provide controlled entry and exit points for essential services, including ground handling
operations, maintenance activities, and emergency response teams. These gates act as a critical layer of
security to safeguard against unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the airfield. Due to the same, the
submission of TKIAL towards security gates is proposed to be considered.
7.3.115 The Authority also notes that TKIAL has considered the purchase of the Security equipment Baggage Dual
view X – Rays, DFMD and HHMD for the new gates at estimated cost of Rs. 1.52 crores. The Authority
finds the costs to be reasonable and proposes to consider the same as additions to RAB during the current
control period.
7.3.116 TKIAL has considered the upgradation of Airside gates at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.32 crores but has not
shared the detailed breakup for the same. The Authority notes that the estimated costs of Rs. 2.32 crores for
the upgradation of Airside gates were on the higher sides and hence proposes to consider Rs. 0.50 crores per
gate, as allowed in Ahmedabad and Lucknow airports, for capitalization in the current control period.
7.3.117 Accordingly, the Authority proposes to allow the expenditure of Rs. 4.52 crores as detailed below.
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Table 126: Cost for Airside Security Gate proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Year of capitalization Base Cost
Sl. No Project Detail Variance
TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
2025, 2025,
I.1 New Airside Security Gate -1,2,3 2.13 1.50 0.63
2026, 2027 2026, 2027
I.2 Security equipment for Gates 2027 2027 1.52 1.52 -
Upgradation of Airside gates- Crash
I.3 Gates, Morcha construction at gate 2027 2027 2.32 1.50 0.82
6,10,11
Total 5.97 4.52 1.45
I.4 Airport Administration Building (Rs. 45.57 crores)
7.3.118 TKIAL has submitted a cost estimate of Rs. 45.57 crores (hard cost) for the construction of a new
administrative building near Terminal-II. This proposal of TKIAL arises from the need for a larger facility,
as the existing building, spanning 1,558 square meters, is insufficient to accommodate the anticipated
workforce growth comprising both AAI and TKIAL staff, totaling 400 employees. TKIAL has submitted
that, when considering the area per employee in the existing building (260-300 employees accommodated in
1,558 square meters), it becomes clear that the available space is insufficient for the proposed staffing levels
and thus, the construction of a new administrative building is required to ensure a comfortable and efficient
working environment for all employees.
7.3.119 During the Airport visit by its Independent Consultant, TKIAL informed that the current work force is housed
in different buildings including temporary facilities such as containers. TKIAL has submitted that the need
increases when there are Project employees of TKIAL/Project Management Consultants for supporting the
Capital Expenditure plans.
7.3.120 TKIAL has provided the following basis for the cost estimation for the Administration Building:
Table 127: Cost estimate of Administration Building as submitted by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars UOM Rate (Rs.) Quantity Amount
New Structure Sqm 79,700 5,600 44.63
Site Circulation Sqm 4,700 1,993 0.94
Total 45.57
7.3.121 The Authority notes that TKIAL has not submitted any details for the site circulation cost. TKIAL has also
considered a cost of 10% for working in operational areas. However, during the Airport visit, the Authority
through its Independent Consultant noted that the new Administrative Building is not within the airside
operational area. Therefore, the Authority proposes not to consider the additional 10% for working in
operational areas.
7.3.122 Based on the above, the Authority proposes to consider the total cost of Rs. 40.42 crores towards the cost of
Administration building.
I.5 Minor Works – Other Buildings (Rs. 18.40 crores)
7.3.123 TKIAL submitted an estimate cost of Rs. 18.40 crores spread over three FYs, i.e., FY 2022-23, FY2023-24,
FY 2024-25 for Minor Works – Other Buildings.
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7.3.124 The Authority notes that the above amount is for various miscellaneous works such as Construction of New
Staff Canteen & Creche in Terminal T-II, Upgradation of T-I Existing Canteen, Kitchen, Kitchen equipment,
Furniture, Construction of Storeroom for Techno commercial and E&M and other miscellaneous works.
7.3.125 The Authority, through its Independent Consultant, verified the details of all the items and notes that the
works planned by TKIAL are necessary. Further the Authority notes that some of the proposed capex is still
under the planning stage, hence, the Authority proposes to shift the capitalization of such assets to FY 2024-
25. The Authority has reviewed the details of the cost estimates submitted and proposes to consider only
those works for which detailed break-up is provided by TKIAL.
7.3.126 On review of the detailed breakup, the Authority notes that the cost of “Structural strengthening of ancillary
buildings” as per BOQ was Rs. 2.67 crores as against Rs. 2.86 crores in the MYTP submission. The Authority
also notes that as of December 2023, the work on this project is in process. Therefore, the Authority proposes
to consider the cost as per BOQ, i.e. Rs. 2.67 crores, as an addition to RAB in FY 2024-25, i.e. third tariff
year of the current control period.
7.3.127 On review of FARs shared on 10th January 2024, the Authority notes that Rs. 2.40 crores have been
capitalized with respect to reinforcing / upgradation to the existing Admin Block and Rs. 0.15 crores have
been capitalized for development of open drains in FY 2022-23. The Authority also observed that as per the
project status shared by TKIAL, the project on development of open drains has been completed and the total
cost incurred was Rs. 0.46 crores. The Authority, therefore, proposes to consider the following:
• For upgradation of the existing Admin Block, the actual cost incurred of Rs. 2.40 crores for FY 2022-23
and the remaining portion of the total project cost in FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25.
• For the development of open drains, the actual cost incurred of Rs. 0.46 crores as the total project cost
with Rs. 0.15 crores incurred in FY 2022-23 and the remaining portion of the total project cost in FY
2023-24.
7.3.128 The Authority notes that TKIAL has not furnished the detailed breakup of cost for replacement of 11 KV Old
HT panels in CCR with associated works and therefore proposes to not consider the cost for same during the
current control period.
7.3.129 The Authority also notes that as per the status of project as of December 2023, “Construction of New Staff
Canteen & Creche in Terminal T-II, Upgradation of T-I Existing Canteen, Kitchen, Kitchen equipment and
Furniture’s at TRV(Kerala) International Airport Ltd, provision for car/scooter shed for staffs, Replacement
of scooter shed & provision of compound wall with covered parking at fire station, and Provision of water
less urinal sensors at admin blocks & other ancillary buildings.” is under planning stage. Therefore, the
Authority proposes to consider the capitalization of this project in FY 2024-25.
7.3.130 The Authority will review the actual costs incurred and the date of capitalization for this project at the time
of true-up of Third Control Period subject to evaluation of efficiency of costs and reasonableness.
Table 128: Cost for Minor works – Other buildings proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Sl. No. Project Detail Year of capitalization Base Cost as per
Variance
I.5 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
Upgradation of the existing Admin
2023, 2023,
block/Offices & office development of
1 2024, 2024, 4.95 4.95 -
Engineering, Finance and HR offices
2025 2025
including furniture
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Sl. No. Project Detail Year of capitalization Base Cost as per
Variance
I.5 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
Construction of Storeroom for Techno
2 2024 2025 3.03 3.03 -
commercial and E&M.
Provision for car/scooter shed for staffs
3 2024 2025 1.10 1.10 -
(as per CA -Planned capex work)
Replacement of scooter shed & provision
4 of compound wall with covered parking 2024 2025 0.77 0.77 -
at fire station
Provision of water less urinal sensors at
5 admin blocks and other ancillary 2024 2025 0.33 0.33 -
buildings.
Replacement of 11KV Old HT panels in
6 2024 2024 1.65 - 1.65
CCR with associated works
Structural strengthening of ancillary 2024, 2025,
7 2.86 2.67 0.19
buildings 2027 2027
Development of open drains and area at
new fire station including dismantling of
2023, 2023,
8 old fire station and developing the 2.07 0.46 1.61
2024 2024
pavement and other ancillary facilities
after demolishing the old fire station
Providing and laying waterproofing on
9 2023 2023 0.37 0.39 (0.03)
the terrace of old domestic terminal.
Construction of New Staff Canteen &
Creche in Terminal T-II, Upgradation of
10 T-I Existing Canteen, Kitchen, Kitchen 2023 2025 1.28 1.28 -
equipment and Furniture’s at
TRV(Kerala) International Airport Ltd.
Total 18.40 14.97 3.42
7.3.131 Based on the above, the total cost proposed to be considered by the Authority for Other Buildings is as below:
Table 129: Other Building cost proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Sl. Year of capitalisation Base Cost
Project Detail Variance
No. TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
New Airside Security Gate - 2025, 2026, 2025, 2026,
I.1 2.13 1.50 0.63
1,2,3 2027 2027
I.2 Security equipment for Gates 2027 2027 1.52 1.52 -
Upgradation of Airside gates-
I.3 Crash Gates, Morcha 2027 2027 2.32 1.50 0.82
construction at gate 6,10,11
I.4 Administrative Building 2026 2026 45.57 40.42 5.15
Minor Capex Projects (Table 2023, 2024, 2023, 2024,
I.5 18.40 14.97 3.42
128) 2025, 2027 2025, 2027
Total 69.93 59.91 10.02
J. IT (Rs. 58.05 crores)
J1. IT – Strategic Projects (Rs. 45.10 crores)
7.3.132 The Authority notes that TKIAL has submitted IT – Strategic Projects of Rs. 45.10 crores which includes
various IT initiatives as mentioned below:
• IT Network Segmentation (~ Rs. 14.33 crores)
• IOT-enabled PAX Count, Flow and Queue Monitoring (~ Rs. 7.64 crores)
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• IOT-enabled Asset Tracking Project (~ Rs. 4.93 crores)
• Wi-Fi Network - Passenger (~ Rs. 4.2 crores)
• Traffic Management (~Rs. 0.8 crores)
• Vehicle Tracking and SLA Violation Reporting (~Rs. 0.8 crores)
• Landside Security Camera (CCTV) (~Rs. 0.56 crores)
• Wi-Fi Network - Indoor (~Rs. 0.39 crores)
• AI, IOT, R&D and other Strategic Initiatives (~Rs. 2 crores)
7.3.133 The Authority notes that IT - Strategic Projects are essential for modernizing the airport, improving
operational efficiency, enhancing passenger experience and ensuring the airport's overall safety and security.
The Authority notes that TKIAL has provided the nature of the projects included under IT-Strategic Projects
except for “Traffic Management”. The Authority also notes that the final cost for these projects will be firmed
up once the orders of award are issued. The Authority proposes to consider 50% of the proposed capital
expenditure after excluding the cost for “Traffic Management” as addition to RAB in the current control
period and other costs upon incurrence which will be trued-up in the next control period.
7.3.134 Break-up of costs relating to IT - Strategic Projects submitted by TKIAL and the Authority’s proposal for the
same is given below:
Table 130: Cost proposed by the Authority for IT – Strategic Projects
(Rs. in crores)
Project Nature of Projects Amount
Undertaken to mitigate the effect of frequent
IT Network Segmentation 14.33
outage on the IT system
IOT-enabled PAX Count, Flow and Queue Sensor based software for tracking passenger
7.64
Monitoring movement
Tracking of movable assets like baggage trolley,
IOT-enabled Asset Tracking Project 4.93
wheelchair, etc. using GPS, barcode, etc.
Wi-Fi Network - Passenger Passenger Internet Connectivity 4.20
Monitoring of vehicle traffic at both departure
Vehicle Tracking and SLA Violation Reporting 0.80
and arrival
Landside Security Camera CCTV system at CISF recommended locations 0.56
Wi-Fi Network - Indoor Airport Staff Internet Connectivity 0.39
AI, IOT, R&D and other Strategic Initiatives Budgeted for AI BOT and others 2.00
Total cost break-up submitted by TKIAL 34.85
Proposed by the Authority (50%) 17.43
7.3.135 The Authority also notes on examination of the FY 2022-23 FAR, that Rs. 7.60 crores have been capitalized
in FY 2022-23. The Authority proposes to consider the same as addition to RAB for FY 2022-23 of the
current control period.
J2. Minor IT Projects (Rs. 12.95 crores)
7.3.136 The Authority notes that TKIAL has, along with the IT strategic projects, submitted certain capex costs
relating to BU Growth & Sustenance, Cyber, Integration etc. totaling to Rs. 12.95 crores to be incurred from
FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27.
7.3.137 The Authority notes that the proposed capex for the project “Upgradation of Network Adapter by replacement
of Media converter with Industrial grade Managed Ethernet switch” BU Growth & Sustenance and
“Automation of all forms at Apron and IT equipment upgradation in Apron Control” is under planning stage
or the work is in progress and hence proposes to shift the capitalization to FY 2023-24.
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7.3.138 The Authority also notes on examination of the FARs shared, that Rs. 0.88 crores, Rs. 0.93 crores and
approximately Rs. 0.01 crores have been capitalized till 30th September 2023 for the projects Workstation
with required accessories, Integration activities and Cyber security respectively. The Authority proposes to
consider the same as addition to RAB for FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24 as applicable and adjust
correspondingly the capex proposed to be capitalized in the remaining years.
7.3.139 Based on the above analysis, the Authority proposes to consider the following cost for IT projects for the
Third Control Period:
Table 131: Cost for IT project proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Sl. Year of capitalization Base Cost
Project Detail Variance
No. TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
J.1 Strategic Projects
2023,2024, 2023,2024,
Sub Total 2025,2026, 2025,2026, 45.10 17.43 27.67
2027 2027
J.2 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works
2023,2024,
2024,2025,
a. BU Growth & Sustenance 2025,2026, 3.16 3.16 -
2026,2027
2027
2023,2024,
Workstation with required accessories 2024,2025,
b. 2025,2026, 1.43 1.43 -
like LaserJet Printers, Scanners etc. 2026,2027
2027
2023,2024, 2023,2024,
c. Integration activities 2025,2026, 2025,2026, 3.18 3.18 -
2027 2027
2023,2024, 2024,2025,
Automation of all forms at Apron and IT
d. 2025,2026, 2026,2027 0.99 0.99 -
equipment upgradation in Apron Control
2027
e. Safety Occurrence Reporting Software 2024 2024 0.55 0.55 -
2023,2024, 2023,2024,
f. Cyber Security related 2025,2026, 2025,2026, 2.15 2.15 -
2027 2027
Upgradation of Network Adapter by
replacement of Media converter with
Industrial grade Managed Ethernet switch.
The scope includes supplying all the
g. necessary hardware including power 2023 2024 0.27 0.27 -
supplies for each managed switch,
disconnecting old media converters from
the system & connecting new managed
Ethernet switches in the system.
2024,2025, 2024,2025,
h. Passive Components 1.22 1.22 -
2026,2027 2026,2027
Sub Total 12.95 12.95 -
Total 58.05 30.38 27.67
K. Environment Related Projects (Rs. 24.15 crores)
K.1 Airside Fuel/ EV Charging Station for Rs. 2.08 crores have been projected by TKIAL in FY 2024-25.
(consisting of 30KW charging points 3 nos, 2 fuel dispensing units and associated facilities). The Authority
notes that this is a green energy initiative at the airport and the estimated cost is found to be reasonable.
Hence, the Authority proposes to consider this Capital Expenditure as an addition to RAB in FY 2024-25.
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K.2 Airport Owned Electric Vehicles projected by TKIAL for Rs. 6.16 crores are proposed to be capitalized
in FY 2024-25. The Authority notes that this is a green initiative from an environmental perspective and that
the existing vehicles of TKIAL are old. Hence, TKIAL has planned for replacement of such old vehicles with
electric vehicles. The Authority has reviewed the estimated cost submitted by TKIAL and notes that, order
for 17 plus vehicles with an average price of Rs. 0.35 crores have been placed, of which 4 vehicles have
already been procured. The Authority finds the estimated cost of TKIAL to be reasonable and accordingly
proposes to consider this Capital expenditure.
The Authority also notes that as per FAR submitted the AO has capitalized Rs. 2.37 crores in FY 2022-23
based on actual cost incurred. The Authority proposes to consider the same as capital additions in FY 2022-
23 in the current control period.
K.3 Other Environmental Related capital items – TKIAL has a projected cost of Rs. 8.50 crores for
activities towards safety and environmental requirements such as STP, a waste disposal facility for aircraft
toilets etc. The Authority notes that capital expenditure proposed by TKIAL is to support Carbon Neutrality
and Net Zero Emissions initiatives, focusing on reducing emissions, developing green infrastructure,
enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing resource conservation measures for improved airport
operations. The Authority finds the estimated cost of TKIAL to be reasonable and hence proposes to consider
the same as additions to RAB. However, the Authority notes that the proposed capex is still under
planning/tendering stage, hence, the Authority proposes to shift the capitalization of “Conversion of Halogen
type runway fittings with LED type fittings” to FY 2024-25 and “Energy Management system for monitoring
Electricity Consumption including Digital energy meters” to FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25. The Authority
also notes that as per TKIAL’s reply to query dated 10th January 2024, the work on “IoT based Water
Management” has been completed in FY 2023-24 and the actual cost incurred was approximately Rs. 0.14
crores as against Rs. 0.17 crores submitted by TKIAL. Therefore, the Authority proposes to consider the
capitalization in FY 2023-24 and the actual cost towards addition to RAB during the current control period
for the project “IoT based Water Management”.
K.4 DG Retro fitting projected by TKIAL for Rs. 3.08 crores – As per Kerala Pollution Control Board
Order, all DGs of 500 KVA and above rating need to be retrofitted to reduce the release of greenhouse gases
in the atmosphere. Accordingly, TKIAL has planned for retro fitting of 10 DG sets in a phased manner (8
DG sets from Cummins and 2 DG sets of Greaves). The Authority observes that this is a statutory requirement
and is also a green energy initiative and thus proposes to consider the same as part of additions to RAB.
However, the Authority notes that the proposed capex is still under tendering stage as per reply to query dated
10th January 2024, hence, proposes to shift the capitalization of the asset to FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 as
against the capitalization from FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26 submitted by TKIAL.
K.5 Triturator of Rs. 3.34 crores has been projected for capitalization by TKIAL in FY 2024-25. The
Authority notes that Triturator is an automated and closed airliner waste disposal system, which drains the
contents of the lavatory vehicles into the sewer system with minimal odor or risk of spills. Liquid waste from
aircraft shall be treated at Triturator as a primary treatment and further will be pumped to STP for secondary
treatment. The Authority proposes to consider the cost estimate submitted by TKIAL as part of additions to
RAB in FY 2024-25.
K.6 & K.7 Solid Waste Management – Landside and T-II - TKIAL has claimed an amount of Rs. 0.99
crores towards Solid Waste Management facility. The Authority, after examining the project details, notes
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that it is a statutory requirement, however the Authority notes that the current status of the proposed capex is
still under planning stage, and therefore proposes to consider capitalization of the same in FY 2023-24.
7.3.140 Based on the above analysis, the Authority proposes to consider the following cost towards Environmental
related projects for the Third Control Period:
Table 132: Cost for Environmental related projects proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Year of capitalization Base Cost
Sl. No. Project Detail Variance
TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
Airside Fuel/ EV Charging Station
(30KW charging points 3 nos; 2 fuel
K.1 2025 2025 2.08 2.08 -
dispensing units and associated
facilities)
2023, 2023,
Airport Owned Electric Vehicles
K.2 2024, 2024, 6.16 6.16 -
Procurement
2025 2025
K.3 Other Environment Related
Conversion of Halogen type runway
a. 2024 2025 5.50 5.50 -
fittings with LED type fittings
Continuous (real-time) Ambient air
b. 2026 2026 1.10 1.10 -
quality monitoring stations (CAAQM)
Continuous (real-time) Noise
c. 2026 2026 1.10 1.10 -
monitoring stations (CNMS)
Energy Management system for
2023, 2024,
d. monitoring Electricity Consumption 0.64 0.64 -
2024 2025
including Digital energy meters.
e. IoT based Water Management 2023 2024 0.17 0.14 0.03
Sub Total (K.3) 8.50 8.48 0.03
2023, 2024,
2024, 2025,
K.4 DG Retro fitting 3.08 3.08 -
2025, 2026,
2026 2027
K.5 Triturator 2025 2025 3.34 3.34 -
K.6 Solid Waste Management – Landside 2023 2024 0.44 0.44 -
K.7 Solid Waste Management Plant at T-II 2024 2024 0.55 0.55 -
Total 24.15 24.13 0.03
L. Sustaining / Minor Capex Works (Rs. 106.49 crores)
L.1 Oil Water Separator (OWS) for Rs. 11.46 crores have been projected by TKIAL in FY 2024-25. In this
regard, TKIAL has stated the following:
“Wastewater from aprons, hangars, cargo facilities, GA & GSE workshop, etc. contains floating oil along
with suspended solids. These need to be separated from the water through screens, oil water separator, and
Grit Chamber. After removal of floating oil and suspended solids, the wastewater is to be treated in STP…”
The Authority notes that this is an important activity for environment management at the airport. The
Authority has analyzed the cost estimate submitted by TKIAL and observes that the cost proposed for the 3
units of Oil Water Separator by TKIAL is as per the PAR/DSR and market rates. The Authority notes that
the rates for some of the line items were not in line with DSR 2021 and proposed to revise the same. The
Authority also noted that TKIAL has considered 10% of the cost towards working in airside area. However,
the Authority was of the view that the provision made by TKIAL was quite high and therefore proposes to
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reduce the same to 5% as detailed in para 7.3.39 on the BOQ items on which TKIAL has claimed 10%
additional cost.
Based on the above revision the Authority proposes to consider a capital expenditure of Rs. 11.01 crores
towards OWS as against the Rs. 11.46 crores projected by TKIAL. Further the Authority notes that as per the
status of projects shared by TKIAL, the proposed capex is still under planning stage. Therefore, the Authority
proposes to shift the capitalization to FY 2025-26.
L.2 Runway rubber removal machine (RRRM) has been projected by TKIAL for Rs. 6.82 crores in FY
2022-23. The Authority notes that the rubber removal activities are to be carried out by TKIAL at regular
intervals to maintain the friction level as per the standard. Further, on examination of the cost breakup
submitted by TKIAL and comparing the estimated costs of this asset with other similar airports, the Authority
finds the same to be reasonable. Considering the operational requirements of the Airport, the Authority
proposes to consider this as part of the additions to RAB in the current control period.
Further the Authority notes that though the Purchase Order has been issued for this proposed capex, the
material is yet to be delivered. Hence, the Authority proposes to shift the capitalization to FY 2023-24.
L.3 Fire Fighting Equipment and facilities – TKIAL has projected a total of Rs. 42.71 crores as estimated
capital cost under this head. This includes:
• Replacement of 3 Nos. ACFTs (Rs. 36 crores) – ACFTs need to be replaced in a phased manner due to
ageing. TKIAL has submitted that the existing ACFTs were handed over from AAI and bought in 2009-
10.
• Driving and Fire Fighting simulator – Rs. 4.20 crores
• Triage and rescue tools for ARFF – Rs. 2.50 crores
• Other miscellaneous items such as Video Recorder, Fire Fighter turnout fear locker, extendable hose,
radiation detector etc.
The Authority notes that these items are required for ensuring safety and for emergency response. The
Authority has reviewed the quotation for ACFTs and finds the estimate to be reasonable. However, the
Authority proposes that these can be replaced in stages and hence proposes to consider the cost of 2 ACFTs,
i.e. Rs. 24 crores in this control period, while the other one is suggested to be procured in the next control
period.
The Authority also noted that the Driving and Fire Fighting simulator cost allowed for Hyderabad airport was
only Rs. 4 crores and that the cost as per BOQ submitted by TKIAL for Triage and rescue tools for ARFF is
only Rs. 2.14 crores. The Authority, therefore, proposes to consider Rs. 4 crores and Rs. 2.14 crores for
Driving and Fire Fighting simulator, and Triage and rescue tools for ARFF respectively for the current control
period.
Based on the above revision the Authority proposes to consider a capital expenditure of Rs. 30.14 crores
towards Fire Fighting Equipment and facilities as against the Rs. 42.71 crores projected by TKIAL. Further
the Authority notes that Rs. 0.44 crores have been capitalized in FY 2022-23 as per the FAR submitted by
TKIAL. Hence, the Authority proposes to consider the same as actual capital addition for the year and shift
the remaining portion of the initial capitalization from FY 2022-23 to FY 2023-24 and the capitalization in
FY 2023-24 to FY 2024-25.
L.4 Trolleys – Rs. 7.67 crores have been projected under this head for capitalization by TKIAL during the
Third Control Period. The Authority notes that TKIAL has approximately 1,700 trolleys. As per Schedule H
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parameters of Concession Agreement, 100% of trolley should be available to all passengers. Therefore, with
approximately 3,160 nos. of peak hour passengers in FY 2023-24 (capacity of both the terminals combined)
it is important to have required trolleys available at TRV.
Further, the Authority notes that TKIAL has submitted vide reply to queries dated 8th June 2023, that the
rate per trolley is Rs. 33,000 and that 150 number of trolleys were proposed to be added in FY 2022-23 and
400 trolleys per year from the year thereafter. TKIAL has also considered an annual rate hike of 7 percent.
The Authority also notes that, of the Rs. 0.65 crores planned for purchase in FY 2022-23, only Rs. 0.49 crores
have been capitalized in FY 2022-23 as per FAR submitted by TKIAL. The Authority therefore proposes to
consider the purchase of remaining trolleys in FY 2023-24. The Authority also proposes to consider a
purchase of 800 trolleys in FY 2024-25 and 400 each in the remaining two tariff years of the current control
period. The Authority proposes to consider an inflationary hike as per Table 153 on the per trolley rate as the
rate escalation of 7% submitted by TKIAL appeared to be high.
Based on the above revision, the Authority proposes to consider a capital expenditure of Rs. 6.15 crores
towards Trolley as against the Rs. 7.67 crores projected by TKIAL.
L.5 Other Works for Rs. 37.83 crores have been proposed by TKIAL across all the five tariff years. The
Authority notes that the estimated cost under this subhead includes the works/equipment mainly towards
ASFT, Ambulance, passenger processing system, facility for wildlife hazard management, installation of stop
bar and runway guard lights etc. TKIAL has submitted that the requirements have been projected by TKIAL
based on various guidelines issued on maintaining the safety and security aspects of the airport. The Authority
notes that some of these projects relate to environmental compliance requirements at the airport. The
Authority has reviewed the proposed costs and notes that these are reasonable. Hence, the Authority proposes
to consider this cost as part of CAPEX.
TKIAL, vide reply to query dated 10th January 2024 has submitted the current status of the projects along
with the FAR as on 31st March 2023 and 30th September 2023. On review of the same, the Authority notes
the following:
a. Requirement of Furniture/ RO (Reverse Osmosis) plant / Labor Management system/GYM material for
CISF - The Authority notes that as per the FAR submitted, Rs. 0.11 crores was capitalized in FY 2022-
23. Therefore, the Authority proposes to consider the same and also to consider the capitalization of the
remaining project cost as per TKIAL’s submission.
b. CISF QRT Vehicle – The Authority notes that this project has been completed at a total cost of Rs. 1.10
crores with Rs. 1.04 crores being incurred in FY 2022-23 and the remaining in FY 2023-24. The
Authority proposes to consider the same as capital addition during the current control period against Rs.
1.43 crores of base cost claimed by TKIAL.
c. Supply and laying of 11KV HT feeder cables to various substations/Power houses – The Authority notes
that this project has been completed at a total cost of Rs. 1.01 crores with Rs. 0.61 crores being incurred
in FY 2022-23 and the remaining in FY 2023-24. The Authority proposes to consider the same as capital
addition during the current control period as against Rs. 0.97 crores of base cost claimed by TKIAL.
d. Garden lighting and NITB terminal building south side neon strip lighting with Programmable DMX
controller and Improvement to external garden lighting – The Authority notes that as per the FAR
submitted, Rs. 0.92 crores was capitalized in FY 2022-23. Therefore, the Authority proposes to consider
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the same and to consider the capitalization of the remaining portion of the total project cost in FY 2023-
24.
e. Others – The Authority notes that projects whose total base cost was Rs. 2.37 crores as per TKIAL, was
completed at a cost of approximately Rs. 2.08 crores. The Authority proposes to consider this cost of Rs.
2.08 crores as capital addition during the current control period.
Further, the Authority notes that some of the assets which were supposed to be capitalized in FY 2022-23
were still either in the planning stage or a Purchase Order was issued but the material is yet to be received.
The Authority therefore proposes to shift the capitalization of such assets by one year.
The details of the items proposed to be considered by the Authority and the revised year of capitalization is
as shown in the table below:
Table 133: Details of Other Works proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Sl.
Project Detail Year of capitalization Base Cost as per
No
Variance
Other Sustaining / Minor Capex
L.5 TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
Works
ASFT (Airfield surface friction tester) 2023 2024 1.76 1.76 -
View Cutter 2023 2024 1.10 1.10 -
Grass cutting and collection machine – -
2024 2024 1.21 1.21
Trilo
2023, 2024, 2024, 2025, -
Purchase of Ambulance 2.93 2.93
2025, 2026 2026
Passenger processing system 2023 2024 4.71 4.71 -
Requirement of Furniture/ RO (Reverse 2023, 2024, -
2024, 2025,
Osmosis) plant / Labor Management 2025, 2026, 1.64 1.64
2026, 2027
system/GYM material for CISF 2027
Flight Radar monitoring screen at -
2023 2024 2.42 2.42
AOCC
Facility for Wildlife Hazard 2024, 2025, 2024, 2025, -
1.78 1.78
Management 2026, 2027 2026, 2027
Replacing of Ground Light Facility -
2024 2024 0.94 0.94
(GLF)cables approximate 8000 meters
SCADA system for CCR 2025 2025 1.32 1.32 -
Installation of Stop bar and runway -
Guard lights at Thiruvananthapuram 2024 2024 2.20 2.20
International Airport
BA set inclusive of software for -
2027 2027 0.55 0.55
monitoring
CTSR (Containerized Tubular Shooting -
2024 2024 1.54 1.54
Range)
CISF QRT Vehicle 2023 2023, 2024 1.43 1.10 0.33
Four-Wheeler Electric 2024, 2025 2024, 2025 0.85 0.85 -
2023, 2024, 2023, 2024, -
Tensas barriers/ Stanchions 2025, 2026, 2025, 2026, 1.01 1.01
2027 2027
Supply and laying of 11kV HT feeder
cables to various substations/Power 2023 2023, 2024 0.97 1.01 (0.04)
houses
Replacement of Old LT PCC panels in -
2024 2025 0.55 0.55
CCR and associated works
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Sl.
Project Detail Year of capitalization Base Cost as per
No
Variance
Other Sustaining / Minor Capex
L.5 TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
Works
Garden lighting and NITB terminal -
building south side neon strip lighting
with Programmable DMX controller 2024 2023, 2024 1.08 1.08
and Improvement to external garden
lighting
Procurement of 22 meters Boom lift and
vehicle mounted hydraulic ladder for 2024 2024 1.32 1.32 -
maintenance work
2023, 2024, 2023, 2024,
Others 2025, 2026, 2025, 2026, 6.52 6.23 0.29
2027 2027
Total 37.83 37.25 0.58
7.3.141 Based on the above analysis, the Authority proposes to consider the following cost for sustaining/minor capex
for the Third Control Period:
Table 134: Cost for Sustaining/ Minor Works proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Sl.
Project Detail Year of capitalization Base Cost as per Variance
No.
L Sustaining / Minor Capex Works TKIAL Authority TKIAL Authority
L.1 Oil Water Separators (OWS) 2025 2026 11.46 11.01 0.45
L.2 1 Runway Rubber Removal Machine 2023 2024 6.82 6.82 -
2023, 2024, 2023, 2024,
L.3 Fire Fighting Equipment and facilities 2025, 2026, 2025, 2026, 42.71 30.14 12.57
2027 2027
2023, 2024, 2023, 2024,
L.4 Trolleys 2025, 2026, 2025, 2026, 7.67 6.15 1.51
2027 2027
2023, 2024, 2023, 2024,
L.5 Other Works 2025, 2026, 2025, 2026, 37.83 37.25 0.58
2027 2027
Total 106.49 91.37 15.12
Cost claimed towards technical services, PMC, Preliminaries and Pre-operatives, Contingencies,
Statutory approvals, Labour cess, Site-preparation, Insurance etc.
7.3.142 The Authority observes that TKIAL has claimed Rs. 522.48 crores towards Technical Services, PMC,
Preliminaries & Pre-operatives, Contingencies, Insurance, etc., for all the projects. The total amount of Rs.
522.48 crores work out to approximately 16% on the total estimated base cost-plus cost of indexation of all
the Capex projects.
7.3.143 The Authority upon review of TKIAL’s explanation and relevant documents notes the following:
i. In respect of Rs. 522.48 crores claimed by TKIAL towards PMC and other costs, the Authority notes that
for other PPP airports such as HIAL, BIAL, DIAL etc. the above-mentioned costs had been considered in
the past in the range of 8% - 11% of the project costs. The Authority is of the view that 16% claimed by
the TKIAL is on a very high side, as compared to other PPP Airports and hence not justified. Also, the
Authority notes that a significant portion of the cost being considered is for procuring equipment etc. on
which there is no Project Management cost etc. required to be incurred. The Authority proposes to consider
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an overall estimate of 8% on the total capital expenditure which in turn, provides for a higher loading of
these soft costs on the relevant projects. Accordingly, the Authority proposes to consider the
aforementioned costs to the extent of 8% of the Capital Expenditure costs allowed by the Authority for
the current Control Period. The Authority has thus derived the amount proposed to be allowed towards the
aforementioned costs as Rs. 97.28 crores, as against Rs. 522.48 crores claimed by TKIAL.
ii. The Authority notes the following:
a. Many of the CAPEX allowed to the AO are bought out items, wherein orders are placed on Supply,
installation, Testing & Commissioning (SITC) basis. Hence, soft costs such as Project Management
Consultancy (PMC), Design etc. need not be incurred on such items.
b. The new Capital Expenditure allowed to AO includes works on air side. On air side works such as
Apron, Taxiway, Runway overlay, Fuel Farm etc., PMC charges are normally in the range of 1% to
3% maximum.
c. Soft cost claimed by the AO includes contingencies also, which do not come as a separate line item
while capitalizing the assets and is not to be claimed without any contingent activity.
Hence taking an overall view, soft cost @ 8% of total capital expenditure is reasonable and justified.
Further, the Authority clarifies that the soft cost @ 8% allowed on Aero CAPEX is in addition to the cost
of Independent Engineer (whose roles and responsibilities have been defined in Clause 24.1. and 24.2
Schedule L of the Concession Agreement) which has been considered while determining ARR of TKIAL
for the Third Control Period.
iii. The decrease in costs is mainly on account of applying 8% on the ‘allowable’ Capital Expenditure as
against 16% claimed by AO and the reduction in Capital Expenditure considered by the Authority due to
shifting/ disallowance of some projects such as Construction of new Domestic terminal -1, GA Terminal,
Construction of Code C Taxiway for GA Apron, Fuel hydrant line, Airport Boundary Wall, etc., as well
as rationalization of certain others during the Third Control Period such as Expansion of Terminal-II apron,
New Airside Security Gate, International Cargo Centre (ICC), Fuel storage farm, Development of RESA
for RWY 32, Fire Fighting Equipment and facilities, etc.
7.3.144 The Authority proposes to reduce (adjust) 1% of the uncapitalized project cost from the ARR / target revenue
as re-adjustment in case any particular capital project is not completed/ capitalized as per the approved
capitalization schedule. It is further proposed that if the delay in completion of the project is beyond the
timeline given in the capitalization schedule, due to any reason beyond the control of the TKIAL or its
contracting agency and is properly justified, the same would be considered by the Authority while truing up
the actual cost at the time of determination of tariff for the next Control Period. The re-adjustment in the
ARR/ Target Revenue is to protect the interest of the stakeholders who are paying for services provided by
the AO and is also encouragement for the AO to commission/ capitalize the proposed assets as per the
approved CAPEX plan/ schedule.
Indexation
7.3.145 The Authority notes that TKIAL has submitted the year-wise expenditure on the different projects proposed
by considering FY 2023 as the base year. Based on the year-wise cashflow, TKIAL had adjusted the
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expenditure to account for inflation in the future years. TKIAL had considered inflation at 5% and had
computed indexation cost as Rs. 351.97 crores.
7.3.146 The Authority proposes to revise the indexation cost based on the rate of inflation proposed by it for the
projects allowed for the Third Control Period (refer Table 153). Based on the above revision, and changes to
the commencement/ completion year of the projects, the Authority has arrived at an Indexation cost of Rs.
62.02 crores as against Rs. 351.97 crores claimed by TKIAL.
Financing allowance / IDC
7.3.147 TKIAL has claimed Financing Allowance/IDC of Rs. 340.34 crores for the CAPEX projects which had been
calculated on the average Capital Work in Progress (CWIP) of the entire project funds (funded out of debt
and equity), at the rate of 12% (which is cost of debt).
The Authority has examined AO’s claim as well as the justification provided for the same in detail and has
summarized its view as shown below:
• The Authority considers that providing return on capital expenditure from the very beginning of
construction will significantly lower the risks for an airport operator and may require revisiting the return
on equity allowed to airport operators, as the investment in the asset class will then be equated to risk
free rate of return.
• Further, provision of Financing Allowance will disincentivize TKIAL from ensuring timely completion
of projects and delivery of services to the users. Therefore, the Authority is of the view that a return
should be provided only when the assets are made available to the airport users except in the case of
certain costs like IDC that will have to be incurred if debt is used for funding projects.
• Furthermore, the future returns from the project should generate adequate returns to cover the cost of
equity during the construction stage. The AO is adequately compensated for the risks associated with the
equity investments in a construction project once the project is capitalized by means of a reasonable cost
of equity.
• Developments at greenfield airports inherently take longer durations to commission and operationalize.
Therefore, the Airport Operator would have to wait for a considerable duration before getting returns on
large capital projects. Keeping this in view, the Authority had earlier provisioned a financing allowance
in the initial stages to such airports. It may be further noted that the Authority has never provided
financing allowance in the case of brownfield airports in any of its Tariff Orders. Further, financing
allowance for greenfield airports of BIAL, HIAL, CIAL etc. was allowed only for the initial stages of
their development, after which IDC was permitted only on the debt portion of the proposed capital
expenditure.
• It is pertinent to note that in case of a greenfield airport, investment in regulatory blocks by the Airport
Operator would not make the airport facilities available to the passengers. Brownfield and Greenfield
airports cannot be equated on this issue. In greenfield airports, the tariff is not applicable, and no revenue
is available to the airport operator till the aeronautical services have been created and put to use. However,
in the case of brownfield airports, where the AO brings in additional investments, the airport facilities
are mobilized and enabled to other functional parts of the airport, which remains functional, and the AO
is able to collect charges from the users. In the case of TKIAL, the Airport ought to be considered as a
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 152 of 253CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX), DEPRECIATION AND REGULATORY ASSET BASE (RAB) FOR THE
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brownfield airport, which in the opinion of the Authority would not be eligible for an allowance on the
equity portion of newly funded capital projects.
• Financing Allowance is a notional allowance and different from interest during construction. Therefore,
the provision of Financing Allowance on the entire capital work in progress would lead to a difference
between the projected capitalization and actual cost incurred, especially when TKIAL funds the projects
through a mix of equity and debt. Further, the Authority opines that only IDC should be provided on the
debt borrowings availed for the execution of a project.
• AERA Guidelines, 2011 does not specifically state that Financing Allowance is to be provided on the
equity portion of the capital expenditure. The proviso to Section 13 (1) (a) states that “different tariff
structures may be determined for different airports having regard to all or any of the above
considerations specified at sub-clauses (i) to (vii) of Section 13 (1) (a)”.
• In respect of IDC, the Authority is inclined to allow the same and accordingly, the Authority has
considered IDC to be provided on the debt portion of the value of average CWIP derived on the basis of
revised Capitalization Schedule proposed by the Authority. Further, the Authority proposes to consider
the notional gearing ratio (debt-equity ratio of 48:52) followed for other PPP airports and cost of debt @
9% (refer Table 148 of Chapter 8) for the Third Control Period for calculating the value of IDC. Based
on the same, the Authority has derived an amount of Rs. 36.01 crores and proposes to allow the same as
against Rs. 340.34 crores (as Financing Allowance and IDC) claimed by the TKIAL for the Third Control
Period.
7.3.148 The Authority notes that TKIAL has not paid any GST amount (on the value of RAB and CWIP invoices) to
AAI. Further, in future, if AAI is required to bear the GST, then based on the indemnity bond provided by
the AO, the same will be recovered by AAI from the TKIAL. As the GST amount has not been paid by the
TKIAL, the Authority has not considered the same for determining RAB for the Third Control Period.
However, the Authority will consider the statutory payments relating to GST amount on RAB and CWIP
invoices, on actual incurrence basis, at the time of true up of the Third Control Period, while determining
tariff of the next Control Period.
7.3.149 In respect of stamp duty and registration charges on the CA, the Authority notes that as per the terms of the
CA, the TKIAL is required to pay the applicable duty and charges and has applied to the State Authority for
assessment of the stamp duty amount. However, the Authority notes that TKIAL has not paid the amount, as
the assessment order has not been received from the State Authority. Hence, the Authority has not considered
the same as part of RAB for the Third Control Period. However, the Authority will consider the stamp duty
and registration charges on the CA, if required so, on actual incurrence basis, at the time of true up of the
Third Control Period, while determining tariff of the next Control Period.
7.3.150 The Authority notes that the TKIAL would be eligible to claim GST Input Tax Credits on procurement of
certain movable property. The Authority expects that the TKIAL would properly account for such credits in
its submissions in accordance with Chapter V of The Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 at the time
of true up of the RAB for the Third Control Period. The Authority may examine the accounting of input tax
credits and make necessary adjustments in this regard at the time of determination of tariffs for the Fourth
Control Period.
7.3.151 Based on the analysis detailed above, the Authority proposes the Total Capital Expenditure for the Third
Control Period as per the table below:
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 153 of 253CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX), DEPRECIATION AND REGULATORY ASSET BASE (RAB) FOR THE
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Table 135: Capital Expenditure proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Ref. Base FY of
Project Detail
No. Cost* capitalization
A Terminal Building
A.1 Upgradation of Existing Terminal Building (T-I) 18.70 2025
A.2 Construction of New Domestic Terminal (T-I) - -
A.3 Upgradation & Expansion of Terminal Building (T-II) 553.75 2026
Sub-Total (A) 572.45
B Runway, Taxiway and Apron
B.1 Airside/Landside Drain Network (3.5m W x 2 m D) 113.43 2027
B.2 Development of RESA for RWY 32 0.50 2025
B.3 Grading of runway, taxiway strips and other critical areas in operational area. 9.76 2024
B.4 GSE Staging - (Rigid Pavement) 2.18 2025
2023, 2024,
B.5 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works 7.08
2025
Expansion of Terminal-II apron (Area includes HOS, Transition pavements,
B.6 37.94 2025
demolition & new pavements)
Sub-Total (B) 170.87
C Runway Recarpeting
C.1 Runway and taxiway micro/ re surfacing and associated works - -
Sub-Total (C) -
D GA Terminal Building, Apron & Taxiway
Construction of Code C Taxiway for GA Apron (Activity includes demolition
D.1 - -
items)
Construction of General Aviation (GA) Apron (Area includes HOS, Transition
D.2 - -
pavements, demolition & new pavements)
D.3 GA Terminal - -
Sub-Total (D) -
E CNS/ATM
E.1 Airside Improvement Works 6.91 2024, 2025
E.2 ATC Tower and Technical Block - -
Sub-Total (E) 6.91
F Cargo Complex & Equipment
F.1 Interim ICC and DCC equipment 6.50 2023, 2025
F.2 International Cargo Centre (ICC) 53.70 2026
Sub-Total (F) 60.20
G Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant System
G.1 IOCL & BPCL Asset procurement 9.51 2025
G.2 Dead stock of Product 5.00 2025
G.3 Equipment cost 14.50 2025
G.4 Fuel hydrant line - -
G.5 Fuel storage farm 132.43 2026
Sub-Total (G) 161.44
H Boundary Wall
H.1 Airport Boundary Wall - -
H.2 New Airside Perimeter after shifting boundary - -
H.3 Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) - -
Sub-Total (H) -
I Other Buildings
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Ref. Base FY of
Project Detail
No. Cost* capitalization
2025, 2026,
I.1 New Airside Security Gate -1,2,3 1.50
2027
I.2 Security equipment for Gates 1.52 2027
Upgradation of Airside gates- Crash Gates, Morcha construction at gate 6, 10,
I.3 1.50 2027
11
I.4 Airport Administration Building 40.42 2026
2023, 2024,
I.5 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works 14.97
2025, 2027
Sub-Total (J) 59.91
J IT
2023, 2024,
J.1 Strategic Projects 17.43 2025, 2026,
2027
2023, 2024,
J.2 Sustaining / Minor Capex Works 12.95 2025, 2026,
2027
Sub-Total (I) 30.38
K Environment Related Projects
Airside Fuel/ EV Charging Station (30KW charging points 3 nos; 2 fuel
K.1 2.08 2025
dispensing units and associated facilities)
2023, 2024,
K.2 Airport Owned Electric Vehicles Procurement 6.16
2025
2024, 2025,
K.3 Other Environment Related 8.48
2026
2024, 2025,
K.4 DG Retro fitting 3.08
2026, 2027
K.5 Triturator 3.34 2025
K.6 Solid Waste Management - Landside 0.44 2024
K.7 Solid Waste Management Plant at T-II 0.55 2024
Sub-Total (K) 24.13
L Sustaining / Minor Capex Works
L.1 Oil Water Separators (OWS) 11.01 2026
L.2 1 Runway Rubber Removal Machine 6.82 2024
2023, 2024,
L.3 Fire Fighting Equipment and facilities 30.14 2025, 2026,
2027
2023, 2024,
L.4 Trolleys 6.15 2025, 2026,
2027
2023, 2024,
L.5 Other Works 37.25 2025, 2026,
2027
Sub-Total (L) 91.37
M Grand Total (Sum[A:L]) 1,177.66
N Add: Indexation (refer para 7.3.146) 62.02
O Add: Soft Cost (8%) 97.28
P Add: IDC (@9% [Cost of Debt]) 36.01
Q Capex Considered for RAB by the Authority (Sum[M:P]) 1,372.97
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7.3.152 In view of the above, the total capital expenditure submitted by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for
the Third Control Period is as given in table below:
Table 136: Capital Expenditure submitted by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third
Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
FY of capitalization Base cost as per
Ref. Variance
Project Detail TKIAL Authority Remarks
No. TKIAL Authority (A-B)
(A) (B)
A Terminal Building
Upgradation of
A.1 Existing Terminal 2024 2025 18.70 18.70 - -
Building (T-I)
Estimated to be
capitalised in the
Construction of New
next control period
A.2 Domestic Terminal 2027 - 878.87 - 878.87
as per the sequence
(T-I)
of events evaluated
(refer para 7.3.28)
Inflation adjusted
normative cost
considered.
Upgradation &
Estimate of extra
Expansion of
A.3 2025 2026 679.51 553.75 125.76 cost over approved
Terminal Building
rates for working in
(T-II)
operational area
reduced to 5% (refer
para 7.3.39)
Sub-Total (A) 1,577.08 572.45 1,004.63
B Runway, Taxiway and Apron
Estimate of extra
Airside/Landside cost over approved
B.1 Drain Network (3.5m 2027 2027 116.97 113.43 3.55 rates for working in
W x 2 m D) operational area
reduced to 5%
Estimate of extra
cost over approved
Development of
B.2 2025 2025 0.52 0.50 0.02 rates for working in
RESA for RWY 32
operational area
reduced to 5%
Grading of runway,
Project completed.
taxiway strips and
B.3 2024 2024 16.50 9.76 6.74 Based on actual cost
other critical areas in
incurred
operational area.
Reduction in rate of
certain items from
Morth to CPWD
DSR 2021.
GSE Staging - (Rigid
B.4 2025 2025 2.31 2.18 0.13 Estimate of extra
Pavement)
cost over approved
rates for working in
operational area
reduced to 5%
Sustaining / Minor 2023, 2023, 2024, Two of the Project
B.5 7.36 7.08 0.28
Capex Works 2024 2025 were completed,
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FY of capitalization Base cost as per
Ref. Variance
Project Detail TKIAL Authority Remarks
No. TKIAL Authority (A-B)
(A) (B)
and the actual cost is
considered
Inflation adjusted
normative rate
Expansion of considered and 50%
Terminal-II apron of the cost
(Area includes HOS, considered.
B.6 Transition 2024 2025 81.75 37.94 43.81 Estimate of extra
pavements, cost over approved
demolition & new rates for working in
pavements) operational area
reduced to 5% (refer
para 7.3.65)
Sub-Total (B) 225.41 170.87 54.54
C Runway Recarpeting
Considered as part
Runway and taxiway of Operation &
C.1 micro/ re surfacing 2025 - 78.43 - 78.43 Maintenance
and associated works Expenses (refer para
7.3.70)
Sub-Total (C) 78.43 - 78.43
D GA Terminal Building, Apron & Taxiway
Construction of Code
C Taxiway for GA
D.1 Apron (Activity 2025 - 11.62 - 11.62
includes demolition
items)
Not considered due
Construction of
to low frequency of
General Aviation
GA aircraft
(GA) Apron (Area
movements (refer
includes HOS,
D.2 2025 - 11.11 - 11.11 para 7.3.73)
Transition
pavements,
demolition & new
pavements)
D.3 GA Terminal 2025 - 7.63 - 7.63
Sub-Total (D) 30.36 - 30.36
E CNS/ATM
SMR facility -
Estimate of extra
Airside Improvement 2024, cost over approved
E.1 2024, 2025 6.94 6.91 0.03
Works 2025 rates for working in
operational area
reduced to 5%
Not considered
currently. Will be
considered on actual
ATC Tower and
E.2 2026 - 283.49 - 283.49 incurrence basis,
Technical Block
subject to obtaining
due approvals (refer
para 7.3.81)
Sub-Total (E) 290.43 6.91 283.52
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FY of capitalization Base cost as per
Ref. Variance
Project Detail TKIAL Authority Remarks
No. TKIAL Authority (A-B)
(A) (B)
F Cargo Complex & Equipment
Project completed.
Interim ICC and DCC Updated cost of Rs.
F.1 2023 2023, 2025 7.89 6.50 1.39
equipment 6.50 crores
considered
Cost considered
based on the rate
approved for
International Cargo
F.2 2026 2026 73.19 53.70 19.48 Lucknow Airport,
Centre (ICC)
i.e. Rs. 60,300 per
sqm (refer para
7.3.91)__
Sub-Total (F) 81.08 60.20 20.87
G Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant System
Based on the
IOCL & BPCL Asset average per KL rate
G.1 2024 2025 10.00 9.51 0.49
procurement for Ahmedabad and
Lucknow Airport
Dead stock of
G.2 2024 2025 5.00 5.00 - -
Product
G.3 Equipment cost 2024 2025 14.50 14.50 - -
Due to low volume
of flights, proposed
to not be considered
G.4 Fuel hydrant line 2026 - 167.57 - 167.57
in the current
control period (refer
para 7.3.99)
Estimate of extra
cost over approved
G.5 Fuel storage farm 2026 2026 138.55 132.43 6.12 rates for working in
operational area
reduced to 5%
Sub-Total (G) 335.62 161.44 174.18
H Boundary Wall
Not considered in
the current control
Airport Boundary
H.1 2027 - 4.52 - 4.52 period due to
Wall
unavailability of
land
Not considered in
New Airside the current control
H.2 Perimeter after 2025 - 6.05 - 6.05 period due to
shifting boundary unavailability of
land
Not considered in
the current control
Perimeter Intrusion period, as it is
H.3 Detection System 2027 - 25.92 - 25.92 dependent on
(PIDS) completion of the
construction of the
airport boundary
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FY of capitalization Base cost as per
Ref. Variance
Project Detail TKIAL Authority Remarks
No. TKIAL Authority (A-B)
(A) (B)
wall (refer para
7.3.113)
Sub-Total (H) 36.49 - 36.49
I Other Buildings
2025, Rate per gate
New Airside Security 2025, 2026,
I.1 2026, 2.13 1.50 0.63 revised to Rs. 0.50
Gate -1,2,3 2027
2027 crores
Security equipment
I.2 2027 2027 1.52 1.52 - -
for Gates
Upgradation of
Airside gates- Crash Rate per gate
I.3 Gates, Morcha 2027 2027 2.32 1.50 0.82 revised to Rs. 0.50
construction at gate 6, crores
10, 11
As it is not within
the airside operation
Airport
area, extra cost for
I.4 Administration 2026 2026 45.57 40.42 5.15
working in
Building
operational area is
not considered
Certain costs
disallowance due to
non- availability of
detailed breakup
2023, In one case, reduced
Sustaining / Minor 2024, 2023, 2024, cost as per breakup
I.5 18.40 14.97 3.42
Capex Works 2025, 2025, 2027 provided has been
2027 considered.
Two of the projects
were completed;
therefore, actual
cost considered.
Sub-Total (J) 69.93 59.91 10.02
J IT
50% of the total cost
2023,
of projects for
2024, 2023, 2024,
which the details
J.1 Strategic Projects 2025, 2025, 2026, 45.10 17.43 27.67
were provided
2026, 2027
considered (refer
2027
para 7.3.133)
2023,
2024, 2023, 2024,
Sustaining / Minor
J.2 2025, 2025, 2026, 12.95 12.95 - -
Capex Works
2026, 2027
2027
Sub-Total (I) 58.05 30.38 27.67
K Environment Related Projects
Airside Fuel/ EV
Charging Station
K.1 2025 2025 2.08 2.08 - -
(30KW charging
points 3 nos; 2 fuel
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FY of capitalization Base cost as per
Ref. Variance
Project Detail TKIAL Authority Remarks
No. TKIAL Authority (A-B)
(A) (B)
dispensing units and
associated facilities)
Airport Owned 2023,
2023, 2024,
K.2 Electric Vehicles 2024, 6.16 6.16 - -
2025
Procurement 2025
IoT based water
2023, management has
Other Environment 2024, 2025,
K.3 2024, 8.50 8.48 0.03 been completed.
Related 2026
2026 Hence actual cost
considered
2023,
2024, 2024, 2025,
K.4 DG Retro fitting 3.08 3.08 - -
2025, 2026, 2027
2026
K.5 Triturator 2025 2025 3.34 3.34 - -
Solid Waste
K.6 Management - 2023 2024 0.44 0.44 - -
Landside
Solid Waste
K.7 Management Plant at 2024 2024 0.55 0.55 - -
T-II
Sub-Total (K) 24.15 24.13 0.03
L Sustaining / Minor Capex Works
Estimate of extra
cost over approved
Oil Water Separators
L.1 2025 2026 11.46 11.01 0.45 rates for working in
(OWS)
operational area
reduced to 5%
1 Runway Rubber
L.2 2023 2024 6.82 6.82 - -
Removal Machine
One ACFT
proposed to be
procured in the next
control period.
Cost for driving and
2023,
firefighting
Fire Fighting 2024, 2023, 2024,
simulator
L.3 Equipment and 2025, 2025, 2026, 42.71 30.14 12.57
considered as
facilities 2026, 2027
allowed in
2027
Hyderabad airport.
Triage and rescue
tools cost
considered as per
BOQ submitted.
Change in annual
2023,
rate hike from 7% to
2024, 2023, 2024,
that as per
L.4 Trolleys 2025, 2025, 2026, 7.67 6.15 1.51
inflationary growth
2026, 2027
proposed by
2027
Authority
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FY of capitalization Base cost as per
Ref. Variance
Project Detail TKIAL Authority Remarks
No. TKIAL Authority (A-B)
(A) (B)
Revision in the year
of procurement of
trolley.
2023, Some of the projects
2024, 2023, 2024, have been
L.5 Other Works 2025, 2025, 2026, 37.83 37.25 0.58 completed hence
2026, 2027 actual cost
2027 considered
Sub-Total (L) 106.49 91.37 15.12
Grand Total
M 2,913.53 1,177.66 1,735.87
(Sum[A:L])
Add: Indexation
N 351.97 62.02 289.95
(refer para 7.3.146)
O Add: Soft Cost (8%) 522.48 97.28 425.21
Add: IDC (@9%
P 340.34 36.01 304.32
[Cost of Debt])
Less: Runway
Q Recarpeting 101.80 - 101.80
Considered as Opex
Capex Considered
for RAB by the
R 4026.52 1,372.97 2,653.54
Authority
(Sum[M:P] – Q)
7.3.153 The asset category wise Capital Expenditure proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period is as per
the table below:
Table 137: Asset category-wise total Capital Expenditure proposed by the Authority for Third Control
Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Total
Terminal Building 9.35 2.47 21.12 635.84 - 668.78
Runway, Taxiway and Apron 1.19 11.59 50.96 - 139.81 203.54
Boundary Wall - - - - - -
IT equipment 9.32 10.56 5.22 4.18 4.62 33.89
Security equipment - 2.96 0.27 - - 3.23
Plant and Machinery 3.33 29.80 38.88 26.53 2.48 101.02
Other Buildings 3.08 2.01 20.74 48.84 5.73 80.40
Furniture & fixtures 0.60 0.79 3.45 2.11 2.05 9.00
Vehicles 3.42 5.32 3.34 0.94 0.27 13.29
Total Airport (A) 30.28 65.48 143.97 718.45 154.96 1,113.14
Cargo Complex (B) - - - 62.62 - 62.62
Cargo Equipment (C) 3.47 - 3.03 - - 6.50
Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant
- - 33.05 157.66 - 190.71
System (D)
Grand Total (A + B + C + D) 33.75 65.48 180.05 938.73 154.96 1,372.97
7.3.154 The Authority proposes to consider the capitalization of expenditure by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
as Rs. 1,372.97 crores.
7.3.155 The Authority, based on its examination of the MYTP and review of the supporting documents relating to
Capital Expenditure submitted by the TKIAL from time to time, has rationalized the Capital Expenditure as
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detailed above. In this regard, the Authority expects quality input from all the Stakeholders on the proposals
regarding CAPEX laid down in this Consultation Paper.
7.4 Asset Allocation of CAPEX for the Third Control Period
TKIAL’s Submission
7.4.1 In its MYTP submission, TKIAL has not considered any specific allocation ratio for the assets proposed for
the Third Control Period. TKIAL has treated all assets as fully aeronautical in its submissions as can be seen
from the table below.
Table 138: Aeronautical Capital additions submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Terminal Building 0.23 23.26 940.01 - 1,347.09 2,310.60
Runway, Taxiway and Apron 3.57 128.14 33.98 - 174.24 339.92
Boundary wall - - 7.99 - 45.32 53.31
IT equipment 3.93 47.82 6.25 6.83 7.65 72.48
Security equipment 1.38 2.17 - - - 3.55
Plant and Machinery 25.60 40.46 40.92 20.03 2.75 129.76
Other Buildings 6.45 21.76 4.52 460.35 8.47 501.54
Furniture & fixtures 0.72 2.80 2.51 3.00 3.17 12.20
Vehicles 6.51 4.37 2.90 1.09 0.31 15.17
Total Airport (A) 48.38 270.79 1,039.08 491.29 1,589.00 3,438.54
Cargo Complex (B) - - - 100.90 - 100.90
Cargo Equipment (C) 9.44 - - - - 9.44
Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant
- 37.25 - 440.39 - 477.65
System (D)
Grand Total (A + B + C + D) 57.82 308.05 1,039.08 1,032.58 1,589.00 4,026.52
Authority’s examination of allocation of asset between aeronautical and non-aeronautical
The Authority’s examination of allocation of assets between aeronautical and non-aeronautical is as follows:
7.4.2 The Authority notes that TKIAL has classified all the assets as aeronautical. The Authority examined each
project individually and classified them as aeronautical, non- aeronautical and common. The Authority has
conducted an independent study on the allocation of assets for the period from FY 2016-17 till FY 2021-22
and has used the outcome of the study for RAB allocation of Third Control Period.
Allocation Ratios
Terminal Building Ratio
7.4.3 It was observed that TKIAL has classified the entire area of the terminal building as aeronautical. Upon
enquiry, TKIAL stated that this was done in accordance with the AERA Act.
7.4.4 The Terminal Building Area is planned in an airport considering the facilities to be provided for Aeronautical
activities and provision of space for certain Non-Aeronautical activities such as Food & Beverage, Duty Free
etc. Also, in the case of PPP airports, the focus on Non-Aeronautical activities is expected to be more as these
would generate revenues and a part of the same would also cross subsidize the Aeronautical charges. The
Authority also noted that in other PPP airports such as DIAL, MIAL, BIAL etc. the area allocated for Non-
Aeronautical activities are over 10%. Similarly in AAI operated airports like Chennai, Kolkata and Patna, the
Terminal Building Ratio is considered as 90%:10%. IMG norms inter alia provides for non-aeronautical area
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to be between 8% and 12%, with the range being higher for larger airports. Considering the above, the
Authority proposes to consider the ratio of 90:10 towards Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical in line with its
decision in Order No. 03 /2017-18 dated 2nd June 2017 for TKIAL for the Third Control Period, Study on
Allocation of Assets, IMG norms and as approved for other similar Airports.
Employee Head Count Ratio
7.4.5 The Authority proposes to allocate assets related to employees by using the Employee Head Count ratio, i.e.
97.49%. The ratio has been analysed and explained in detail in Table 166 of Chapter 10 – Operation and
Maintenance Expenses.
7.4.6 Considering the above ratios and principles for classification of assets as explained in the Study on Asset
Allocation, the aeronautical capital expenditure proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period is
given in the table below:
Table 139: Aeronautical capital expenditure proposed by the Authority for Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Sl. Total Aero Capitalisation
Project Detail Aero %
No. Cost FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
A Terminal Building
Upgradation of
A.1 Existing Terminal 21.12 90.00% - - 19.01 - - 19.01
Building (T-I)
Construction of
A.2 New Domestic - - - - - - - -
Terminal (T-I)
Upgradation &
Expansion of
A.3 647.44 90.00% 8.29 2.15 - 572.26 - 582.70
Terminal Building
(T-II)
Sub-Total (A) 668.56 8.29 2.15 19.01 572.26 - 601.71
B Runway, Taxiway and Apron
Airside/Landside
B.1 Drain Network 139.81 100.00% - - - - 139.81 139.81
(3.5m W x 2 m D)
Development of
B.2 0.54 100.00% - - 0.54 - - 0.54
RESA for RWY 32
Grading of runway,
taxiway strips and
B.3 9.92 100.00% - 9.92 - - - 9.92
other critical areas
in operational area.
GSE Staging -
B.4 2.48 100.00% - - 2.48 - - 2.48
(Rigid Pavement)
Sustaining / Minor
B.5 7.68 100.00% 1.19 1.67 4.82 - - 7.68
Capex Works
Expansion of
Terminal 2 apron
(Area includes
B.6 HOS, Transition 43.11 100.00% - - 43.11 - - 43.11
pavements,
demolition & new
pavements)
Sub-Total (B) 203.54 1.19 11.59 50.96 - 139.81 203.54
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Sl. Total Aero Capitalisation
Project Detail Aero %
No. Cost FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
C Runway Recarpeting
Runway and
taxiway micro/ re
C.1 - - - - - - - -
surfacing and
associated works
Sub-Total (C) - - - - - - - -
D GA Terminal Building, Apron & Taxiway
Construction of
D.1 Code C Taxiway - - - - - - - -
for GA Apron
Construction of
D.2 General Aviation - - - - - - - -
(GA) Apron
D.3 GA Terminal - - - - - - - -
Sub-Total (D) - - - - - - -
E CNS/ATM
Airside
E.1 Improvement 7.85 100.00% - 0.22 7.63 - - 7.85
Works
ATC Tower and
E.2 - - - - - - - -
Technical Block
Sub-Total (E) 7.85 - 0.22 7.63 - - 7.85
F Cargo Complex & Equipment
Interim ICC and
F.1 6.50 100.00% 3.47 - 3.03 - - 6.50
DCC equipment
International Cargo
F.2 62.62 100.00% - - - 62.62 - 62.62
Centre (ICC)
Sub-Total (F) 69.12 3.47 - 3.03 62.62 - 69.12
G Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant System
IOCL & BPCL
G.1 10.75 100.00% - - 10.75 - - 10.75
Asset procurement
Dead stock of
G.2 5.65 100.00% - - 5.65 - - 5.65
Product
G.3 Equipment cost 16.66 100.00% - - 16.66 - - 16.66
G.4 Fuel hydrant line - - - - - - - -
G.5 Fuel storage farm 157.66 100.00% - - - 157.66 - 157.66
Sub-Total (G) 190.71 - - 33.05 157.66 - 190.71
H Boundary Wall
Airport Boundary
H.1 - - - - - - - -
Wall
New Airside
H.2 Perimeter after - - - - - - - -
shifting boundary
Perimeter Intrusion
H.3 Detection System - - - - - - - -
(PIDS)
Sub-Total (H) - - - - - - -
I Other Buildings
New Airside
I.1 1.76 100.00% - - 0.57 0.57 0.62 1.76
Security Gate -1,2,3
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THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Sl. Total Aero Capitalisation
Project Detail Aero %
No. Cost FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Security equipment
I.2 1.87 100.00% - - - - 1.87 1.87
for Gates
Upgradation of
Airside gates-
Crash Gates,
I.3 1.84 100.00% - - - - 1.84 1.84
Morcha
construction at gate
6,10,11
Airport
I.4 Administration 48.02 - - - - 48.02 - 48.02
Building
Sustaining / Minor
I.5 16.69 94.60%* 2.84 0.31 11.62 - 1.01 15.79
Capex Works
Sub-Total (I) 70.18 2.84 0.31 12.19 48.59 5.34 69.28
J IT
J.1 Strategic Projects 19.12 90.00% 6.84 7.36 0.90 1.00 1.11 17.21
Sustaining / Minor
J.2 14.77 90.00% 1.54 2.14 3.80 2.76 3.05 13.29
Capex Works
Sub-Total (J) 33.89 8.39 9.50 4.69 3.76 4.16 30.50
K Environment Related
Airside Fuel/ EV
Charging Station
(30KW charging
K.1 points 3 nos; 2 fuel 2.36 100.00% - - 2.36 - - 2.36
dispensing units
and associated
facilities)
Airport Owned
K.2 Electric Vehicles 6.71 90.62%* 2.14 2.83 1.11 - - 6.08
Procurement
Other Environment
K.3 9.59 99.27%* - 0.55 6.41 2.57 - 9.52
Related
K.4 DG Retro fitting 3.50 90.00% - 0.86 0.89 0.92 0.48 3.15
K.5 Triturator 3.83 100.00% - - 3.83 - - 3.83
Solid Waste
K.6 Management - 0.48 100.00% - 0.48 - - - 0.48
Landside
Solid Waste
K.7 Management Plant 0.60 100.00% - 0.60 - - - 0.60
at T2
Sub-Total (K) 27.07 2.14 5.31 14.61 3.49 0.48 26.02
L Sustaining / Minor Capex Works
Oil Water
L.1 12.75 100.00% - - - 12.75 - 12.75
Separators (OWS)
1 Runway Rubber
L.2 7.39 100.00% - 7.39 - - - 7.39
Removal Machine
Fire Fighting
L.3 Equipment and 34.27 100.00% 0.44 0.94 22.05 9.88 0.96 34.27
facilities
L.4 Trolleys 7.08 100.00% 0.49 0.08 3.16 1.64 1.70 7.08
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 165 of 253CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX), DEPRECIATION AND REGULATORY ASSET BASE (RAB) FOR THE
THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Sl. Total Aero Capitalisation
Project Detail Aero %
No. Cost FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Other Sustaining /
L.5 Minor Capex 40.56 98.82%* 4.10 26.06 6.07 1.98 1.88 40.08
Works
Sub-Total (L) 102.04 5.03 34.46 31.28 26.24 4.54 101.57
M Grand Total 1,372.97 31.35 63.54 176.46 874.62 154.33 1,300.30
*These projects contain multiple assets which have been allocated based on the ratios defined in the above paragraphs.
The Aero % shown is the average aeronautical percentage of all the assets in the respective projects.
7.4.7 To summarize, based on the above detailed discussions, the Authority proposes to consider aeronautical
capital expenditure of Rs. 1,300.30 crores as addition to the RAB for the current control period as against Rs.
4,026.52 crores submitted as aeronautical addition to RAB by TKIAL. The difference in the two amounts is
mainly due to the following changes, adjustments, revisions and rationalization carried out by the Authority:
A. Disallowance / Deferring of projects incl. projects allowed on incurrence basis – impact of Rs. 1,476.86
crores
B. Allowance of only partial amount of the Base Cost – impact of Rs. 259.01 crores
C. Indexation as a result of change in inflation – impact of Rs. 289.95 crores
D. Soft Cost – impact of Rs. 425.21 crores
E. IDC/Disallowance of Financing Allowance – impact of Rs. 304.32 crores
F. Allocation Ratio – impact of Rs. 72.67 crores
G. Consider runway recarpeting expenses under Operation and Maintenance expenses – impact of Rs 101.80
crores
7.4.8 Based on the above resultant revision to capital additions, the Authority proposes the following Aeronautical
Gross Block for TKIAL for the Third Control Period.
Table 140: Gross Block Proposed by the Authority for Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27
Aero Gross Block 519.12 582.66 759.12 1,633.74 1,788.07
Non-Aero Gross Block 5.45 7.39 10.98 75.09 75.72
Total Gross Block 524.57 590.05 770.10 1,708.83 1,863.79
Percentage Aeronautical 98.96% 98.75% 98.57% 95.61% 95.94%
5-year Avg. Gross Block Ratio 97.57%
7.5 Depreciation for the Third Control Period
TKIAL’s submission
7.5.1 TKIAL has submitted in the MYTP that “TKIAL has considered the depreciation for the assets based on the
useful life of the assets as per the Companies Act and useful life of various assets as recommended by
independent technical evaluation for Lucknow and Ahmedabad Airports…”
Table 141: Depreciation rates and useful life considered by TKIAL for Third Control Period
Particulars Book Depreciation Useful Life (Years)
Terminal Building 4.00% 25
Runway, Taxiway and Apron 5.00% 20
Cargo Complex 4.00% 25
Cargo Equipment 13.33% 7.5
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THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Particulars Book Depreciation Useful Life (Years)
Boundary wall 20.00% 5
Software 33.33% 3
IT equipment 33.33% 3
Security equipment 13.33% 7.5
Plant and Machinery 13.33% 7.5
Other Buildings 3.33% 30
Access Road 10.00% 10
Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant System 13.33% 7.5
Furniture & fixtures 14.29% 7
Vehicles 20.00% 5
Office equipment 20.00% 5
7.5.2 Depreciation has been computed separately on Opening block of assets and on the proposed additions. For
the additions to RAB, TKIAL has calculated the depreciation during year of capitalization on 50% of the
asset value (assuming that the asset is capitalized in the middle of the Financial Year).
7.5.3 The depreciation amount submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period has been presented in the table
below:
Table 142: Depreciation amount submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Total
Terminal Building 7.98 8.17 27.19 45.80 72.62 161.76
Runway, Taxiway and Apron 14.71 18.04 22.04 22.31 26.67 103.77
Cargo Complex - - - 2.02 4.04 6.05
Cargo Equipment 0.63 1.26 1.26 1.26 1.26 5.66
Boundary wall - - 0.80 1.60 6.13 8.53
Software 0.01 - - - - 0.01
IT equipment 2.06 11.34 19.87 21.50 17.04 71.81
Security equipment 0.09 0.33 0.47 0.47 0.47 1.84
Plant and Machinery 19.77 24.86 30.02 32.46 29.32 136.43
Other Buildings 1.88 2.21 2.63 10.37 18.18 35.27
Access Road 2.32 1.60 0.01 - - 3.92
Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant System - 2.48 4.97 34.32 63.67 105.44
Furniture & fixtures 0.45 0.74 1.08 1.25 1.56 5.08
Vehicles 1.03 1.91 2.51 2.86 3.00 11.31
Office equipment 0.97 0.69 0.44 0.44 0.32 2.86
Intangible Assets - - - - - -
Total 51.90 73.63 113.28 176.65 244.28 659.74
Depreciation and Amortization of Opening RAB 49.06 46.43 43.36 40.14 35.12 214.11
Depreciation and Amortization of Proposed additions
2.84 27.2 69.92 136.51 209.16 445.63
for TCP
Total 51.90 73.63 113.28 176.65 244.28 659.74
Authority’s examination regarding Depreciation for the Third Control Period
7.5.4 The Authority notes that Opening RAB has been revised from Rs. 442.02 crores (submitted by TKIAL) to
Rs. 457.94 crores based on adjustments made to the RAB and mentioned as per the Table 65 of this
Consultation Paper. The Authority further notes that on account of revision to the Opening RAB, the
depreciation for the Third Control period will also be revised accordingly.
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THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
7.5.5 The Authority also notes that most of the useful lives considered by TKIAL are in deviation from those
prescribed by AERA vide Order No. 35/2017-18 dated 12th January 2018 regarding determination of useful
lives of airport assets. TKIAL in their submission has mentioned that it has considered different rates for
certain asset classes based on the recommendations of independent technical evaluation made for Lucknow
International Airport and Ahmedabad International Airport. The Authority notes that the reasons justifying
the deviation from Order No. 35/2017-18 dated 12th January 2018 was not sufficiently explained in the
technical evaluation shared by the Airport Operator. The intention behind the Order is to have a uniform
approach in the determination of useful lives for key airport assets, therefore the methodology adopted by
TKIAL lacks merit.
7.5.6 Further, the useful life prescribed in AERA’s Order No. 35/2017-18 dated 12th January 2018 has considered
the typical usage of these assets for an airport and there appears to be no reason for the usage of these assets
to vary from the typical usage for TRV. The Authority has also provided TKIAL with adequate maintenance
expenditure to enable the airport to maintain the assets in good working conditions during the life of the
assets. Therefore, the Authority proposes to not consider the lower useful life submitted by TKIAL for the
assets.
7.5.7 The Authority notes as under:
Asset class – Building: The Expert has recommended shorter life for False Ceiling, Sanitation works, Glass
facade and Flooring works which appear to be integral part of the Airport Terminal Building. The Authority's
Order No. 35/2017-18 does not provide for reducing the life of assets under Asset class - Buildings. The
Authority observes that various components mentioned above are also an integral part of the Terminal
Building and should be added to the Terminal Building cost by applying the same rate of depreciation as that
of buildings. While the technical report provided by the Airport Operator has determined the shorter life to
be adopted, it has not provided sufficient rationale for adopting such a shorter useful life. Since these assets
are all part of the building, the Authority is of the view that the same rate applicable to building should be
applied to these assets and no reduction in life of these assets are called for. Further, the Authority notes that
adequate maintenance expenditure is allowed to enable the Airport Operator to maintain the assets in good
working condition during its entire life. The Authority has issued Order No. 35/2017-18 as part of its
normative approach to various Building Blocks in Economic regulation of Major Airports where it has stated
that "The Authority has been of the considered view, that it would be preferable to have as far as practicable,
a broad year to year consistency in what Depreciation is charged by the companies as certified by the relevant
statutory auditors and what the Authority would take into account in its process of tariff determination. Issue
of a notification will ensure this objective." In view of all the above, the Authority is not inclined to deviate
from ensuring this objective and therefore proposes not to consider the shorter useful life of 25 years claimed
by the Airport Operator for both the Terminal Building and newly projected Cargo terminal building.
Asset Class – Runways. Taxiways and Aprons: The Expert has recommended adopting a shorter life of 20
years based on useful life followed by certain international associations and regulators, like, Federation
Aviation Administration – US Department of Transportation, Civil Aviation Authority – UK, Australian
Airports Association — Australia, International Civil Aviation Organization, etc., which the Authority feels
does not provide proper justification for adopting a shorter useful life. Therefore, the Authority finds no
reason to reduce the life of the Runway, which enhances the burden of Airport users by increasing the tariff.
Other Asset Classes: Order No. 35/2017-18 provides for specific determination of life through technical
evaluation for specific assets other than those listed in the Order based on specific requirements of the Airport.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 168 of 253CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX), DEPRECIATION AND REGULATORY ASSET BASE (RAB) FOR THE
THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
The Authority finds that none of the assets in these classes where a shorter life has been adopted as specific
assets are based on specific requirement of the Airport. Therefore, the Authority finds no merit in reducing
the life of such assets for tariff purposes.
Fuel farm facility — The Authority examined the list of items forming part of Fuel facility including assets
planned to be purchased from IOCL and observed that there are assets belonging to different asset category,
namely Buildings, Roads, Plant and Machinery, Vehicles etc., and based on the same proposes not to consider
the weighted average useful life of 7.5 years claimed by the Airport Operator. Instead, the Authority proposes
to adopt the specific depreciation rate prescribed as per Order No. 35/2017-18 for such asset category.
7.5.8 Hence, the Authority proposes to revise the useful lives considered for the assets proposed to be capitalized
in the Third Control Period to align with AERA Order No. 35/2017-18 regarding determination of useful
lives of airport assets as given below.
Table 143: Useful life for all the assets proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period
Useful Life (Years)
Particulars
TKIAL Authority
Terminal Building 25 30
Runway, Taxiway and Apron 20 30
Cargo Complex 25 30
Cargo Equipment 7.5 15
Boundary wall 5 5
Software 3 3
IT equipment 3 3(Computers)/6(Servers)
Security equipment 7 15
Plant and Machinery 7 15
Other Buildings 30 30
Access Road 10 10
Fuel Infrastructure & Hydrant System 7.5 15
Furniture & fixtures 7 7
Vehicles 5 8
Office equipment 5 5
7.5.9 Considering the above changes in depreciation rates, revision in the value of opening gross block of assets
and proposed capital expenditure, the Authority proposes the following depreciation for the Third Control
Period.
Table 144: Depreciation proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Terminal Building 6.00 6.17 6.53 16.38 25.92 61.00
Runway, Taxiway and Apron 8.65 8.86 9.90 10.75 13.08 51.24
Cargo building - - - 1.04 2.09 3.13
Cargo Equipment 0.12 0.23 0.33 0.43 0.43 1.55
Boundary wall 0.17 0.17 - - - 0.34
Software 0.02 0.00 0.00 - - 0.03
IT equipment 1.45 3.05 4.08 4.44 5.05 18.08
Security equipment 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.41 0.41 1.73
Plant and Machinery 8.06 8.99 11.35 13.52 14.38 56.30
Other Buildings 1.72 1.81 2.17 3.32 4.23 13.25
Access Road 2.55 0.78 - - - 3.33
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 169 of 253CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX), DEPRECIATION AND REGULATORY ASSET BASE (RAB) FOR THE
THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Fuel - - 1.10 4.83 7.46 13.39
Furniture & fixtures 0.51 0.66 1.23 1.78 2.26 6.44
Vehicles 0.43 0.93 1.43 1.63 1.64 6.06
Office equipment 0.87 0.54 0.29 0.28 0.17 2.16
Total 30.74 32.50 38.82 58.83 77.13 238.02
Table 145: Depreciation claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control
Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Depreciation of Opening RAB A 49.06 46.43 43.36 40.14 35.12 214.11
Depreciation of Proposed
B 2.84 27.2 69.92 136.51 209.16 445.63
additions for TCP
Total Aeronautical
C = A + B 51.90 73.63 113.28 176.65 244.28 659.74
Depreciation as per TKIAL
As per Authority
Total - Existing Assets D 29.27 26.84 25.32 24.79 24.39 130.62
Proposed Addition*
Airport E 1.36 5.42 12.06 27.73 42.76 89.34
Cargo F 0.12 0.23 0.33 1.48 2.52 4.68
Fuel Farm G - - 1.10 4.83 7.46 13.39
H = E + F
Total - New Assets 1.48 5.65 13.49 34.04 52.74 107.41
+ G
Total Aeronautical
Depreciation proposed by the I = D + H 30.74 32.50 38.82 58.83 77.13 238.02
Authority
Variance J=C-I 21.16 41.13 74.46 117.82 167.15 421.72
*Assets capitalized during the Third Control Period
7.6 Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) for the Third Control Period
TKIAL’s submission
7.6.1 TKIAL has submitted RAB for the Third Control Period as follows:
Table 146: RAB submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Opening RAB A 441.88 447.80 682.21 1,608.01 2,463.94
Additions B 57.82 308.05 1,039.08 1,032.58 1,589.00 4,026.52
Depreciation C 51.90 73.63 113.28 176.65 244.28 659.74
Closing RAB D = A + B - C 447.80 682.21 1,608.01 2,463.94 3,808.66
Average RAB E = (A + D) / 2 444.84 565.00 1,145.11 2,035.98 3,136.30
Authority’s examination of RAB for the Third Control Period
7.6.2 Based on its examination of the Deemed Initial RAB, the aeronautical capital expenditure for TCP and the
aeronautical depreciation for TCP, the Authority proposes the RAB for the Third Control Period, as given in
the table below:
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 170 of 253CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX), DEPRECIATION AND REGULATORY ASSET BASE (RAB) FOR THE
THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Table 147: RAB proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Opening RAB A 457.94 458.55 489.59 627.23 1,443.02
Additions B 31.35 63.54 176.46 874.62 154.33 1,300.30
Depreciation C 30.74 32.50 38.82 58.83 77.13 238.02
Closing RAB D = A + B - C 458.55 489.59 627.23 1,443.02 1,520.22
Average RAB E = (A + D) / 2 458.25 474.07 558.41 1,035.13 1,481.62
7.6.3 The Authority proposes to consider RAB for the TRV for the Third Control Period as detailed in Table 147.
7.7 Authority’s proposals regarding Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Depreciation and
Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) for the Third Control Period
Based on the material before it and based on its analysis, the Authority proposes the following with regard to
CAPEX, Depreciation and Regulatory Asset Base for the Third Control Period.
7.7.1 To consider the Terminal Building ratio of 90%:10% in line with the Study on Allocation of Assets, IMG
norms and as approved for other similar Airports.
7.7.2 To allow IDC during the Third Control Period and not to allow Financing Allowance as mentioned in para
7.3.147.
7.7.3 To adopt the capitalization of Aeronautical Expenditure for the Third Control Period in accordance with
Table 139.
7.7.4 To true up the Aeronautical Capital expenditure based on actuals, cost efficiency and reasonableness, at the
time of determination of tariff for Fourth Control Period.
7.7.5 To reduce (adjust) 1% of the uncapitalized project cost from the ARR in case any particular capital project is
not completed/ capitalized as per the approved capitalization schedule, as mentioned in para 7.3.144. The
same will be examined during the true up of the Third Control Period, at the time of determination of tariff
for the Fourth Control Period.
7.7.6 To consider GST on RAB/CWIP and Stamp Duty on actual incurrence basis, as detailed in para 7.3.150 and
7.3.149 respectively.
7.7.7 To examine the accounting of input tax credits in accordance with Chapter V of The Central Goods and
Services Tax Act, 2017 and make necessary adjustments at the time of determination of tariffs for the Fourth
Control Period (as explained in para 7.3.150).
7.7.8 To adopt Aeronautical Depreciation as per Table 144 for the Third Control Period.
7.7.9 To true up the Depreciation of the Third Control period based on the actual asset additions and actual date of
capitalization during the tariff determination of the Fourth Control Period.
7.7.10 To consider average RAB for the Third Control Period for TRV as per Table 147.
7.7.11 To true up the RAB based on actuals at the time of tariff determination for the Fourth Control period.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 171 of 253FAIR RATE OF RETURN (FRoR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
8 FAIR RATE OF RETURN (FRoR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
8.1 TKIAL’s submissions regarding Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) for the Third Control
Period
Cost of Equity
8.1.1 TKIAL has adopted the Cost of equity as computed by the Technical Expert engaged for determining Cost of
Equity for Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow. The study has indicated a cost of equity
of 17.11%, 17.28% for different scenarios during the Third Control Period.
8.1.2 Based on the same, TKIAL has submitted 17.30% as Cost of Equity for Thiruvananthapuram International
Airport, Thiruvananthapuram.
8.1.3 TKIAL submitted the following assumptions for estimating the Cost of equity:
• Risk-free rate was calculated by taking the 10-year average daily yield, for 10-year Government of India
(GoI) securities i.e., 7.57%
• Asset beta was derived based on regressed beta computed for comparable listed airports (weighted) and
adjusted for appropriate leverage to determine the levered Equity beta.
• Although various debt-equity (leverage or gearing) ratios had been analysed, the assumed leverage for
computation of Cost of equity was the normative approach and standards adopted in earlier tariff
determination exercises of the Authority, i.e., debt-equity ratio of 48:52. For such leverage ratio, the
Equity beta was computed ranging from 1.35 – 1.38.
• An average Equity Risk Premium was computed by analyzing a list of studies and standard market
indices. Accordingly, Equity risk premium over risk-free rate was computed as 7.06%.
Table 148: Cost of equity computation submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
Particulars Value
Risk free rate 7.57%
Equity beta 1.38
Equity risk premium 7.06%
Cost of equity 17.30%
Cost of Debt
8.1.4 TKIAL has considered Cost of Debt for the Third Control Period at 12%.
8.1.5 The audited financial statements of TRV (Kerala) International Airport Limited (TKIAL) for the year ended
31st March 2023 disclosed that it has issued long-term secured, non-convertible redeemable debentures to its
shareholder group company, Adani Airport Holdings Limited, in order to raise funds at interest rate of 12%
p.a. Further, it also raised two inter-corporate deposits from the same shareholder group company at interest
rates of 12.25% p.a. and 12% p.a. respectively with varying repayment periods.
8.1.6 Adani Airport Holdings Limited announced that it raised a 3-year External Commercial Borrowing (ECB)
facility from a consortium of Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays Bank PLC. The “all in” borrowing cost
of this facility is 12.10% p.a., the breakdown of which is provided in the table below.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 172 of 253FAIR RATE OF RETURN (FRoR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Table 149: Breakdown of all-in borrowing cost of TRV submitted by TKIAL
Parameters Value
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) reference 2.28%
Spread over SOFR 4.25%
Withholding tax gross up (at 5% of SOFR + spread) 0.33%
One-year forwarding Dollar-Rupee hedge cost (mandatory as per RBI guidelines) 4.51%
Other Charges 0.73%
All-in Cost of External Commercial Borrowing 12.10%
8.1.7 It was mentioned that a part of the proceeds raised from this facility are being on-lent to TKIAL for the
purpose of financing its capital expenditure at the rate of 12.25% p.a. For the purposes of computation of
weighted average cost of capital, cost of debt has been assumed as 12% p.a.
Fair Rate of Return
8.1.8 Based on the Cost of equity, Cost of debt and gearing ratio, TKIAL has submitted the following FRoR for
the Third Control Period:
Table 150: FRoR submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
Particulars %
Cost of Debt 12.00%
Cost of Equity 17.30%
D/E Ratio 48:52
FRoR 14.76%
8.2 Authority’s examination regarding Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) for the Third Control
Period
Cost of Equity
8.2.1 The Authority had commissioned independent studies for the evaluation of cost of capital separately, in case
of each PPP Airport, namely DIAL, MIAL, GHIAL, BIAL and CIAL through a premier institute, namely
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore and proposes to use these study reports as a basis, to the
extent applicable and relevant, to ascertain the Cost of equity of TRV for the Third Control Period.
8.2.2 The Authority believes that the Cost of Equity for the purpose of determination of FRoR has to be fairly
consistent across PPP airports so that there is uniformity of evaluation of their inherent financial risk, and
compensation for the same in the form of return on RAB. The independent study reports have drawn from
the international experience of airports and their conclusions have been evaluated to the extent comparable
with TRV in terms of hybrid till, ownership structure, size, scale of operations and regulatory framework.
The average Cost of equity arrived at by the independent study reports is 15.18%.
8.2.3 The above independent study reports have used the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and a notional
gearing (Debt: Equity) ratio of 48:52 to determine the levered Equity beta and accordingly, derive the Cost
of equity.
8.2.4 Based on the above reports, the Authority proposes the Cost of equity of 15.18% for TRV for computation of
the Fair Rate of Return for the Third Control Period.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 173 of 253FAIR RATE OF RETURN (FRoR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Cost of Debt
8.2.5 The Authority notes that TKIAL has considered Cost of debt at 12% for the Third Control Period based on
its current borrowing rate from a related party and based on Adani Airport Holdings Limited’s all-in
borrowing cost of 12.10%.
8.2.6 Since the Airport has not obtained any credit rating from an external rating agency, there is no direct
comparable entity or market data for determining cost of debt for TRV.
8.2.7 However, the Authority recommends that the Airport bring in further efficiencies in its cost of borrowing by
leveraging its parent entity’s financial strength in order to reduce the interest rates. This suggestion is also in
keeping with the spirit of PPP whereby it is expected that the financial strength of PPP airports will be
maintained at an optimal level and their cost of capital will be within reasonably allowable limits. TKIAL
should avail the synergies and benefits owed to it by its strong shareholding and balance sheet of its Parent
companies and therefore work towards bringing down the cost of debt to the same level as other PPP airports.
8.2.8 The Authority also notes that the average cost of debt of the other five PPP airports viz., DIAL, MIAL,
GHIAL, BIAL and CIAL is 8.96%.
8.2.9 Accordingly, the Authority has considered the Cost of Debt of 9% for the computation of Fair Rate of Return.
The Authority also directs TKIAL to ensure that Related Party transactions, if any, with respect to borrowing
of funds are benchmarked with most optimum rates available and is well justified.
Fair Rate of Return
8.2.10 The FRoR as recalculated by the Authority after considering the analysis discussed above is summarized in
the table below:
Table 151: FRoR proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period
Parameters Value
Cost of equity 15.18%
Cost of debt 9.00%
Weighted average gearing of equity 52.00%
Weighted average gearing of debt 48.00%
Fair Rate of Return 12.21%
8.2.11 With respect to the Notional gearing ratio of 48:52, the Authority would like to reiterate that FRoR is
computed on the basis of cost of equity and Cost of Debt. It had determined the Cost of Equity based on the
IIM Bangalore’s independent study reports for other PPP Airports whereas the Cost of Debt was computed
after considering the average bank lending rate of public sector banks and scheduled commercial banks as
per the Reserve Bank of India's publication of December 2022 and the Cost of Debt of five other PPP airports
viz., DIAL, MIAL, GHIAL, BIAL and CIAL. Since the debt equity mix had been decided by the Authority
considering the efficient capital structure and the interest of all the Stakeholders, the notional gearing ratio of
48: 52 will not be trued up during the tariff determination for the next Control Period.
8.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Fair Rate of Return (FRoR) for the Third Control
Period
Based on the materials before it and its analysis, the Authority proposes the following with respect to FRoR
for the Third Control Period
8.3.1 To consider the Cost of equity at 15.18%.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 174 of 253FAIR RATE OF RETURN (FRoR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
8.3.2 To consider the notional debt to equity (gearing) ratio of 48:52 in line with target gearing ratio being
considered in case of other PPP airports.
8.3.3 To consider cost of debt of 9% for the Third Control Period,
8.3.4 To consider FRoR of 12.21% for the Third Control Period based on above mentioned Cost of equity, Cost of
debt and gearing ratio.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 175 of 253INFLATION FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
9 INFLATION FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
9.1 TKIAL’s submissions regarding Inflation for the Third Control Period
9.1.1 TKIAL has submitted an inflation rate of 5% for projecting the operating expenses including utility expenses,
rates & taxes, independent engineer fees and fuel farm O&M expenses.
9.1.2 TKIAL has forecasted their inflation for the Third Control Period by considering the mean Wholesale Price
Index (All Commodities) of 10.4% for FY 2022–2023 and 5% every year from FY 2023–2024 onwards. This
estimation is in accordance with the results of the RBI survey of professional forecasters on macroeconomic
indicators released on 7th December 2022.
Table 152: Inflation rates submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
Particular FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27
WPI Inflation 10.40% 5.00% 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
9.2 Authority’s examination regarding Inflation for the Third Control Period
9.2.1 The Authority has examined TKIAL’s submission regarding inflation to be considered during the Third
Control Period and notes that TKIAL has considered WPI from the RBI's 79th round of survey. However, the
Authority proposes to consider the recent “Results of the Survey of Professional Forecasters on
Macroeconomic Indicators – Round 85th released on 8th December 2023 published by the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI).
9.2.2 Accordingly, the Authority proposes to consider the actual Wholesale Price Index (All Commodities)
inflation in FY 2022-23 and the mean of Wholesale Price Index inflation forecast (All commodities) for FY
2023-24 till FY 2026-27 as given in the 85th Round of survey of professional forecasters on macroeconomics
indicators of RBI, for the Third Control Period for TRV.
9.2.3 The Authority assumes that the inflation rate would be stable and remain constant from FY 2024-25 till FY
2026-27. Accordingly, the following table shows the inflation rates as proposed by the Authority for the Third
Control period:
Table 153: Inflation rates proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period
Particular FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27
WPI Inflation 9.42% 0.30% 3.80% 3.80% 3.80%
9.3 Authority’s proposal regarding Inflation for the Third Control Period
Based on the material before it and in its analysis, the Authority proposes:
9.3.1 To consider the inflation rate proposed in Table 153.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 176 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
10 OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
10.1 TKIAL’s submission regarding Operation and Maintenance Expenses for the Third
Control Period
10.1.1 TKIAL in its MYTP submission has stated that the Aeronautical Operation and Maintenance (O&M)
expenses for the Third Control Period have been estimated based on the following assumptions:
• Expansion of TRV: TKIAL would be undertaking the upgradation and expansion of the existing
Terminal-II, which is expected to be operationalized in FY 2025-26. The expansion will result in an
increase in the total Terminal area from 59,300 sqm to 63,000 sqm as given in the table below.
Table 154: Details of the change in the Terminal Building area as projected by TKIAL
Particulars (sqm) Existing FY 26
Terminal-I 15,800 -
Terminal-II 43,500 63,000
Total 59,300 63,000
% increase 6.24%
• Inflation: TKIAL has considered inflation as per the 79th round of RBI forecaster survey dated December
2022 for all expenses.
• Base Year: FY 2022-23 was considered as the base year and the relevant growth percentages were applied
to the same. TKIAL had estimated the expenses for FY 2022-23 by extrapolating the expenses incurred
for the 9 months period from April 2022 to December 2022.
• Fuel Operating Expenses: TKIAL has projected the O&M expenses for the 4 tariff years of the Third
Control Period starting from FY 2023-24 till FY 2026-27 based on the assumption that the operations will
commence from July 2023 onwards, i.e., for a nine-month period in FY 2023-24. TKIAL intends to
outsource the Fuel Farm's day-to-day operations and management for a fee. TKIAL plans to begin
operations by hiring refuellers/bowsers for the first year of operation, by which time they anticipate
receiving new refuellers/bowsers.
• Cargo Operating Expenses: TKIAL has estimated cargo expenses for the Third Control Period based on
the fact that they started domestic cargo operations from August 2022 and the assumption that they will
start the international cargo operation from 1st April 2023. Further, Cargo expenses have been increased
Y-o-Y by 10% for the remaining three (3) tariff years of the Third Control Period.
• TKIAL has also submitted that considering airports have high fixed costs associated with the provision
and maintenance of infrastructure and services such as safety and security (these are incurred regardless
of traffic levels) there is limited scope to curtail costs when facing a downturn in demand.
10.1.2 TKIAL has submitted the following categories of O&M expenses in its MYTP submission.
Table 155: Category wise O&M expenses claimed by TKIAL in the MYTP for the Third Control
Period
Type of Expense Expense Category
Manpower costs: AAI employees
O&M expenses
Manpower costs: TKIAL employees
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 177 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Type of Expense Expense Category
Utility Expenses
IT expenses
Rates & taxes
Security expenses
Corporate Support Service expenses
Administrative Expenses - Collection charges on UDF
Administrative Expenses - Others
Insurance
R&M
Other operating expenses
Independent Engineer Fees
Runway recarpeting
O&M Expenses
Fuel Operating expenses
Bowser Rental
Inhouse salary cost
Cargo Operating expenses O&M Cost
Customs Cost Recovery
10.1.3 The above expenses do not include Concession Fee, since it is not considered as part of Aeronautical O&M
Expenses, as per Clause 27.1.2 of the CA, which states as follows:
“The Monthly Concession Fee paid/ payable by the Concessionaire to the Authority under and pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement shall not be included as a part of costs for provision of Aeronautical Services
and no pass-through would be available in relation to the same.”
10.1.4 TKIAL has considered all O&M expenses as 100% Aeronautical.
10.1.5 The Aeronautical O&M expenses including Fuel and Cargo Operating Expenses submitted by TKIAL for the
Third Control Period are as given below.
Table 156: Aeronautical O&M expenses submitted by TKIAL for Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars (Rs. in crores) FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
O&M expenses
Manpower costs: AAI employees 69.04 75.94 73.33 67.36 74.10 359.77
Manpower costs: TKIAL employees 14.16 32.18 51.12 64.89 76.13 238.48
Utility Expenses 14.28 15.60 17.18 19.84 21.81 88.72
IT expenses 6.00 12.00 14.00 16.87 17.72 66.59
Rates & taxes 1.00 1.05 1.10 1.23 1.29 5.67
Security expenses 6.77 8.70 10.06 11.63 12.50 49.67
Corporate Support Service expenses 15.00 30.00 35.00 40.00 42.00 162.00
Administrative Expenses Collection charges on
0.86 1.11 1.28 1.40 1.51 6.17
UDF
Administrative Expenses - Others 15.00 36.00 39.60 43.56 47.92 182.08
Insurance 2.06 2.57 3.90 5.14 6.94 20.61
R&M 28.85 34.17 46.53 83.32 117.18 310.04
Other operating expenses 19.00 28.50 32.92 38.09 40.94 159.45
Independent Engineer Fees 3.78 3.78 3.78 3.97 4.17 19.49
Runway recarpeting - - 25.90 30.33 27.38 83.61
Total O&M expenses (A) 195.82 281.60 355.71 427.63 491.58 1,752.35
Fuel Operating expenses
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 178 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Particulars (Rs. in crores) FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
O&M Expenses - 8.53 12.07 13.17 14.29 48.06
Bowser Rental - 1.20 1.26 - - 2.46
Total Fuel O&M expenses (B) - 9.73 13.33 13.17 14.29 50.52
Cargo Operating expenses
Inhouse salary cost - 1.00 1.35 2.39 2.86 7.61
O&M Cost 1.44 1.95 2.64 9.34 11.16 26.53
Customs Cost Recovery - 1.80 1.98 2.18 2.40 8.35
Total Cargo O&M expenses (C) 1.44 4.75 5.97 13.91 16.42 42.50
Total Aeronautical O&M expenses (A+B+C) 197.26 296.08 375.01 454.72 522.30 1,845.36
10.1.6 The growth rates assumed by TKIAL for total Aeronautical O&M expenses have been presented in the table
below:
Table 157: Growth rates for total Aeronautical O&M expenses submitted by TKIAL for the Third
Control Period
Expense Category Basis FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27
O&M expenses
Manpower costs: AAI employees Y-o-Y 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Manpower costs: TKIAL employees Y-o-Y 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Utility Expenses - Electricity Charges Inflation - 5.00% 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
Utility Expenses - Water and Fuel Charges Passenger - 28.49% 15.52% 9.45% 7.47%
IT expenses Employee - 100.00% 16.67% 14.29% 5.00%
Rates & taxes Inflation - 5.00% 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
Security expenses Passenger - 28.49% 15.52% 9.45% 7.47%
Corporate Support Service expenses Employee - 100.00% 16.67% 14.29% 5.00%
Administrative Expenses – Collection Passenger
- 28.49% 15.52% 9.45% 7.47%
charges on UDF
Administrative Expenses – Others Y-o-Y - 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Insurance Y-o-Y - 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
R&M Y-o-Y - 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Other operating expenses Passenger - 50.00% 15.52% 9.45% 7.47%
Independent Engineer Fees Inflation - - - 5.00% 5.00%
Runway recarpeting*
Fuel Operating expenses
O&M Expenses Inflation - - 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
Bowser Rental Inflation - - 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
Cargo Operating expenses
Inhouse salary cost Y-o-Y - - 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
O&M Cost Y-o-Y - - 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
Customs Cost Recovery Y-o-Y - - 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
* Amortized over a 5-year period
10.1.7 In addition to the above growth rates TKIAL has considered a onetime increase of 6.24% in FY 2025-26
considering the increase in terminal building area as given in para 10.1.1 for Utility, Rates & Taxes, IT,
Security and Other Operating expenses.
10.1.8 TKIAL has also considered a return on the unamortized portion of runway recarpeting expense at 14.76%
FRoR commencing from FY 2024-25.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 179 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
10.2 Authority’s examination regarding Operation and Maintenance expenses for the Third
Control Period.
10.2.1 The Authority has examined the Operation and Maintenance expenses based on the following parameters:
A. Consideration of actual expenses for FY 2022-23 and revision in growth rates of various expenses
B. Re-allocation of the expenses into aeronautical, non-aeronautical and common.
C. Rationalization of Employee Head Count
10.2.2 The Authority also notes that TRV is a brownfield airport and has been in operation since 1985. The Authority
has accordingly considered rationalization of costs in certain categories considering that these were operated
at optimal level of costs by AAI earlier.
Allocation of O&M expenses to Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical activities
Manpower expenses of AAI employees
10.2.3 TKIAL has considered the Manpower Expenses of AAI employees as 100% Aeronautical as this expense is
considered as pass through in the determination of Aeronautical charges as per Clause 6.5 read with Clause
28.4.3 of the Concession Agreement. The Authority, in this regard examined the extract of the relevant clauses
of the Concession Agreement which reads as under:
• Clause 6.5.1. states that:
“(i) “Select Employees” shall mean those employees of the Authority as set forth in Schedule S (of the
rank of assistant general manager and below) who are posted at the Airport by the Authority and shall
be deployed at the Airport for the duration of the Joint Management Period and Deemed Deputation
Period.
The Select Employees shall stand reduced to the extent of employees who retire, are deceased or
otherwise separated from Authority’s services during the Joint Management Period or Deemed
Deputation Period. It is clarified that the Select Employees shall not be reduced to the extent of employees
who are transferred by AAI.
(ii) “Joint Management Period” shall mean the period commencing from the COD and ending on the
date which is I (one) calendar year after the COD.
(iii) “Deemed Deputation Period” shall mean the period commencing from the expiry of the Joint
Management Period and ending on the date which is 2 (two) calendar years therefrom.”
• Clause 6.5.4 states that:
“The Concessionaire shall bear the Select Employee Costs for the Joint Management Period and Deemed
Deputation Period.”
• Clause 6.5.10 states that:
“If, at the expiry of the Deemed Deputation Period, the number of Accepting Employees is less than 60%
(sixty) percent of the Select Employees (the “Deficit Employees”), the Concessionaire shall, commencing
from the expiry of the Deemed Deputation Period pay to the Authority, on a monthly basis, such amounts
as may be indicated in an invoice to be raised by the Authority on the Concessionaire with regard to the
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 180 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
emoluments payable by the Authority in respect of such Deficit Employees (the “Deficit Employee
Costs”).
(ii) The Deficit Employee Costs shall be considered for pass-through in the determination of the
Aeronautical Charges.”
• Clause 28.4.3. states that:
“The Parties agree and acknowledge that the Concessionaire expressly waives its right to seek as pass-
through in the Aeronautical Charges such costs and/or expenses which the Concessionaire is restrained
under this Agreement from seeking to be passed-through thereunder.”
10.2.4 The Authority, on review of the above clauses of the CA, proposes to consider the Manpower Expenses of
AAI employees up to ‘Deemed Deputation Period’ as Common since the Manpower of AAI is used for both
Aeronautical and Non-aeronautical activities. Accordingly, the Authority proposes to apportion the
Manpower Expenses of AAI employees up to ‘Deemed Deputation Period’ to Aeronautical activities in the
ratio of 98.89%:1.11% (Aeronautical: Non-aeronautical) based on department-wise Employee Headcount of
AAI employees as of March 2023 (refer Table 162).
10.2.5 In respect of the Manpower Expenses of AAI employees relating to ‘Deficit Employees’ after the expiry of
the Deemed Deputation Period, the Authority proposes to consider the same as 100% pass through as
mandated by Clause 6.5.10. of the CA.
Manpower expenses of employees of TKIAL
10.2.6 TKIAL has considered the Manpower Expenses of its own employees as 100% Aeronautical. However, the
Authority notes that the manpower expense should be allocated based on the Employee Head Count Ratio for
TKIAL employees considering the department and nature of work performed. The EHCR is computed as the
5-year average ratio after considering the Employee Head Count projected for TKIAL for the entire Third
Control Period from FY 2022-23 till FY 2026-27.
It is pertinent to note here that the Authority has rationalized the aeronautical Employee Headcount of TKIAL
and derived the Aeronautical EHCR for each tariff year as well as 5-year average of such ECHR i.e.,
96.44%:3.56% (refer Table 166) for the entire Third Control Period.
Utility expenses
10.2.7 The Authority notes that TKIAL has allocated the Electricity expenses after netting off the proposed
recoveries to be made from the Concessionaires for Non-aeronautical activities and that TKIAL has
considered the resulting net Electricity expenses as 100% Aeronautical. The Authority notes that this
allocation is consistent with that followed in similar airports and proposes to consider the same. TKIAL has
considered the Water & Fuel charges as 100% Aeronautical. However, the Authority proposes to apportion
the Water & Fuel charges in the Gross Block ratio of 97.57%:2.43% (Aeronautical: Non-aeronautical). The
Gross Block ratio is computed as the 5-year average for the period from FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27 of the
Third Control Period (refer Table 140).
IT expenses, Security expenses and Insurance expenses
10.2.8 The Authority notes that TKIAL has considered the expenses towards IT, Security and Insurance as 100%
Aeronautical. However, the Authority proposes to apportion the IT expenses, Security expenses and Insurance
expenses in the Gross Block ratio of 97.57%:2.43% (Aeronautical: Non-aeronautical). The Gross Block ratio
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 181 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
is computed as the 5-year average for the period from FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27 of the Third Control Period
(refer Table 140).
Administrative expenses
10.2.9 The Authority notes that TKIAL has considered Administrative Expenses including the Collection charges
as 100% Aeronautical. The Authority accepts TKIAL’s allocation of collection charges on UDF as 100%
Aeronautical as it is relating to the expenses incurred for the collection of an Aeronautical charge. For the
other administrative expenses, the Authority is of the view that the expenses which are administrative in
nature should be apportioned in the Gross Block ratio of 97.57%:2.43%. The Gross Block ratio is computed
as the 5-year average for the period from FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27 of the Third Control Period (refer Table
140).
Corporate Support Service expenses
10.2.10 The Authority observed that TKIAL has considered Corporate Support Service expenses as 100%
aeronautical. TKIAL has engaged an Independent Consultant to conduct a Study on the allocation of
Corporate Costs of both the Holding Companies of TKIAL. TKIAL has shared a Note on the Study report
which provides the types of services/costs that have to be allocated to TKIAL, along with the basis of
allocation of such costs.
TKIAL has derived the allocable CSS expense based on the study. However, the basis for allocation of the
costs towards Aeronautical and Non-aeronautical activities has not been provided in the Study report. The
Authority is of the view that in the absence of an appropriate basis, the CSS expenses is to be allocated in the
revised Employee Headcount ratio, i.e., 96.44%:3.56% (based on 5-year average ratio of TKIAL employees
derived as shown in Table 166) as also mentioned in the Study on Opex (refer Annexure 2 of Chapter 17 of
this Consultation Paper).
Expenses towards Repairs & Maintenance, Rates & Taxes and Other operating expenses
10.2.11 The Authority notes that TKIAL has considered Repairs and Maintenance, Rates and Taxes and Other
Operating expenses (which includes Housekeeping, Horticulture and Hiring expenses) as 100% Aeronautical
in its submission. However, the Authority proposes to re-allocate these expenses in the Terminal Building
ratio of 90%:10% (refer para 7.4.4 in Chapter 7 above).
Amortization of runway recarpeting expenses, Fuel and Cargo Operating expenses
10.2.12 TKIAL has considered the expense towards Amortization of Runway Recarpeting, Fuel and Cargo Operating
expenses as 100% Aeronautical. The Authority finds this allocation to be reasonable and proposes to consider
the same. Further, the Authority notes that the classification of Fuel and Cargo expenses as 100%
Aeronautical is as per Section 2(a) of the AERA Act 2008.
10.2.13 The Authority’s proposal for allocation of O&M expenses of TRV as compared to that submitted by TKIAL
has been summarized in the table below:
Table 158: Allocation of O&M expenses for TRV proposed by the Authority for the Third Control
Period
Allocation as Allocation as per the
Expense Category Allocation %*
per TKIAL Authority
Manpower costs: AAI employees (Up to
Aeronautical EHCR - AAI Employees 98.89%
Deemed Deputation Period)
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 182 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Allocation as Allocation as per the
Expense Category Allocation %*
per TKIAL Authority
Manpower costs: AAI employees (Deficit
Aeronautical Aeronautical 100.00%
Employee Cost)
Manpower costs: TKIAL employees Aeronautical EHCR - TKIAL Employees 96.44%
Utility Expenses - Electricity Cost Aeronautical Aeronautical 100.00%
Utility Expenses - Water & Fuel Cost Aeronautical GBR 97.57%
IT expenses Aeronautical GBR 97.57%
Rates & taxes Aeronautical TBLR 90.00%
Security expenses Aeronautical GBR 97.57%
Corporate Allocation Aeronautical EHCR - TKIAL Employees 96.44%
Administrative Expenses - Collection charges
Aeronautical Aeronautical 100.00%
on UDF
Administrative Expenses - Others Aeronautical GBR 97.57%
Insurance Aeronautical GBR 97.57%
R&M Aeronautical GBR 97.57%
Other operating expenses Aeronautical TBLR 90.00%
Independent Engineer Fees Aeronautical Aeronautical 100.00%
Runway recarpeting Aeronautical Aeronautical 100.00%
Fuel O&M expenses Aeronautical Aeronautical 100.00%
Cargo O&M expenses Aeronautical Aeronautical 100.00%
*The ratio for EHCR – TKIAL Employees and GBR as given in the table is the 5-year average ratios for the period from FY 2022-
23 till FY 2026-27.
One time escalation claimed by TKIAL
10.2.14 One time escalation claimed by TKIAL for various expenses in FY 2025-26 has been analyzed by the
Authority. The Authority notes that TKIAL has claimed a one-time increase of 6.24% in line with the
proposed increase in the area of the Terminal Building. However, the Authority is of the opinion that the
increase in the expenses will not be directly proportional to the increase in the Terminal Building area, due
to technological innovation, advancements and economies of scale. Hence, the Authority proposes to consider
2/3rd (i.e., 4.16%) of the escalation rates claimed by the AO (6.24%) for expenses such as Utilities, IT,
Security and Other Operating expenses. However, for Rates & Taxes, the Authority proposes to consider the
one-time escalation at 6.24% as claimed by the AO due to increase in terminal building area as mentioned in
Table 159. As per Authority’s proposal the expansion of Terminal-II by 19,500 sqm is expected to be
capitalized in FY 2025-26 (refer Para 7.3.41iii)h). The Authority expects this expanded portion of Terminal-
II to be fully operationalized in FY 2026-27. Therefore, the Authority proposes to consider one time increase
in FY 2026-27 as against the FY 2025-26 consider by TKIAL in its submission. The details of escalation
rates submitted by the AO and that proposed by the Authority for all the aforementioned expenses are shown
in the below:
Table 159: Projected Terminal Building area submitted by TKIAL
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27
Terminal-I 15,800 15,800 15,800 - -
Terminal-II 43,500 43,500 43,500 63,000 63,000
Terminal Area in sqm 59,300 59,300 59,300 63,000 63,000
% increase 0.00% 0.00% 6.24% 0.00%
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 183 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Table 160: One-time escalation in FY 2025-26 as claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority
One-time Escalation Claimed by TKIAL Proposed by the Authority
Year of escalation FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27
Utility expenses 6.24% 4.16%
IT expenses 6.24% 4.16%
Rates & taxes 6.24% 6.24%
Security expenses 6.24% 4.16%
Other operating expenses 6.24% 4.16%
10.2.15 The submission made by TKIAL regarding the various operational expenses and their growth over the Third
Control Period have been analysed by the Authority and its proposals for such expenses are as elaborated
below:
Manpower Expenses
The Authority, on its examination of TKIAL’s submission towards Manpower expenses notes the following:
10.2.16 Manpower Expenses of AAI employees – TKIAL has projected the expense towards Select Employees of
AAI employees across all the five (5) tariff years in the Third Control Period as per Clause 6.5.1 of the
Concession Agreement entered into between AAI and the Airport Operator, the extract of which has been
provided under para 10.2.3
• TKIAL has claimed Manpower Expenses for ‘Select Employees’ (refer the table below for the department
wise list) till the end of the Deemed Deputation Period. ‘Deficit Employee Cost’ has been computed at
60% of ‘Select Employees’ cost as stated in Clause 6.5.10 of the Concession Agreement for the remaining
portion of the Third Control Period.
• TKIAL has considered an escalation of 10% Y-o-Y towards Manpower Expenses of AAI employees.
• The department-wise list of ‘Select Employees’ of AAI deputed at TRV as of March 2023 is as shown
below:
Table 161: List of department-wise Select Employees of AAI deputed to TRV as of 31st March 2023
Department Employee Count in Mar’23
Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) 94
Terminal and Operation 23
Engineering & Maintenance 74
Security 1
Information Technology 12
Human Resources and Admin (HRA) 58
Finance 7
Commercial 2
Total Manpower 271
• The Authority notes that TKIAL has considered all employees, irrespective of their department, as
aeronautical employees. However, the services rendered by these employees are to both aeronautical and
non-aeronautical areas of the airport. The Authority therefore has reclassified the employees in line with
the classification proposed by the Study on Opex (refer Table 70 of the Study) and recomputed the EHCR
as shown in the table below.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 184 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Table 162: Allocation of department-wise Select Employees of AAI deputed to TRV as of 31st March
2023 into Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical
Department Employee Count in Mar’23 Allocation
Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) 94 Aeronautical
Terminal and Operation 23 Aeronautical
Engineering & Maintenance 74 Aeronautical
Security 1 Common
Information Technology 12 Common
Human Resources and Admin 58 Common
Finance 7 Common
Commercial 2 Non-Aeronautical
Total Manpower Requirement 271
Allocation
Aeronautical 191
Non-Aeronautical 2
Common 78
Total 271
Common Employee Allocation
Common Aeronautical employees 77
Common Non-Aeronautical employees 1
Total Common employees 78
Head Count after allocation of Common employees
Total Aeronautical employees 268
Total Non-Aeronautical employees 3
Total employees 271
Aeronautical % 98.89%
Non-Aeronautical % 1.11%
EHCR 98.89:1.11
• The Authority notes that the Manpower Expense of AAI employees are accounted by TKIAL, based on
the invoice raised by AAI for the ‘Select Employees’ deputed to TRV, on a monthly basis. TKIAL has
arrived at an average annual per employee cost of approximately Rs. 25 lakhs per annum (which includes
the estimated cost of retirement benefits for such employees) for FY 2022-23 based on the extrapolation
of monthly employee cost incurred by TKIAL from April 2022 to December 2022.
• The Authority also notes that the Manpower Expenses of AAI employees were considered as 100%
Aeronautical expenses by TKIAL.
• The Authority proposes to consider the Manpower Expenses of AAI employees up to ‘Deemed Deputation
Period’ and after the expiry of such period the expenses relating to ‘Deficit Employee cost’ according to
the explanation provided in the relevant clauses of the Concession Agreement for such expenses. The
Authority also proposes to allocate the expenses into Aeronautical and Non-aeronautical based on the
explanation in paras 10.2.4 and 10.2.5.
• Further, the Authority observes that TKIAL has submitted vide e-mail dated 19th July 2023, that they have
incurred actual Manpower expenses for AAI employees amounting to Rs. 63.14 crores for FY 2022-23,
as compared to estimate of Rs. 69.04 crores submitted as part of the MYTP. The Authority notes that
TKIAL has considered the same as 100% Aeronautical which the authority proposes to re-allocate based
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 185 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
on the prescribed allocation ratio of 98.89%:1.11% (refer para 10.2.4) which works out to Rs. 62.44 crores
for FY 2022-23. The Authority proposes to consider the average annual employee cost for FY 2022-23,
determined based on the actual expense incurred, for estimating the Manpower cost for remaining four (4)
tariff years, i.e., FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27.
• TKIAL has submitted vide reply to query dated 10th January 2024 that the number of Select Employees
after excluding AAI employees who have retired or are separated from AAI as on 31st December 2023
was 298. The Authority proposes to consider the same while determining the Deficit Employee Cost
during the current control period.
• Further, the Authority proposes to revise the 10% Y-o-Y increase in Manpower costs claimed by TKIAL
to 6% for the remaining four (4) tariff years of the Third Control Period as approved by the Authority for
other similar airports.
• The details of Manpower expenses of AAI employees claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority
are summarized in the table below.
Table 163: Manpower expenses of AAI Employees claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority
for TCP
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Manpower Cost - AAI Employees 69.04 75.94 73.33 67.36 74.10 359.77
Growth rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
As per the Authority
Manpower Cost - AAI Employees 62.44 66.19 59.31 49.67 52.65 290.25
Growth rate 6.00% 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
Note – The Manpower cost for the FY 2022-23 is based on actuals incurred by TKIAL after applying the prescribed allocation ratio
proposed by the Authority in para 10.2.4.
10.2.17 Manpower Expenses of TKIAL – TKIAL has submitted the following increase in the total employee
headcount and projected salary cost per employee per annum:
• Increase in Employee Headcount – TKIAL has projected an increase in Total Employee Headcount from
150 at the end of FY 2022-23 to 400 at the end of the Third Control period. The table below depicts the
department wise employee head count, and the justification provided by TKIAL for the projected increase
in head count during TCP.
Table 164: Department-wise Head Count of Employees as per TKIAL’s MYTP submission for the
Third Control Period
S.
Department 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Justification
No.
As per the Concession Agreement, Clause 6.5.3.
AAI employees with designation over DGM and
above have been transferred out by AAI and they are
Chief Airport not associated with the Airport after 3 months from
1 Officer 2 3 3 4 4 COD. Accordingly, Airport Director and all HODs
(CAO) Office have been transferred out and are not working at
TRV Airport
CAO (Chief Airport Officer) is responsible for
overall operations and management of the Airport.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 186 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
S.
Department 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Justification
No.
The department is akin to the erstwhile Office of the
Airport Director.
He is supported by 2 staff for analysis, reviews, KPI
management, regular review, action taken follow-
ups, stakeholder management, etc.
1 Resource is anticipated to be added as Personal
Assistant to take care of the Office functioning of
CAO
The Chief Operating Officer is in charge of Airside
and Terminal Operations and is responsible for
Chief
ensuring efficient & effective operations and smooth
2 Operating 1 1 2 3 3
passenger and user experience.
Officer office
He is supported by 2 associates in monitoring and
managing the operations.
1 person planned for co-ordination related to AERA
3 Regulatory 1 1 1 1 1
and regulatory matters
Airline 2 persons planned for dealing with Airlines
4 1 1 2 2
Marketing including management of slots to increase ATM
As per Clause 18.1.1 (o) of CA, TKIAL is expected
Environment to protect and conserve the environment. Also, there
5 & 1 2 2 2 2 is a requirement to get the Environment Audit done
Sustainability as per Clause 18.13. Accordingly, the manpower
requirement has been considered.
TKIAL is handling its own cargo facility as the
AAICLAS facility has been carved out.
6 Air Cargo 1 3 3 4 4
Accordingly, inhouse manpower for monitoring of
operations is considered.
TKIAL is responsible for maintaining and operating
Airside including Runway, Taxiways, Approach
Areas, Apron Management Service, Airside safety,
aerodrome safeguarding and aeronautical
information services. During the period AAI
operated the airport, additional resources were
utilized from other departments.
The composition is as below:
a. Head Aero Operations - (1 Headcount) Lead the
Airside Operations, Apron control, AOCC and
ARFF for TIA.
b. AOCC (1 Lead and 12 Associates) - Responsible
Airside
7 26 40 42 44 44 for allocation of resources such as parking bay or
Management
aerobridge, check-in counter and baggage belts, and
also control the Flight Information Display System
(FIDS) for the passengers.
c. Baggage Make up Area (BMA) / BHS / BBA
Operations - 1 lead supported by 3 Shift Managers -
Responsible for ensuring availability of systems
round the clock.
d. In charge Airside Operations supported by 4 Duty
managers and 12 Airside Executives - Round-the-
clock operations. Inspects and patrols all airport
facilities, grounds, and properties to ensure
regulatory compliance. Prepares detailed reports of
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 187 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
S.
Department 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Justification
No.
daily operations, unusual incidents/accidents,
hazardous conditions, and inspections.
e. Aerodrome Licensing and DGCA Compliance - 1
lead with 2 associates required for handling and
responding to DGCA queries. Documentation and
coordination for meetings with respect to
observations and their compliance. Continuous
monitoring and follow-up of Civil Aviation
Requirement (CAR). Handling DGCA inspection
and License renewal processes
f. ADP/AVP Management - 1 lead supported by 2
associates - Responsible for vehicle movements at
the airside and authorizing driving permits for
airside vehicle movement.
g. Wildlife & Hazard Mgmt. - 1 lead supported by 2
associates - Responsible for monitoring and
recording wildlife activities at the airport and
mitigation plan
Aviation Safety includes developing and reviewing
safety program for Users, including response to
hijacking of aircraft, correction of safety violations
and deficiencies and all other actions necessary to
provide a safe environment in accordance with
Concession Agreement. Also, as per Concession
Agreement Clause 18.15.4, "The Concessionaire
shall establish an Airport Safety Management Unit
Aviation
8 1 5 5 5 5 (“ASMU”) to be functional from COD and
Safety
designate one of its officers to be in-charge of the
ASMU. Such an officer shall have specialist
knowledge and training in Airport system safety by
having attended a course conducted by a reputed
organization on the subject."
Composition includes 1 Aviation Safety Head,
supported by 1 resource and 3 manpower for shift
duties
Occupational Composition includes 1 OHS Head, supported by 3
9 1 2 3 4 4
Safety (OHS) manpower for shift duties
TKIAL has carried out an internal assessment on
ARFF Task Resource Analysis and as per the
assessment done, there is a requirement for 116
Aircraft employees in ARFF for category 9.
Rescue and Based on the same, AO has projected total
10 5 95 105 116 116
Fire Fighting manpower requirement per shift as 29. This resulted
(ARFF) in a total manpower requirement of 116 for 4 shifts.
AAI had 94 "Select Employees” at TRV but TKIAL
is expected to deploy additional manpower to fulfill
the desired requirement.
Screeners TKIAL has inline baggage handling systems which
(Including requires specialized Screening manpower.
11 Shift-In- 54 54 54 73 73 Previously, AAI used to do it through an outsourced
Charge & agency. However, TKIAL has decided to insource
Manager) the function with its own manpower.
Terminal and TKIAL is expected to maintain and improve the
12 14 23 33 33 33
Operation quality of service to passengers. In that connection,
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 188 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
S.
Department 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Justification
No.
TKIAL will deploy various positions of Terminal
Managers, Duty Managers, Shift In charge, Protocol
services. Two terminals T-I and T-II will have
addition of various Passenger Processing Systems
and also there will be addition in terminal area.
The composition is as below:
a. Head Terminal Operations - (1 Headcount) Lead
Reports to Chief Airport Officer and is responsible
for Terminal (Domestic & International), Passenger
Service, Facilities and Horticulture Management.
b. Terminal Operations (1 Head, 3 Shift Managers
and 12 Associates) - Responsible for the Passenger
Experience at T-I and T-II. Works in coordination
with CISF/Airlines and ensures that the passenger
flow is seamless in Terminals.
c. Protocol Services & Guest Relations (1 Head, 3
Shift Managers and 6 Associates) - Responsible to
facilitate the movement of VIPs with smooth Check-
in, VIP Lounge services, Security Check and
Boarding after proper coordination with airlines,
CISF - Terminal-I & Terminal II.
d. Facilities Management - (1 Head supported by 2
Associates) - Handles the Facilities and Upkeep
team at the airport to maintain the TRV airport
facility (Terminal-I, II and Land Side) at the highest
standards. The role will ensure high standards of
cleanliness.
e. GA Terminal Manager - (1 Head and 2
Associates) - to manage the terminal operations at
GA terminal once commissioned
As part of environmental sustainability measures to
develop TIA as a green airport, statutory
requirements of tree transplantation/plantation and
13 Horticulture 1 2 3 4 4
to create natural ambience befitting a landmark
international airport, the manpower requirement has
been considered.
Under Clause 23.1 of the concession Agreement,
TKIAL is obligated to monitor and measure quality
of service on the parameters prescribed in the
Concession Agreement. Further, as per the
Concession Agreement, TRV is expected to
maintain relevant ISO certification and other quality
14 Quality 1 3 4 5 5
certifications for all the facilities controlled and
managed by TKIAL.
Composition includes 1 Quality Expert and 2
Project Manager for Schedule H and ASQ, 1
Resource for Implementation of ABEM and 1
Complaint Management and Redressal
Currently, AAI has approx. 70 Engineering &
Engineering Maintenance employees.
15 & 6 16 30 34 34 TKIAL is expected to outsource some of the non-
Maintenance core activities. Second there will be new facilities
added and increase in Terminal Area, Increase in
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 189 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
S.
Department 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Justification
No.
Airside Facilities, increase in landside facilities,
Utilities etc., there will be requirement of more
manpower in Engineering and Maintenance
department to cater to these increased facilities.
Considering all the above factor, TKIAL is expected
to consolidate the function and will have only 34
people on-roll which will be a mix of Civil,
Technical, Mechanical, Electrical including shift
engineers and leads in respective disciplines and
Maintenance Planning & Scheduling team.
1 resource planed in later half of TCP to liaise with
Land various authorities (AAI, Local authorities, State
16 1 1 1
department Govt Departments) for the purpose of acquisition of
land and related matters.
Fuel Farm
TKIAL has planned to acquire the existing fuel
(Location in
facilities from OMCs and accordingly, inhouse
17 Charge) and 1 3 3 3
manpower for monitoring of operations is
shift
considered.
managers
AAI does not have any local purchase department at
site. All the procurement at AAI is done centrally
through tendering process.
Techno commercial function is responsible for
Techno
procurement of various requirement of user
Commercial
18 3 6 6 6 6 department, management of contract, RFP issue,
(Procurement
onboarding of vendor, etc. Composition includes 1
department)
HoD, 4 Buyers (1 each for Operations, Projects,
Services and Operations Capex) + 1 resource for
Managing Stores operations while the Stores
operations may run on SLA basis.
Corporate Communications and Managing social
Corporate
media have been a critical function. The Head will
19 communicati 2 3 3 3 3
be supported by 2 resource to support through Print,
on
Digital and External Stake Holder Management.
Position required to interact with various state
Corporate government, local municipalities, utility boards,
20 1 1 2 2 2
Affairs local police etc. on a day-to-day basis. The Lead is
supported by a relevant resource.
AAI has been running Security only as Pass Section.
However, there are various activities which need to
be performed by TKIAL like CISF Documentation,
Airport Security Program, Kerbside Management,
Traffic Management, Airport Operator Security
Control Room, Security System Maintenance,
Encroachment outside and perimeter area,
21 Security 9 12 13 14 14 Intelligence and Vigilance Gathering, Avsec
Training and Compliances, Landside Operations,
BCAS Compliance requirements.
TKIAL has planned for on-roll 14 employees with
following composition:
1 CSO, 2 Pass Section, 2 Avsec Audit and
Compliances, 4 Loss Prevention and Automation, 4
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 190 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
S.
Department 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Justification
No.
landside operations, 1 Security Risk Assessment and
Process compliance.
Composition includes 1 HoD and 2 Team Members
to monitor and manage various contractual
22 Legal 1 2 3 3 3
compliances including compliance with Concession
Agreement
IT is a backbone of Aviation, and all the critical
systems need to be running with zero downtime.
Critical systems include Airport Operational Data
Base (AODB), FIDS, PDAs, SAP, Business
Analytics, Integration with ATC, VGDS, Radio
Sets, Desktops, Laptops, Billing Software,
Document Management System, Access Control
Information
23 3 4 5 7 7 System etc.
Technology
Currently, AAI has 15 employees in the Information
technology team to support the IT functioning of the
Airport. We have rationalized the in-house resource
requirement and considered 7 in-house employees
as few of the activities will be outsourced.
Composition includes 1 HoD, 1 for IT Initiatives, 2
Cyber Security and 3 for Infra and Application team.
From the current deployment of 6 resources the
following will be added. 1 Support to HR
Human
operations, 1 Resource for Admin function, 1
24 Resources 6 8 8 9 9
Resource to support ER/Compliance and 1 resource
and Admin
to support Employee welfare and engagement
activities
Composition includes 1 HoD, and support staff for
various functions under finance and accounts (which
will include monitoring and control over various
25 Finance 4 6 7 8 8 activities including Accounts Receivable, Accounts
Payable, Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Account
Closing, GST and TDS related reconciliations &
compliance, MIS and Control)
These resources are planned for various co-
ordination & other activities relating to management
26 Commercial 5 5 6 8 8
and monitoring over various concessionaires
including the master concessionaire
2 resources planned for various digital initiatives to
enhance passenger experience and provide seamless
integration of various touchpoints including digital
27 Digital 1 1 2 2 2
initiatives, process automation, digital
transformation, passenger journey mapping etc. like
Digi Yatra
Total
Manpower 150 300 350 400 400
Requirement
• The Authority notes that TKIAL has estimated significant increase in number of employees mainly
towards functions relating to Airside management, Terminal and Operation, Engineering & Maintenance,
Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF), Security and Inline Baggage Screening System (ILBS)
considering the projected growth in traffic, operationalization of the new Terminal-II in FY 2025-26 and
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 191 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
that the deemed deputation period of the ‘Select Employees’ deputed by AAI expires in the FY 2024-25
with no Select Employee accepting the offer made by TKIAL.
• The Authority also notes that TKIAL considers 50% of the employees as being Executives and the
remaining 50% as being non-Executive.
• In this background, the Authority has examined the Aeronautical Employee Head Count of TRV for the
period from FY 2016-17 to FY 2019-20 (pre-COVID year) and notes that the 4-year average employee
headcount was 334. The details of the same are given in table below:
Table 165: Aeronautical employee head count of TRV for the period from FY 2016-17 to FY 2019-20
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 4-year Avg.
Aeronautical Employee Head Count 357 335 330 314 334
Note – Refer Table 10 of Study on Opex.
• The Authority also notes that TKIAL has projected an increase in employee count based on the estimated
completion of upgradation & expansion of T-II in FY 2024-25 and operationalization from FY 2025-26.
• The Authority also examined the growth projected in Passenger traffic and ATM during the Third Control
Period for TRV (refer Table 90) and notes that the traffic is expected to reach pre-COVID level during
the FY 2023-24.
• However, the following factors are to be considered:
i. The capitalization of the new terminal T-I is expected only in the next control period.
ii. The full operationalization of the expanded terminal T-II in FY 2026-27
iii. There are existing employees of AAI i.e., ‘Select Employees’ deputed to TRV and
iv. The previous airport operator, namely, AAI had been maintaining the prescribed ASQ rating of TRV
with the aforementioned employee headcount (refer Table 165).
Based on the above, the Authority is of the view that despite the positive growth projected in Passenger
traffic and ATM, the Aeronautical Employee Head Count projected by TKIAL (which is at 400 towards
the end of the Third Control Period), is not justified and the same needs to be rationalized.
• Also, the Authority notes that TKIAL has submitted the actual employee count for FY 2022-23 as 108
employees. The Authority proposes to accept the same.
• TKIAL vide response to query dated 8th January 2024 had submitted the actual employee count as on 31st
December 2023 as 139. This includes one (1) employee of the Air Cargo department which was excluded
during EHCR computation. The Authority proposes to consider the same as the employee head count for
FY 2023-24.
• The Authority has analysed the Employee Headcount projected vis-à-vis the functions of each department
mentioned in Table 164 and proposes the following revisions in Aeronautical Employee Headcount
projected by TKIAL for the Third Control Period:
i. Security department – The Authority notes that TKIAL will be outsourcing certain activities
pertaining to the Security department. Hence, the Authority proposes to consider only 50% of the
Aeronautical Employee Headcount of the Security department, projected by TKIAL, for the last three
tariff years of the Third Control Period.
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ii. Airside Management – The Authority notes that the Headcount projected by TKIAL for all the tariff
years is on the higher side considering that the requisite facility and manpower for ground handling
(outsourced) and VDGS system is already in place. Further, the activity of bird chasing has been
outsourced by TKIAL. However, considering the increase projected in the ATM traffic during post-
pandemic recovery in the current Control Period, the Authority proposes to increase the number to
thirty (30) employees, thirty-five (35) employees and forty (40) employees respectively in the last
three tariff years as against 42, 44 and 44 employees respectively estimated by TKIAL.
iii. Terminal Operations department – The Authority observes that the number of Employee Headcount
projected by TKIAL for this department is on the higher side considering that there are existing
employees of AAI (i.e., ‘Select Employees’ deputed to TRV) at the Airport during the deemed
deputation period and hence, the Authority proposes to consider 75% of the Aeronautical Employee
Headcount of Terminal Operations department, projected by TKIAL, for the third tariff year of the
Third Control Period. For the remaining two tariff years of TCP, the Authority proposes to consider
the number of employees as submitted by TKIAL as the Deemed Deputation Period will end in FY
2024-25.
iv. Engineering & Maintenance department – The Authority notes that there are existing employees of
AAI (i.e., ‘Select Employees’ deputed to TRV) at the Airport during the deemed deputation period
similar to Terminal Operations department and hence the Authority proposes to consider 75% of the
Aeronautical Employee Headcount of Engineering & Maintenance department, projected by TKIAL,
for the third tariff year of the Third Control Period. For the remaining two tariff years of TCP, the
Authority proposes to consider the number of employees as submitted by TKIAL as the Deemed
Deputation Period will end in FY 2024-25.
v. Inline Baggage Screening system (ILBS) – The Authority notes that TKIAL has proposed deploying
54 employees in FY 2024-25 and 73 employees each for FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 in this
department. The Authority proposes to rationalize the headcount such that the number of employees
increases at the same rate as the growth in traffic during the three tariff years.
vi. Air Cargo department – The Authority notes that TKIAL has computed cargo operation expenses
including cost of manpower. At the same time, TKIAL has computed personal cost by including the
cargo employees. On enquiry, TKIAL, vide replies to query dated 10th November 2023, has informed
that both these costs relate to the same set of employees. Therefore, the Authority proposes to not
consider the employees related to Air Cargo while determining the manpower and proposes to
consider these employees cost in the computation of cargo operating expenses.
• Based on all the above factors, the Aeronautical Employee Headcount proposed by the Airport Operator
and considered by the Authority and the revised Employee Headcount Ratio derived for the Third Control
Period is shown in the table below.
Table 166: Revised Aeronautical Employee Head Count of TKIAL and the EHCR proposed by the
Authority for the Third Control Period
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Allocation
As per TKIAL
Total employee head count 150 300 350 400 400
As per the Authority
Chief Airport Office (CAO office) 2 2 3 4 4 Aeronautical
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 193 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Allocation
Chief Operating Officer office - - 2 3 3 Common
Regulatory - - 1 1 1 Aeronautical
Airline Marketing - - 1 2 2 Aeronautical
Environment & Sustainability - 1 2 2 2 Common
Air Cargo - - - - - Aeronautical
Airside Management 22 20 30 35 40 Aeronautical
Aviation Safety - - 5 5 5 Aeronautical
Occupational Safety (OHS) 1 - 3 4 4 Aeronautical
Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting
2 2 105 116 116 Aeronautical
(ARFF)
Screeners (Including Shift-In-Charge
39 43 50 55 60 Aeronautical
& Manager)
Terminal and Operation 8 21 25 33 33 Aeronautical
Horticulture 1 2 3 4 4 Common
Quality 1 1 4 5 5 Aeronautical
Engineering & Maintenance 4 15 23 34 34 Aeronautical
Non-
Land department - - 1 1 1
Aeronautical
Fuel Farm (Location in Charge) and
shift - - 3 3 3 Aeronautical
managers
Techno Commercial (Procurement
4 5 6 6 6 Common
department)
Corporate communication 1 1 3 3 3 Common
Corporate Affairs 1 1 2 2 2 Common
Security 4 7 7 7 7 Common
Legal - 1 3 3 3 Common
Information Technology 1 2 5 7 7 Common
Human Resources and Admin 5 5 8 9 9 Common
Finance 6 5 7 8 8 Common
Non-
Commercial 5 4 6 8 8
Aeronautical
Digital - - 2 2 2 Aeronautical
Total employee head count 107 138 310 362 372
Allocation
Aeronautical 79 104 255 299 309
Non-Aeronautical 5 4 7 9 9
Common 23 30 48 54 54
Total 107 138 310 362 372
Common Employee Allocation
Common Aeronautical employees 22 29 47 52 52
Common Non-Aeronautical
1 1 1 2 2
employees
Total Common employees 23 30 48 54 54
Head Count after allocation of Common employees
Total Aeronautical employees 101 133 302 351 361
Total Non-Aeronautical employees 6 5 8 11 11
Total employees 107 138 310 362 372
Aeronautical % 94.39% 96.38% 97.42% 96.96% 97.04%
5-year avg. EHCR 96.44%
Total Aeronautical employees (AAI
369 401 352* 351 361
+ TKIAL)
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 194 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Allocation
Total Non-Aeronautical employees
9 8 8* 11 11
(AAI + TKIAL)
Total employees (AAI + TKIAL) 378 409 360 362 372
Aeronautical % (AAI + TKIAL) 97.62% 98.04% 97.78% 96.96% 97.04%
5-year avg. EHCR (AAI + TKIAL) 97.49%
*The total Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical employee head count for FY 2024-25 is computed as the average of the opening and
closing employee head count
• Salary cost projected per employee per annum – TKIAL has categorized the employees into Executive
and Non-Executive in the ratio 50%:50%. The average employee cost for the above categories of
employees was considered at Rs. 0.21 crores and Rs. 0.05 crores per annum respectively in FY 2022-23.
The average employee costs for the remaining four (4) tariff years of the Third Control Period were
projected to increase by 10% Y-o-Y.
• Subsequently, TKIAL vide email dated 4th August 2023, submitted the actual month-wise employee count
and average salary per employee split between Executive and Non-Executive for FY 2022-23. Based on
the analysis of the actuals for FY 2022-23, the Authority proposes to consider the average employee cost
for Executive and Non-Executive employees as Rs. 0.20 crores and Rs. 0.05 crores respectively. The
Authority also proposes to rationalize the growth rate by considering only 6% Y-o-Y increase for all four
(4) tariff years, starting from FY 2023-24 in line with what has been considered for Manpower Expenses
of AAI employees.
• Further, the Authority observes that TKIAL has submitted vide e-mail dated 24th July 2023, that they have
incurred actual Total Manpower Expenses of TKIAL’s employees amounting to Rs. 10.36 crores in FY
2022-23 as against the estimated amount of Rs. 14.16 crores. The Authority notes that TKIAL has
considered the same as 100% Aeronautical which the authority proposes to re-allocate based on the
prescribed allocation ratio of 96.44%:3.56% (refer para 10.2.6) which works out to Rs. 9.99 crores, which
the Authority proposes considering for FY 2022-23. However, the Authority proposes to consider the
average annual employee cost as given in the above paragraph along with a Y-o-Y growth of 6% from FY
2023-24 for the computing the Manpower expenses of TKIAL employees for the remaining four tariff
years, i.e., FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27.
• The details of Manpower expenses of TKIAL employees claimed by TKIAL and that proposed by the
Authority are summarized in the table below.
Table 167: Manpower Cost of TKIAL Employees claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority
for TCP
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Aeronautical employee count 150 300 350 400 400
TKIAL employee cost 14.16 32.18 51.12 64.89 76.13 238.48
Growth rate 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00% 10.00%
As per the Authority
Aeronautical employee count 101 133 302 351 361
TKIAL employee cost 9.99 14.62 28.38 45.17 52.21 150.37
Growth rate 6.00% 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
Note – The Manpower cost for the FY 2022-23 is based on actuals reported by TKIAL after applying the prescribed allocation ratio
proposed by the Authority in para 10.2.6.
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10.2.18 The employee cost proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period based on revised Aeronautical
Employee Headcount, cost and ratio as analysed above is shown below.
Table 168: Manpower expenses of Aeronautical Employees proposed by the Authority for the Third
Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
AAI employee cost 69.04 75.94 73.33 67.36 74.10 359.77
TKIAL employee cost 14.16 32.18 51.12 64.89 76.13 238.48
Total employee cost 83.20 108.11 124.45 132.25 150.23 598.24
As per the Authority
AAI employee cost (refer Table 163) 62.44 66.19 59.31 49.67 52.65 290.25
TKIAL employee cost (refer Table 167) 9.99 14.62 28.38 45.17 52.21 150.37
Total employee cost 72.43 80.81 87.69 94.84 104.86 440.63
Utility Expenses
The Authority examined the expenses towards Utilities and noted the following:
10.2.19 Electricity expenses: Airport Operator has projected the Electricity cost based on the following assumptions:
• Total units consumed for the FY 2022-23 were considered at 1.75 crores and is escalated in subsequent
years for the TCP based on the increase in area of the terminal building.
• Net recoveries from the concessionaires were considered at approximately 6% for FY 2022-23 based on
the actual consumption for the 9 months period from April 2022 to December 2022. It was considered at
7% in FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25, and 8% in FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27
• The per unit rate was considered at approximately Rs. 8.50 in FY 2022-23 based on the average rate for
the 9 months period from April 2022 to December 2022. This rate was escalated Y-o-Y at 10%
10.2.20 The Authority compared the actual Electricity costs (net of recoveries) for FY 2022-23 of Rs. 12.74 crores
with the projected cost of Rs. 13.98 crores. The Authority observes that the actuals expense incurred in FY
2022-23 appeared to be reasonable and proposes to allow Rs. 12.74 crores towards the Electricity expenses
for FY 2022-23. The Authority further proposes to apply Y-o-Y increase towards inflation (refer Table 153)
for the next four (4) tariff years on the derived expenses of FY 2022-23.
10.2.21 TKIAL has also proposed an additional one time increase of 6.24% in FY 2025-26 due to an increase in
terminal area because of refurbishment of existing terminals. The Authority, based on its view detailed in
para 10.2.14, proposes to consider an additional increase of 4.16% in the Electricity costs in FY 2026-27 in
line with the revised Capitalization Schedule proposed by the Authority.
10.2.22 Water and Fuel charges: TKIAL has projected the Water and Fuel charges for FY 2022-23 as Rs. 0.30 crore
and has proposed to consider a Y-o-Y increase of 28.5% in FY 2023-24, 15.5% in FY 2024-25, 9.5% in FY
2025-26 and 7.5% in FY 2026-27 based on projected passenger growth for the Third Control Period. The
Authority examined the actual expenses of Rs. 0.47 crores incurred by TKIAL in FY 2022-23 towards Water
and Fuel charges as against Rs. 0.30 crores projected in the MYTP and proposes to consider the actuals (i.e.,
Rs. 0.47 crores) for FY 2022-23. Also, the Authority proposes to apply Y-o-Y increase towards inflation for
the remaining four (4) tariff years on such actual expenses, as per Table 153.
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10.2.23 The Authority also proposes to allocate the water and fuel charges into Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical
based on the Gross Block ratio.
10.2.24 As mentioned in the above paragraph for the Electricity expenses, the Authority proposes to allow the one-
time increase of 4.16% in the FY 2026-27 towards the increase in area of the Terminal Building in line with
the revised Capitalization Schedule proposed by the Authority.
10.2.25 The details of Utility expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority are summarized in the table
below.
Table 169: Utility expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control
Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Electricity Cost 13.98 15.22 16.74 19.35 21.29 86.58
Water & Fuel Expense 0.30 0.39 0.45 0.49 0.52 2.14
Total Utility expenses 14.28 15.60 17.18 19.84 21.81 88.72
As per the Authority
Electricity Cost 12.74 12.78 13.06 13.41 14.50 66.50
Water & Fuel Expense 0.46 0.46 0.48 0.50 0.54 2.44
Total Utility expenses 13.20 13.24 13.54 13.91 15.04 68.94
Note – The Utility cost for the FY 22-23 is based on actuals reported by TKIAL after applying the prescribed allocation ratio proposed
by the Authority in para 10.2.7
IT Expenses, Rates & Taxes and Security Expenses
10.2.26 TKIAL has claimed Y-o-Y increase for IT Expenses, Rates & Taxes and Security Expenses as per the table
below.
Table 170: Y-o-Y increase in IT Expenses, Rates & Taxes and Security Expenses as submitted by
TKIAL for the Third Control Period
Particulars Base FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27
IT expenses Employee Growth - 100.00% 16.67% 14.29% 5.00%
Rates & taxes Inflation Growth - 5.00% 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
Security expenses Passenger Growth - 28.49% 15.52% 9.45% 7.47%
10.2.27 TKIAL has also considered an additional increase of 6.24% during FY 2025-26, due to the proposed increase
in the Terminal Building area, for the aforementioned expenses.
10.2.28 The Authority examined the actual expenses incurred by TKIAL during FY 2022-23 for the aforementioned
expenses as tabulated below. The Authority proposes to consider the same for FY 2022-23.
Table 171: Comparison of Projection vs Actuals for FY 2022-23
(Rs. in crores)
FY 23 projections in FY 23 actuals as per
Particulars FY 23 as per the Authority
MYTP TKIAL
IT expenses 6.00 4.50 4.50
Rates & taxes 1.00 0.55 0.55
Security expenses 6.77 8.03 8.03
10.2.29 In respect of the Y-o-Y growth rate claimed by TKIAL, the Authority proposes to revise the same as per
inflation rates proposed in Table 153 across the remaining four (4) tariff years of the Third Control Period.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 197 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
10.2.30 Further, the Authority proposes to allow one-time escalation towards increase in area of the Terminal
Building for the aforementioned expenses as mentioned in para 10.2.14 above. Also, the authority proposes
to allocate the expenses into Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical based on the ratios as given in Table 158.
10.2.31 IT Expenses, Rates & Taxes and Security Expenses claimed by TKIAL and allowed by the Authority are
summarized in the table below:
Table 172: IT expenses, Rates & taxes and Security expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the
Authority for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
IT expenses 6.00 12.00 14.00 16.87 17.72 66.59
Rates & taxes 1.00 1.05 1.10 1.23 1.29 5.67
Security expenses 6.77 8.70 10.06 11.63 12.50 49.67
As per the Authority
IT expenses 4.39 4.40 4.57 4.74 5.12 23.22
Rates & taxes 0.50 0.50 0.52 0.54 0.59 2.65
Security expenses 7.84 7.86 8.16 8.47 9.14 41.46
Note – The expenses for the FY 2022-23 are based on actuals reported by TKIAL after applying the prescribed allocation ratio
proposed by the Authority in para 10.2.8 and 10.2.11.
Corporate Support Service expenses
10.2.32 TKIAL has claimed Corporate Support Service expenses of Rs. 15.00 crores towards support services
received from the Holding Companies, namely AEL and AAHL, for the FY 2022-23 and projected 100%
increase in FY 2023-24, 16.7% in FY 2024-25, 14.3% in FY 2025-26 and 5% in FY 2026-27 during the Third
Control Period.
10.2.33 The Authority observes from the note provided by TKIAL, that it has engaged an independent consultant to
conduct a Study on Corporate Cost allocation and based on the Study Report, they have submitted the
following with respect to corporate cost allocation:
• AEL provides various strategic functions/activities like corporate finance, legal, central procurement,
green initiative, ESG, Information technology, human resource management, etc., and also includes
various leadership functions. AAHL through its corporate structure, provides expertise and specialist
domain knowledge in Airports Operation, Airside Management, Master Planning, Designing, Airport
Development, Airport Regulatory, Hospitality, Customer management, Cargo Development and
management, Airline Marketing, Non-Aeronautical etc.
• AEL and AAHL incur costs at the corporate level to provide these services and support to various Group
Companies (including Airports) and Airport companies. The major composition of these costs includes
salaries and administrative costs. These costs (except shareholders services and non-Aeronautical
services) are recovered by AEL and AAHL through a pre- determined, appropriate allocation method.
• Similar corporate cost allocation process is used by other private airport operators’ holding entities, such
as GMR Infrastructure Limited (GIL) and GMR Airports Limited (GAL), which provide corporate
administration services to DIAL and GHIAL, and their costs are allocated based on suitable drivers.
Similarly, AAI also allocates its Central Head Quarters (CHQ) / Regional Head Quarters (RHQ) costs to
various airports based on appropriate cost drivers.
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10.2.34 The Authority further examined the actual costs allocated to TRV for FY 2022-23 and observes that the same
is Rs. 16.55 crores as compared to the projection of Rs. 15 crores claimed in TKIAL’s MYTP submission.
The detailed break-up of the actual cost along with the basis of allocation submitted by TKIAL for the FY
2022-23 is as follows:
Table 173: Details of Actual Corporate Allocation cost incurred with allocation basis submitted by
TKIAL for FY 2022-23
(Rs. in crores)
Personnel
Department Allocation Key (Basis) Admin Cost Total
cost
AAHL
Ratio of Number of Employees of a
Human Resources & Admin Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to Total 0.47 1.87 2.34
Adani Group Employees
Ratio or Debt raised for a SPV to total
Finance 0.09 0.34 0.43
Debt raised for Airport Group
Operations (Airline
Ratio of Per PAX Revenue of SPV to total
Marketing, Operation, 1.05 4.18 5.23
Per PAX Revenue
Security, HSE, Regulatory)
Ratio of Number of IT users in a SPV to
Information Technology 0.12 0.46 0.58
total IT users in all airports
Ratio of Legal Budget of a SPV to Total
Inhouse Legal Team 0.03 0.12 0.15
Legal Budget of all airports
Ratio of Per PAX Revenue of a SPV to
Cargo Development 0.02 0.07 0.09
total Per PAX Revenue of all airports
Ratio of Per PAX Revenue of SPV to total
C. E.O Office 0.37 1.47 1.84
Per PAX Revenue
Total A 2.15 8.51 10.66
AEL
Ratio of Number of Employees of a SPV
HR & Admin 0.77 1.57 2.34
to Total Adani Group Employees
Ratio of Debt raised for a SPV to total
Debt raised for Adani Group, Ratio of
Turnover of a SPV to Total Group
Finance, Tax & Internal Audit 0.19 0.39 0.58
Turnover and Ratio of Full Time
Equivalents (FTE) allocated to a SPV to
total FTEs
Ratio of Number of IT users in a SPV to
IT 0.52 1.05 1.57
total Group users
Ratio of Legal Budget of a SPV to Total
Legal 0.01 0.02 0.03
Legal Budget of all airports
Ratio of a SPV Profit Before Tax (PBT)
to Group PBT and Airport budgeted
CMD Office & Support Staff 0.45 0.92 1.37
expenditure to Total budgeted
expenditure
Ratio of Turnover of a SPV to Total
Procurement - - -
Group Turnover
Land & Estate Ratio of a SPV PBT to Group PBT - - -
Total B 1.94 3.95 5.89
Grand Total A+B 4.09 12.46 16.55
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 199 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
10.2.35 TKIAL has submitted that the activities of certain Functions such as Finance, HR & Admin and IT are
performed both centrally at Corporate (AEL, AAHL) and at individual Airports. The same has been detailed
as follows:
• Activities performed at Corporate level: These are strategic, decision-making activities that are carried
out across the Group such as:
• Designing policies and procedures, benchmarking and standardization of processes across the Group
• Monitoring annual budgeting process
• Implementation of ERP for the Group (particularly Finance and HR functions)
• Reviewing performance of the Group and providing guidance to Group Companies
• Maintaining Adani Airports Information Repository, standards in software development and
networking.
• Identifying new revenue generating IT services, technologies and solutions.
• Activities performed at the Airport: These are operational in nature which includes:
• Recording of Financial data in ERP
• Preparation of monthly MIS for presenting it to corporate team
• Financial due diligence of various proposals.
• Conducting interviews at site level for hiring of manpower and managing manpower at the site.
• Executing Performance appraisal process and providing feedback to corporate team.
• Executing day-to-day IT requirements at the Airport.
• Maintaining airport related IT assets such as AODB, FIDS, software used in AOCC, etc.
• Support HO/Corporate IT team in the areas of IT Strategy, delivery, and Governance.
10.2.36 The Authority notes that AEL on an overall basis, extends support and guidance to various Group Companies
and AAHL provides expertise and specialist domain knowledge to the Airport Companies, which are essential
for the sustainable operations of the business. The major composition of the costs of these services includes
salaries and administrative costs that are recovered by AEL and AAHL through an appropriate allocation
method. Further, this process is consistent with the approach followed by other PPP airports such as DIAL,
GHIAL etc. for allocation of corporate costs to the Airports. Based on the above factors, the Authority
considers the apportionment of costs of AEL and AAHL to TKIAL as reasonable.
10.2.37 The actual cost allocated to TKIAL for FY 2022-23 is Rs. 16.55 crores. The Authority notes that the actual
cost submitted for FY 2022-23 was Rs. 16.53 crores and therefore proposes to consider same as compared to
the projected cost of Rs. 15.00 crores. However, the Authority observes that the aforementioned projected
cost includes the allocated costs of legal team of AEL and AAHL, which is in addition to the cost of
employees of Legal department available at TRV, already considered under the manpower expenses of
TKIAL (refer Table 166 above) and is not justified. Hence, the Authority proposes to exclude Rs. 0.18 crores
from the Corporate Allocation cost submitted by TKIAL and allow the remaining amount of Rs. 16.35 crores
for FY 2022-23.
10.2.38 Further the Authority observes that Salary cost constitutes the major portion of the Corporate Cost and hence,
the Authority proposes to rationalize the increase claimed by TKIAL to 6% Y-o-Y across all the remaining
four (4) tariff years in the Third Control Period, which is in line with the increase proposed for Manpower
expenses in Table 167.
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10.2.39 The details of Corporate Allocation Expense claimed by TKIAL and allowed by the Authority are
summarized in the table below:
Table 174: Corporate Allocation expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the
Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Corporate Allocation 15.00 30.00 35.00 40.00 42.00 162.00
As per the Authority
Corporate Allocations 15.77 16.72 17.72 18.78 19.91 88.91
Note – The Corporate Allocation expenses for the FY 2022-23 is based on actuals reported by TKIAL after deducting the costs
incurred by the inhouse legal department and applying the prescribed allocation ratio proposed by the Authority in para 10.2.10.
Administrative Expenses – Collection Charges on UDF
10.2.40 The Authority notes that while TKIAL has projected the Administrative Expenses – Collection Charges on
UDF for FY 2022-23 as Rs. 0.86 crores, the actual expense incurred is only Rs. 0.63 crores. Hence, the
Authority proposes to consider the actuals for FY 2022-23.
10.2.41 Further the Authority proposes to consider the increase in Collection charges for UDF in line with the growth
in Passenger traffic proposed for the Third Control Period for TKIAL, as per Table 90.
10.2.42 The details of Administrative Expenses – Collection charges on UDF claimed by TKIAL and proposed by
the Authority have been summarized in the table below:
Table 175: Administrative expenses (collection charges on UDF) claimed by TKIAL and proposed by
the Authority for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Administrative Expenses - Collection Charges on UDF 0.86 1.11 1.28 1.40 1.51 6.17
As per the Authority
Administrative Expenses - Collection Charges on UDF 0.63 0.78 0.86 0.99 1.06 4.33
Note – The Administrative expenses (collection charges on UDF) for the FY 2022-23 is based on actuals reported by TKIAL after
applying the prescribed allocation ratio proposed by the Authority in para 10.2.9.
Administrative Expenses - Others
10.2.43 TKIAL has projected Rs. 15 crores for FY 2022-23 with an increase of 10% Y-o-Y (includes increase due to
inflation at 5% and 5% for any contingency for change in scope, overtime and escalation) for Administrative
and General Expenses towards consultancy expenses, advertisement, travel, audit, printing & stationery,
office expenses, communication costs and business promotion. The Authority notes that TKIAL has actually
incurred Administrative and general expenses of Rs. 14.26 crores for FY 2022-23 as compared to the
projection of Rs. 15 crores in the MYTP. Accordingly, the Authority proposes to consider the actuals for FY
2022-23.
10.2.44 The Authority also notes that TKIAL has considered an increase of Rs. 21 crores in FY 2023-24 from the
previous year’s expense. On enquiry, TKIAL informed vide reply to query dated 3rd September 2023, that
“The increase in admin expenses is due to expected increase in professional fees for various activities for
improvement in passenger experience and operations.” The Authority proposes not to consider this increase
in expense as no detailed rationale has been provided by the Airport Operator.
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10.2.45 The Authority proposes to consider inflationary effect as per Table 153, on such actual administrative
expenses across the remaining four tariff years in the Third Control Period, in line with the other similar
airports.
10.2.46 The details of Administrative Expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority have been
summarized in the table below:
Table 176: Administrative expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third
Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Administrative Expenses – Others 15.00 36.00 39.60 43.56 47.92 182.08
As per the Authority
Administrative Expenses – Others 13.92 13.96 14.49 15.04 15.61 73.02
Note – The Administrative expenses for the FY 2022-23 is based on actuals reported by TKIAL after applying the prescribed
allocation ratio proposed by the Authority in para 10.2.9.
Insurance
10.2.47 The Authority has examined the expense claimed by TKIAL towards Insurance and notes the following:
i. Insurance on Opening Net block of assets – TKIAL has claimed Rs. 2.00 crores in FY 2022-23 and an
increase of 10% Y-o-Y (including 5% towards inflation) for Insurance expenses on the Opening Net
block of Assets. The Authority notes that the actual cost incurred in FY 2022-23 is Rs. 1.82 crores for
FY 2022-23 and proposes to consider the same for FY 2022-23. The Authority also proposes to consider
Y-o-Y escalation based on the inflation rate proposed in Table 153. Further, the Authority has derived
the Aeronautical expenses by applying the Gross Block Ratio as per Table 158.
ii. Insurance on New Capital Expenditure – TKIAL has also claimed Insurance expense at the rate of
0.10% of the new additions to the gross block assets for each tariff year. The Authority reviewed the
same and proposes to consider the expense at the same rate of 0.10% on the revised gross block of
capitalized Aeronautical Assets that are proposed as part of RAB (refer Table 147).
10.2.48 The details of insurance expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority are shown below:
Table 177: Insurance expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third
Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Insurance on Opening Block of Assets 2.00 2.20 2.42 2.66 2.93 12.21
Insurance on Assets added during the Second Control
0.06 0.37 1.48 2.48 4.01 8.40
Period
Total Insurance expense 2.06 2.57 3.90 5.14 6.94 20.61
As per the Authority
Insurance on Opening Block of Assets 1.78 1.78 1.85 1.92 1.99 9.32
Insurance on Assets added during the Second Control
- 0.06 0.24 1.12 1.31 2.74
Period
Total Insurance expenses 1.78 1.84 2.09 3.04 3.30 12.06
Note – The Insurance expenses for the FY 2022-23 is based on actuals reported by TKIAL after applying the prescribed allocation
ratio proposed by the Authority in para 10.2.8.
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R&M Expenses
10.2.49 The Authority examined the expenses towards Repairs and Maintenance and noted that the same has been
categorized as towards Civil, Electrical, Plant and machinery, Electronics and Others.
i. Repairs and Maintenance on Opening Net block of Assets – TKIAL has claimed Rs. 28.85 crores in
FY 2022-23 towards Repairs and Maintenance for Opening gross block of Assets and an increase of 10%
Y-o-Y (including expected increase in inflation by 5% and another 5% allowance provided for any
contingency for change in scope, overtime, escalation etc.).
ii. Repairs and Maintenance on New Capital Expenditure – TKIAL has also claimed Repairs and
Maintenance expense at the rate of 3% of the opening gross block of new assets for each tariff year.
10.2.50 The Authority as part of its review notes that the actual R&M expense incurred by TKIAL for FY 2022-23
is Rs. 25.26 crores (lower than TKIAL’s estimate of Rs. 28.85 crores in the MYTP) and proposes to consider
the same.
10.2.51 The Authority is of the view that TRV is a brownfield airport, wherein Capital Additions have been newly
proposed for the Third Control Period. The newly constructed/installed assets need lesser maintenance than
the already commissioned ones in use. The Authority, therefore, proposes to consider actuals for FY 2022-
23 and restrict the total repairs and maintenance expenses claimed by TKIAL to 6% of the Opening Net block
of Aeronautical Assets for the respective FYs.
10.2.52 The amount claimed by TKIAL, and the estimate proposed by the Authority is shown in the table below:
Table 178: Repairs and Maintenance on Opening Net block of Assets claimed by TKIAL and Proposed
by the Authority for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
R&M on Opening Block of Assets 28.85 31.73 34.91 38.40 42.24 176.13
R&M on Assets added during the TCP - 2.43 11.62 44.92 74.95 133.92
Total R&M expenses 28.85 34.17 46.53 83.32 117.18 310.04
As per the Authority
Opening RAB during the TCP (A) 457.94 458.55 489.59 627.23 1,443.02
6% of Opening RAB (B) 27.48 27.51 29.38 37.63 86.58 208.58
R&M as submitted by TKIAL (C) 24.64 34.17 46.53 83.32 117.18 305.84
Revised R&M expenses (MIN[B,C]) 24.64 27.51 29.38 37.63 86.58 205.75
Note – The expenses for the FY 2022-23 are based on actuals reported by TKIAL after applying the prescribed allocation ratio
proposed by the Authority in para 10.2.11.
Other Operating Expenses
10.2.53 TKIAL has claimed Other Operating Expenses of Rs. 19 crores in FY 2022-23 towards housekeeping and
upkeep expenses (includes cleaning & housekeeping Services, pest control services, cleaning of public toilet,
providing biomedical waste management services, garbage collection services etc.), horticulture expenses
and outsourced manpower/hire charges (includes Operations of Bird Scarers for Wildlife Hazard
Management (WHM), customer service executive, guest relation executive etc. and a trolley management
O&M contract) and an increase of 50.00% in FY 2023-24, 15.52% in FY 2024-25, 9.45% in FY 2025-26 and
7.47% in FY 2026-27. Further, TKIAL has sought a one-time increase of 6.24% in FY 2025-26 due to
refurbishment of existing terminal.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 203 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
10.2.54 The Authority notes that TKIAL has incurred actual expenses of Rs. 17.96 crores for FY 2022-23 as against
the projected amount of Rs. 19.00 crores in the MYTP. It is observed that the majority of the actual expenses
have been incurred towards MESS, ESS, maintenance of Terminal area and horticulture expenses for which
TKIAL has already issued the LOA / Contract to the third-party vendor. Considering the same, the Authority
proposes to consider the actual expenses of Rs. 17.96 crores for FY 2022-23 and the base cost of the
LOA/Contracts issued of Rs. 19.99 crores for FY 2023-24. However, in respect of Y-o-Y growth rate claimed,
the Authority notes that TKIAL has sought increase in line with the increase in passengers. The Authority
notes that these costs do not increase in line with growth in traffic. Hence, the Authority proposes to consider
increase for future years in line with the rate of inflation proposed in Table 153 together with the increase
towards Terminal Area increase as proposed in para 10.2.14.
10.2.55 Based on the above, the Authority’s proposal for Other Operating Expenses as against TKIAL’s submission
is shown below:
Table 179: Other Operating Expense claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third
Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Other operating expenses 19.00 28.50 32.92 38.09 40.94 159.45
As per the Authority
Other operating expenses 16.16 17.99 18.67 19.38 20.92 93.12
Note – The Other Operating Expenses for the FY 2022-23 is based on actuals reported by TKIAL after applying the prescribed
allocation ratio proposed by the Authority in para 10.2.11.
Independent Engineer Cost
10.2.56 TKIAL has claimed Independent Engineer Cost of Rs. 3.78 crores for FY 2022-23 and claimed an increase
of 5% Y-o-Y from FY 2025-26. As per the information provided, AAI appointed M/s Rites Limited as an
Independent Engineer for 3 years with a total cost of Rs. 11.86 crores (Rs. 3.78 crores annually). The extract
of the relevant clauses is as below:
Clause 24.1.2 states
“The appointment of the Independent Engineer shall be made within 90 (ninety) days of the date of execution
of this Agreement, and such appointment shall be valid for a period of 3 (three) years. On the expiry or
termination of the said appointment, the Authority shall appoint an Independent Engineer for a further term
of 3 (three) years in accordance with the provisions of Schedule K, and such procedure shall be repeated
after expiry of each appointment.”
Clause 24.3.1 states
“The remuneration, cost and expenses of the Independent Engineer shall be paid by the Authority, and all
such remuneration, cost and expenses shall be reimbursed by the Concessionaire to the Authority within 15
(fifteen) days of receiving a statement of expenditure from the Authority. Any amounts paid to the Independent
Engineer shall be considered for a pass-through for the determination of the Aeronautical Charges by the
Regulator.”
10.2.57 The Authority notes that AAI had appointed RITES Limited as the Independent Engineer with effect from
25th October 2021 with the responsibility of reviewing the projects being carried out by TKIAL on site and
submitting necessary reports to TKIAL.
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10.2.58 The Authority also notes that as per Clause 24 and Schedule K of the Concession Agreement, AAI is required
to appoint the Independent Engineer initially for a period of 3 years and thereafter for every 3 years. AAI has
executed the contract with the Independent Engineer at a fee of Rs. 11.35 crores. TKIAL has projected the
Independent Engineer Cost based on the same together with considering an inflation of 5% for the last two
tariff years for the Third Control Period.
10.2.59 The Authority also examined the actual expense of Rs. 3.41 crores for FY 2022-23 and proposes to consider
the same for FY 2022-23. For the remaining four (4) tariff years the Authority proposes to consider the cost
as per TKIAL submission. However, the Authority proposes not to allow inflation of 5% as submitted by
TKIAL.
Amortization of runway recarpeting expenses
10.2.60 TKIAL has projected an amortization of Rs. 20 crores towards expenditure on Runway Recarpeting works
over a period of five (5) FYs starting from FY 2024-25. The Authority notes that TKIAL has also claimed a
return on the average unamortized portion of the Runway Recarpeting expense each year.
10.2.61 On cost estimate for recarpeting, TKIAL has submitted that
“The previous runway recarpeting was carried out by AAI in FY16-17. The next runway recarpeting is now
proposed in FY24-25. Only resurfacing is proposed hence there will be no change in PCN value.
The previous runway recarpeting was done in FY2016-17 by AAI for approx. cost of INR 56 crores. After
applying necessary inflation factor from FY17 to FY23 (considered 60% increase though Bitumen index has
changed by over 80% during the period i.e. the cost will be close to Rs. 90 Crs as of date.”
10.2.62 The Authority notes that the TKIAL has submitted a base cost of Rs. 78.43 crores as the cost of runway
recarpeting in the submission on the proposed capital addition during the Third Control Period. The Authority
proposes to consider this base cost along with indexation amounting to Rs. 81.65 crores as the cost of runway
recarpeting and proposes to amortize the same over five (5) years as detailed in Authority’s Order No.
35/2017-18 dated 12th January 2018. Accordingly, the Authority has considered the cost for the years FY
2024-25, FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27.
10.2.63 The Authority also notes that the cost incurred on runway recarpeting is proposed to be amortized over five
(5) years as per Order No. 35/2017-18. Accordingly, a return equal to FRoR is proposed to be provided on
the unamortized portion of runway recarpeting expenses. Computation for the same is as follows:
Table 180: Return on unamortized portion of Runway recarpeting proposed by the Authority
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Opening Balance A - - - 65.32 48.99
Runway recarpeting expense incurred
B - - 81.65 - - 81.65
during the year
Runway recarpeting amortized during
C - - 16.33 16.33 16.33 48.99
the year
D = A + B
Closing Balance - - 65.32 48.99 32.66
- C
FRoR (refer Table 151) F 12.21% 12.21% 12.21% 12.21% 12.21%
Return on unamortized portion of
G = A * F - - - 7.98 5.98 13.96
recarpeting expenses
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 205 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
10.2.64 Based on the above, the Authority proposes to consider the following with respect to runway recarpeting for
the Third Control Period
Table 181: Runway recarpeting expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the
Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Runway Re-carpeting costs - - 20.00 20.00 20.00 60.00
Return on unamortized portion of recarpeting expenses - - 5.90 10.33 7.38 23.61
Total runway recarpeting expenses - - 25.90 30.33 27.38 83.61
As per the Authority
Runway Re-carpeting costs - - 16.33 16.33 16.33 48.99
Return on unamortized portion of recarpeting expenses - - - 7.98 5.98 13.96
Total runway recarpeting expenses - - 16.33 24.31 22.31 62.95
Fuel Operating Expenses
10.2.65 Clause 19.3 of the Concession Agreement stipulates TKIAL’s obligations towards providing aircraft fueling
services (refer Annexure 4 in Chapter 17 of this Consultation Paper)
10.2.66 TKIAL has submitted total Fuel O&M expenses of Rs. 50.52 crores based on the following assumptions
regarding Fuel facility Operations:
• TKIAL has projected that the Fuel farm facility operations will commence from July 2023 onwards (i.e.,
8-month period in FY 2023-24) and continue for the remaining three (3) tariff years of the Third Control
Period.
• TKIAL has estimated the Fuel Throughput volume at the rate of approximately 5 KL per ATM for the
Total ATM traffic projected in each tariff year.
• Further, TKIAL has submitted that they will outsource the Fuel facility operations to a third-party vendor,
who will manage the facility on a ‘minimum guarantee’ amount up to specified quantity of 1,00,000 KL
(i.e., fixed amount per year) and beyond the specified quantity of 1,00,000KL, on the basis of agreed Rate
/ KL (i.e., variable rate). The rates detailed in the Letter of Award issued by TKIAL to the vendor are as
follows:
Table 182: Fixed and Variable Fuel O&M rates claimed by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
Particulars UoM Quantity Rate (Rs.) Amount (Rs. in crores)
Fixed: Up to 1,00,000 KL Month 12 76,86,508 9.22
Variable: Beyond 1,00,000 KL per KL - 275 -
• Additionally, TKIAL has projected an increase of 5% towards inflation Y-o-Y on both the fixed amount
and variable rate / KL payable to the Vendor.
• Apart from the above, TKIAL has projected the Rental cost of bowsers amounting to Rs. 1.20 crores in
FY 2023-24 and Rs. 1.26 crores in FY 2024-25. The Authority notes that TKIAL has, in the MYTP,
submitted that since the delivery of the new refuelers/bowsers have a lead time of 9-12 months, TKIAL
will hire refuelers/bowsers on rental basis for the first year of operations. The rental cost has been
estimated for six months each in the Second and Third years of Operations i.e., FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-
25 after which TKIAL expects to have a sufficient number of its own refuellers to run the operations.
10.2.67 The Authority examined the above relating to Fuel Farm Operations and the Authority’s views are as under:
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 206 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
• The Authority has examined the Fixed and Variable O&M rates in Ahmedabad and Lucknow airports.
The Authority proposes to accept the average of the said rates for the two airports, i.e., Rs. 0.77 crores per
month and Rs. 270 per KL, respectively for Fixed and Variable Fuel O&M expenses. TKIAL, vide reply
to query dated 10th January 2024, has submitted that the IOCL & BPCL Asset procurement was under
planning stage. Therefore, the Authority had in its examination of capital expenditure submitted by
TKIAL, proposed to consider the capitalization of the same in FY 2024-25 (refer para 7.3.96).
Accordingly, the Authority proposes to consider the estimated cost (both fixed and variable)
proportionately for six months during FY 2024-25.
• The Authority notes that TKIAL has subsequently shared the actual fuel throughput per ATM for each
month of FY 2022-23. Based on the same, the Authority has worked out the average fuel throughput per
ATM as 5.83 and proposes to consider the same along with the ATM traffic as per Table 90 to arrive at
the fuel throughput for the three tariff years starting from FY 2024-25.
• The Authority proposes to consider the inflation rate as detailed in Table 153 above, to consider the
increase for both fixed and variable O&M expenses for the remaining years in the Control Period.
• The Authority has noted TKIAL's submission that the rental expense is based on the actual cost incurred
at Ahmedabad and Lucknow Airport which works out to an average of Rs. 1.98 crores for 12 months. The
Authority proposes to allow this rental cost proportionately for six months in FY 2024-25 and six months
in FY 2025-26.
10.2.68 Based on all the above proposals, the total Fuel O&M expenses proposed by the Authority have been shown
below:
Table 183: Fixed and Variable Fuel O&M expenses claimed by TKIAL vs proposed by the Authority
for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars (Rs. in crores) FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
O&M Expenses - 8.53 12.07 13.17 14.29 48.06
Bowser Rental - 1.20 1.26 - - 2.46
Total fuel expenses - 9.73 13.33 13.17 14.29 50.52
As per the Authority
O&M Expenses
ATM Traffic (A) 24,594 31,708 36,504 39,823 42,685 1,75,314
Fuel throughput per ATM (KL/ATM) (B) - - 5.83 5.83 5.83
Fuel Throughput (KL) (C = A * B) - - 2,12,935 2,32,295 2,48,990 6,94,219
Fixed Fuel Throughput (KL) (D) - - 1,00,000 1,00,000 1,00,000 3,00,000
Variable Fuel Throughput (KL) (E = C – D) - - 1,12,935 1,32,295 1,48,990 3,94,219
Factor for months in operation (F) - - 0.50 1.00 1.00
Fixed O&M expense up to 1,00,000 KL (G) - - 4.85 10.06 10.44 25.34
Inflation % - - - 3.80% 3.80%
Variable Fee per KL (Rs.) (H) - - 270.00 280.26 290.91
Inflation % - - - 3.80% 3.80%
Variable O&M expense exceeding 1,00,000
- - 1.52 3.71 4.33 9.57
KL (I = H * E * F)
O&M Expenses (J = G + I) - - 6.37 13.77 14.77 34.91
Bowser Rental
Bowser Rental for the year (K) - - 0.99 0.99 - 1.98
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 207 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Particulars (Rs. in crores) FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Total fuel expenses (L = J + K) - - 7.36 14.76 14.77 36.89
Cargo Operating Expenses
10.2.69 Clause 19.4.1 of the Concession Agreement stipulates TKIAL’s obligations towards upgrading, developing,
operating and maintaining the Cargo facilities in accordance with the provisions of the Concession
Agreement (refer Annexure 4 in Chapter 17 of this Consultation Paper).
10.2.70 TKIAL has projected total Cargo Operating expenses of Rs. 42.50 crores for the Third Control Period towards
in-house salary cost, outsourced O&M expenses and customs cost recovery. As per MYTP submission,
TKIAL started processing domestic cargo from August 2022 and proposed to start international cargo
operation from 1st April 2023 from an interim cargo facility till completion of construction of the new
International Cargo Complex in FY 2025-26. Further, Cargo expenses have been increased by 10% for the
remaining three (3) tariff years of the Third Control Period commencing from FY 2024-25.
10.2.71 The Authority examined the submission of TKIAL and notes that the outsourced contract for handling the
Cargo facility has been projected to commence from 1st April 2022. FY 2022-23 expenses were estimated at
a fixed cost of Rs. 0.18 crores per month. For FY 2023-24, charges have been considered at the rate of Rs.
3,000 per MT of Volume and thereafter projected for the remaining tariff years with a Y-o-Y increase of
10%.
10.2.72 In this regard, the Authority verified the Cargo O&M Services Agreement entered into by TKIAL with the
third-party vendor, for a period of one (1) year (extendable subject to mutual agreement on rates, terms and
conditions) and also the actual fixed cost per month agreed upon by both the parties for the entire tenure of
the Contract and notes that the actual rate for FY 2022-23 is Rs. 0.13 crores per month (as against Rs. 0.18
crores per month submitted in the MYTP). Accordingly, the same has been considered as a cost for FY 2022-
23.
10.2.73 Further, the Authority notes that based on the above rate of Rs. 0.18 crores per month for FY 2022-23, TKIAL
has claimed Rs. 1.44 crores of outsourced O&M expenses in their MYTP as against actual expenses of Rs.
0.86 crores incurred for FY 2022-23. Hence, the Authority proposes to consider the actual outsourced Cargo
O&M expenses of Rs. 0.86 crores for FY 2022-23.
10.2.74 The Authority also notes that the above agreement was subsequently extended by 1 year effective from 1st
April 2023 and the rate increased to Rs. 0.15 crores per month (an increase of 12.77% from the previous
year’s rate). The O&M expense for FY 2023-24 based on this rate amounts to Rs. 1.80 crores as against Rs.
1.95 crores claimed by TKIAL as outsourced O&M expenses in their MYTP submission. Therefore, the
Authority proposes to consider the expense of Rs. 1.80 crores as per the revised agreement for FY 2023-24.
10.2.75 The Authority notes that TKIAL has considered approximately Rs. 3,000 per tonne as basis for determining
the O&M cost for TRV. This rate was estimated based on the experience of Ahmedabad and Lucknow
airports. The Authority has examined the actual per tonne fee in Ahmedabad and Lucknow airports and
proposes to accept the average of the said fees for the two airports, i.e., Rs. 2,860 as the per tonne fee for FY
2022-23. The Authority also proposes to escalate this fee at inflationary growth rate (refer Table 153) as
against the increase of 10% submitted by TKIAL for arriving at the O&M expenses for the remaining three
(3) years of the current control period.
10.2.76 The Authority also notes that TKIAL has projected the cargo handling capacity by considering capitalization
of the new International Cargo Complex in FY 2025-26. TKIAL has also submitted in the response to queries
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dated 27th July 2023, that it expects to have a market share of 70% after the start of operation in the new cargo
facility for the last two tariff years of the Third Control Period. The cargo capacity proposed by TKIAL and
volume of cargo to be processed by TKIAL as proposed by the Authority is as given below.
Table 184: Cargo capacity and cargo volume processed by TKIAL as proposed by the Authority for
the Third Control Period
Particulars (in MT) FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Capacity proposed
Domestic Facility 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000
International - Interim Facility - 6,000 6,000 - -
International - New Facility - - - 25,000 25,000
Total 3,000 9,000 9,000 28,000 28,000
Cargo volume to be processed by TKIAL (refer Table 90)
Domestic 1,382 2,000 2,000 2,046 2,315 9,743
International - 750 6,000 23,680 25,645 56,074
Total 1,382 2,750 8,000 25,726 27,959 65,817
10.2.77 The Authority proposes to consider the cargo volume processed by TKIAL as per the above table for the
determination of O&M expenses.
Inhouse salary and Custom Cost Recovery
10.2.78 The Authority observes that TKIAL has projected salary costs for six (6) of their own employees comprising
supervisory staff and duty managers at an average annual salary of Rs. 0.16 crores per employee which works
out to a total in-house salary cost of approximately Rs. 1 crore per annum starting from FY 2023-24. Further,
this cost has been projected to increase proportionately with the increase in cargo volume handled by TKIAL
in addition to an increase of 10% Y-o-Y in each tariff year. The Authority notes that as of June 2023, there
is only one (1) employee. Also, TKIAL has informed vide reply to query dated 10th November 2023, that
they expect to onboard 3 employees by February 2024 and 2 employees by May 2024. The Authority
therefore proposes to recompute the inhouse salary cost based on the revised recruitment plan and also to
increase the annual average salary by 6% Y-o-Y (as against 10% claimed by TKIAL) in line with that allowed
for Manpower expense of AAI and TKIAL for the remaining three (3) tariff years of the Third Control period.
10.2.79 In addition to this, TKIAL has projected reimbursement of the salary cost of Customs officials who will be
handling the international cargo operations, under the head ‘Customs cost recovery’. The Authority notes that
TKIAL has taken over operations of both domestic and international cargo at TRV post-COD from
AAICLAS, which was handling the cargo operations earlier. As per the MYTP submission, TKIAL was
expected to begin the international cargo operation from 1st April 2023. As a result, TKIAL has estimated the
salary cost of five (5) Customs officials as per para 7 of Circular No. 02/2021-Customs dated 19th January
2021 issued by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance and arrived at Rs. 1.78 crores per annum as
the cost in FY 2023-24. However, in the reply to queries dated 08th November 2023, TKIAL has informed,
that the international cargo operation was expected to begin only by February 2024. Considering the revised
start date, the Authority proposes to prorate the ‘Customs cost recovery’ expense for FY 2023-24. The
Authority also proposes to consider Y-o-Y increase of 6% as against the 10% claimed by TKIAL in line with
that allowed for Manpower expense of AAI and TKIAL for the remaining three (3) tariff years of the Third
Control period. The Authority notes that Customs Cost recovery is waived off based on achievement of
certain volume threshold. While the Authority has currently considered the cost estimate provided by TKIAL,
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the Authority directs TKIAL to ensure that waiver of charges is obtained as soon as the volume limits are
reached.
10.2.80 The Authority’s proposal as compared to TKIAL’s submission is summarized in the table below:
Table 185: Cargo Operating expenses claimed by TKIAL and proposed by the Authority for the Third
Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Insourced salary - 1.00 1.35 2.39 2.86 7.61
O&M Cost 1.44 1.95 2.64 9.34 11.16 26.53
Customs Cost Recovery - 1.80 1.98 2.18 2.40 8.35
Total Insurance expenses 1.44 4.75 5.97 13.91 16.42 42.50
As per the Authority
Insourced salary
Employees at the beginning of the year - 1 4 6 6
Employee addition during the year - 3 2 - - 5
Employees at the end of the year - 4 6 6 6
Month in which new employee is hired - Feb-24 May-24 - -
Avg. Salary per annum (Rs. in crores) - 0.16 0.17 0.18 0.19
Y-o-Y Growth (%) - - 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
Insourced salary (A) - 0.24 0.99 1.08 1.14 3.45
O&M Cost
Actual O&M cost 0.86* 1.80** - - -
Total TRV Market Volume (MT) 16,722 27,796 32,891 36,751 39,942 1,54,102
Adani Share of TRV Market Volume (MT) 1,382 2,750 8,000 25,726 27,959 65,817
Adani Market Share (%) 8% 10% 24% 70% 70%
O&M fee per ton (Rs.) 2,860 2,869 2,978 3,091 3,208
Inflation (%) - 0.30% 3.80% 3.80% 3.80%
O&M Cost (B) 0.86 1.80 2.38 7.95 8.97 21.96
Customs Cost Recovery
Annual custom cost recovery (Rs. in crores) - 1.78 1.88 2.00 2.12
Y-o-Y Growth (%) - - 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
Months of Operation - 3.00 12.00 12.00 12.00
Customs Cost Recovery (C) - 0.44 1.88 2.00 2.12 6.44
Total Cargo O&M expenses (A+B+C) 0.86 2.48 5.25 11.03 12.23 31.85
* Based on actuals reported by TKIAL
** Based on the terms of the Cargo O&M Services Agreement with Bangalore Airport Terminal Services Pvt Ltd
Working Capital Interest, Annual Fee on Performance Bank Guarantee and Finance Charges
10.2.81 TKIAL has included the claim for Working Capital Interest and Finance charges as a separate line item than
the other operation and maintenance expenses. The Authority notes that TKIAL has computed working capital
interest based on the forecasted recovery of revenue and payment of expenses and has considered the entire
expense as aeronautical. As per TKIAL submission there is a requirement for working capital for all tariff
years of the Third Control Period.
10.2.82 The Authority has reviewed the computation of interest on working capital loan and verified the actuals for
FY 2022-23 whereby the Authority noted that there is no evidence of working capital interest being incurred
in the books of TRV for FY 2022-23. The Authority also reworked the cash flows based on the revised
aeronautical operating expenses, traffic, and aeronautical revenues. As per this revised computation, the
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 210 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
estimated interest on working capital loan amounts to Rs. 19.38 crores for the last four (4) tariff years of the
Third Control Period. The Authority, therefore, proposes to not consider the interest on working capital loan
in FY 2022-23 but consider Rs. 19.38 crores during computation of interest on working capital for the
remaining four (4) tariff years.
10.2.83 The Authority notes that TKIAL has taken a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of Rs. 80 crores for which
TKIAL has to pay an annual fee at 0.50% of the guaranteed amount. The Authority proposes to consider the
same as part of the costs for the current control period.
10.2.84 The Authority has reviewed the computation of interest on Finance Charges and notes that TKIAL has
considered finance charges at the rate of 1.50% of the debt drawn down during the current control period.
TKIAL has considered 65% of the total capital addition as being funded through debt for arriving at the debt
draw down during the current control period. The Authority also verified the actual bank charges for FY
2022-23 which works out to Rs. 0.05 crores and proposes to consider the same for the first tariff year of the
Third Control Period. For the remaining four (4) tariff years, the Authority has recomputed the Finance
Charges by considering 48% (refer para 8.2.11) of the revised total capital addition, i.e. Rs. 1,374.57 crores
(refer Table 137) as being funded through debt. As per this revised computation, the estimated finance charges
amounted to Rs. 9.69 crores for the remaining four (4) years of the Third Control Period. The Authority notes
that there is an increase in finance charges of 421% in FY 2025-26 in comparison to the previous year due to
the capitalization of the project upgradation and expansion of Terminal T-II. The Authority, therefore,
proposes to consider Rs. 0.05 crores for FY 2022-23 and Rs. 9.69 crores for computing the finance charges
for the remaining four (4) tariff years of the current control period.
10.2.85 The Authority also proposes to consider the allocation of these expenses as given below:
• Finance Charges based on the revised Gross Block Ratio of 97.57%:2.43%
• Working Capital Interest to be considered as Aeronautical as the expense is computed based on
aeronautical operating expenses and aeronautical revenues.
• PBG charges to be considered as Aeronautical based on the Clause 9.1.1 of the Concession Agreement
which states that “The Concessionaire shall, for the performance of its obligations during Phase I
hereunder, provide to the Authority, no later than 20 (one hundred and twenty) days from the date of this
Agreement, an irrevocable and unconditional guarantee from a Bank for a sum equivalent to Rs.
80,00,00,000 (Rupees Eighty Crore) in the form set forth in Schedule E ("Performance Security"). Until
such time the Performance Security is provided by the Concessionaire pursuant hereto and the same
comes into effect, the Bid Security shall remain in force and effect, and upon such provision of the
Performance Security.”
10.2.86 The Authority’s proposal as compared to TKIAL’s submission is summarized in the table below:
Table 186: Working Capital Interest, Annual Fees for PBG and Finance Charges claimed by TKIAL
and proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
As per TKIAL
Finance Charges - 37.02 - - - 37.02
Annual Fees for Performance BG 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 2.00
Working Capital Interest 0.67 3.42 8.27 11.81 13.26 37.43
As per the Authority
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 211 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Finance Charges 0.05 0.46 1.26 6.59 1.09 9.46
Annual Fees for Performance BG 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 2.00
Working Capital Interest - 3.39 4.93 5.41 5.65 19.38
Note – The expenses for the FY 2022-23 are based on actuals reported by TKIAL after applying the prescribed allocation ratio
proposed by the Authority in para 10.2.85.
10.2.87 Considering the changes above, the Authority has recalculated the aeronautical operation and maintenance
expenditure for Third Control Period as follows:
Table 187:Aeronautical operation and maintenance expenses proposed by the Authority for the Third
Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. FY 23* FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
O&M expenses
Manpower costs: AAI employees Table 163 62.44 66.19 59.31 49.67 52.65 290.25
Manpower costs: TKIAL
Table 167 9.99 14.62 28.38 45.17 52.21 150.37
employees
Utility Expenses Table 169 13.20 13.24 13.54 13.91 15.04 68.94
IT expenses Table 172 4.39 4.40 4.57 4.74 5.12 23.22
Rates & taxes Table 172 0.50 0.50 0.52 0.54 0.59 2.65
Security expenses Table 172 7.84 7.86 8.16 8.47 9.14 41.46
Corporate Allocation Table 174 15.77 16.72 17.72 18.78 19.91 88.91
Administrative Expenses -
Table 175 0.63 0.78 0.86 0.99 1.06 4.33
Collection charges on UDF
Administrative Expenses - Others Table 176 13.92 13.96 14.49 15.04 15.61 73.02
Insurance Table 177 1.78 1.84 2.09 3.04 3.30 12.06
R&M Table 178 24.64 27.51 29.38 37.63 86.58 205.75
Other operating expenses** Table 179 16.16 17.99 18.67 19.38 20.92 93.12
Independent Engineer Fees Para 10.2.59 3.41 3.78 3.78 3.78 3.78 18.54
Runway recarpeting Table 181 - - 16.33 24.31 22.31 62.95
Total O&M expenses (A) 174.66 189.40 217.79 245.46 308.25 1,135.56
Fuel Operating expenses
O&M Expenses - - 6.37 13.77 14.77 34.91
Table 183
Bowser Rental - - 0.99 0.99 - 1.98
Total Fuel O&M expenses (B) - - 7.36 14.76 14.77 36.89
Cargo Operating expenses
Inhouse salary cost - 0.24 0.99 1.08 1.14 3.45
O&M Cost Table 185 0.86 1.80 2.38 7.95 8.97 21.96
Customs Cost Recovery - 0.44 1.88 2.00 2.12 6.44
Total Cargo O&M expenses (C) 0.86 2.48 5.25 11.03 12.23 31.85
Finance Charges (D) 0.05 0.46 1.26 6.59 1.09 9.46
Annual Fees for Performance Bank
Table 186 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 2.00
Guarantee (E)
Working Capital Interest (F) - 3.39 4.93 5.41 5.65 19.38
Total Aeronautical O&M
175.97 196.12 237.01 283.65 342.39 1,235.14
expenses (A+B+C+D+E+F)
* FY 2022-23 is based on actuals reported by TKIAL after applying the prescribed allocation ratio proposed by the Authority in
Table 158.
** Other operating expenses include Upkeep and maintenance of Terminal complex, Horticulture expenses, outsourced contractor
cost for providing facility management, trolley management, flight data management, daily emergency handling services etc.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 212 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
As can be seen above, the total O&M expenses proposed by the Authority for the Third Control Period is Rs.
1,235.14 crores as compared to Rs. 1,845.36 crores submitted by TKIAL. Following are the key reasons
based on the adjustments, revisions and rationalization carried out by the Authority:
A. Consideration of actual expenses for FY 2022-23 – Impact of Rs. 16.89 crores
B. Revision in growth rates of various expenses, consideration of Finance Charges, Annual fees for
Performance Bank Guarantee, Working Capital Interest, etc. – Impact of Rs. 543.31 crores
C. Re-allocation of the expenses into aeronautical, non-aeronautical and common – Impact of Rs. 46.81
crores
D. Rationalization of Employee Head Count – Impact of Rs. 3.22 crores
E. Rationalization of costs in certain categories is due to changes made by the Authority in certain capital
expenditure projects including the timing of capitalization and the cost estimation.
10.2.88 Based on the above considerations, the Authority proposes the following growth rates in Operation &
Maintenance (O&M) expenses, Fuel Operating expenses and Cargo Operating expenses, as compared to the
projections submitted by TKIAL.
Table 188: Growth rates in O&M expenses considered by the Authority for the Third Control Period
Expense Category Basis FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27
O&M expenses
Manpower costs: AAI employees Y-o-Y - 6.00% 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
Manpower costs: TKIAL employees Y-o-Y - 6.00% 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
Utility Expenses Inflation - 0.30% 3.80% 3.80% 3.80%
IT expenses Inflation - 0.30% 3.80% 3.80% 3.80%
Rates & taxes Inflation - 0.30% 3.80% 3.80% 3.80%
Security expenses Inflation - 0.30% 3.80% 3.80% 3.80%
Corporate Allocation Y-o-Y - 6.00% 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
Administrative expenses - Others Inflation - 0.30% 3.80% 3.80% 3.80%
Insurance Inflation - 0.30% 3.80% 3.80% 3.80%
R&M - - - - -
Other operating expenses Inflation - 0.30% 3.80% 3.80% 3.80%
Independent Engineer Fees - - - - -
Runway recarpeting Inflation - 0.30% 3.80% - -
Fuel Operating expenses
O&M Expenses Inflation - - - 3.80% 3.80%
Bowser Rental - - - - -
Cargo Operating expenses
Inhouse salary cost Y-o-Y - - 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
O&M Cost Inflation - 0.30% 3.80% 3.80% 3.80%
Customs Cost Recovery Y-o-Y - - 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
10.2.89 The Authority has also considered an additional increase on account of the increase in terminal areas as the
upgradation and expansion of Terminal Building T-II is being considered to be undertaken in the current
control period.
10.2.90 The Authority expects TKIAL to bring efficiencies in incurrence of O&M expenses for the benefit of airport
users and in line with the AERA Act, AERA Guidelines and ICAO Principles.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 213 of 253OPERATION & MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
10.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Operation and Maintenance Expenses for the Third
Control Period
Based on the material before it and its analysis, the Authority proposes the following with respect to Operation
and Maintenance Expenses for the Third Control Period:
10.3.1 To consider O&M Expenses for the Third Control Period as per Table 187.
10.3.2 To consider the O&M expenses incurred by TKIAL during the Third Control Period subject to reasonableness
and efficiency, at the time of tariff determination for the next Control Period.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 214 of 253NON-AERONAUTICAL REVENUE (NAR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
11 NON-AERONAUTICAL REVENUE (NAR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
11.1 TKIAL’s submissions regarding Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR) for the Third
Control Period
11.1.1 TKIAL in its submission dated 21st February 2023 to AERA has stated that it follows a Master Concessionaire
model for managing commercial activities at the Airport.
11.1.2 TKIAL has submitted that it outsourced all non-aeronautical businesses as mentioned below to the Master
Concessionaire, Adani Airport Holdings Limited, vide Master Services Agreement executed on 25th October
2021 and effective from December 2021. As per the Agreement, the scope of the Master Concessionaire is to
develop, operate, maintain, manage the non-aeronautical businesses at TRV, in accordance with best-in-class
standards and good industry practices, and at par with facilities at comparable airports as below:
• Duty-free stores
• Food and beverages outlets
• Retail outlets
• Lounges
• Advertising, Sponsorship and promotion opportunities
• Car parks and ground transportation facilities
• Airport hotels and transit hotels
• Preferred partners association for including but not limited to pouring rights, services in air (Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, aroma etc.), music and video rights, mobile wallet, payment gateway and other as may be
approved by TKIAL
• Business Center
• City side development
• Flight catering services
• Foreign exchange services
• Freight consolidators/forwarders or agents
• Left luggage, lost and found, excess baggage
• Messenger services
• Porter service
• Special assistance services
• Vending Machines
• Meet and assist services
• Provision of land and space for various stakeholders at Airport
• Various other passenger amenities, including but not limited to, banks, foreign exchange, SIM card, child-
care room, kids play areas, car rental and hotel reservation counters, digital wallet tie-ups, ATMs, Spas,
and entertainment areas
• Airport village comprising of various retail, food and beverage, entertainment and amenities options; and
• Any other services as may be mutually agreed by the parties or permitted pursuant to the Applicable
Laws.
11.1.3 As per the terms of the Master Services Agreement, the Service provider (Adani Airport Holdings Limited)
shall pay to TKIAL an amount which is higher of the following:
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 215 of 253NON-AERONAUTICAL REVENUE (NAR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
i. Minimum Guarantee amount of Rs. 20 crores per annum or
ii. The amount arrived at by multiplying the Revenue Share Percentage (10%) with Gross Revenue in that
year.
11.1.4 Further, it is stated in the Agreement that the Minimum Guarantee amount of Rs. 20 crores per annum shall
remain unchanged for the first five years from the date of signing the Master Services Agreement. Thereafter,
it shall be increased at the rate of 50% of the Delta Consumer Price Index (CPI) every year.
11.1.5 Apart from the Revenue from the Master Concessionaire, TKIAL also receives rentals from various
government agencies like Customs, Immigration, CISF, Plant or Animal Quarantine, IMD, Coast Guard, Air
Force, BCAS, etc. The annual rental amounted to Rs. 0.50 crores in FY 2022-23 and thereafter is escalated
Y-o-Y at 5%
11.1.6 Based on the above, the Non-Aeronautical Revenue submitted by TKIAL for TRV is given in the table below:
Table 189: Non-Aeronautical Revenue submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 Total
Revenue from Master Service Agreement 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 100.00
Other Income (not covered under Master Service
0.50 0.53 0.55 0.58 0.61 2.76
Agreement)
Total 20.50 20.53 20.55 20.58 20.61 102.76
11.2 Authority’s examination regarding Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR) for the Third
Control Period
11.2.1 The Authority has examined the Non-Aeronautical Revenue submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control
Period and reviewed the Master Services Agreement entered into by TKIAL with the Master Concessionaire
– Adani Airport Holdings Limited with respect to scope of services outsourced to the Master Concessionaire
and the revenue sharing arrangement.
11.2.2 The Authority notes that TKIAL undertook a two-stage tendering process through e-tender mode vide
Request for Proposal (RFP) dated 17th August 2021.
11.2.3 The Authority, in this regard examined the extract of the relevant clauses of the RFP which read as under:
“6.2 Qualifying Eligibility Criteria
Each Bidder shall satisfy the following qualifying Eligibility Criteria:
(a) Technical Eligibility Criteria
The Bidder must have:
(i) (a) experience in operations or management or development of at least 4 (four) out of the
following 6 (six) non-aero businesses at airports at the time of submission of the Technical Proposal,
i.e. (I) in-flight catering; (II) duty-free retail; (III) retail and services; (IV) food and beverage
services; (V) car parking; and (VI) advertisement; or (b) is an operator of an airport where 4 (four)
out of the 6 (six) non-aero businesses (as mentioned above) are being undertaken.
(ii) experience of leasing out and/ or development and/ or management of commercial real estate
with a built up area of at least 1,00,000 (one lakh) square meters.
(b) Financial Eligibility Criteria
Basis the audited balance sheet and profit and loss account along with schedules (“Audited
Financial Statements”), the Bidder should have:
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 216 of 253NON-AERONAUTICAL REVENUE (NAR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
(i) an average annual turnover of at least Rs. 750,00,00,000 (Rupees Seven Hundred and Fifty crores
only) in the last 3 (three) financial years; and
(ii) Net Worth as on March 31, 2021 of Rs. 250,00,00,000 (Rupees Two Hundred and Fifty crores
only). “Net Worth” shall have the meaning as defined under the Companies Act, 2013.”
11.2.4 The Authority on review of the qualifying criteria as specified by TKIAL observes the following:
Technical Eligibility Criteria
• TKIAL has specified Experience of leasing out and/or development and/or management of commercial
real estate with a built-up area of at least 1,00,000 (one lakh) square meters.
• AERA observation of restrictive criteria: Specifying 1,00,000 Sqm commercial space is too high with
respect to present scope of work.
Financial Eligibility Criteria
i) Turnover
• TKIAL has specified an average annual turnover of at least Rs. 750 crores in the last 3 financial years
and net worth as on 31.03.2021 of Rs. 250 crores
• AERA observation of restrictive criteria: As per general public procurement guidelines in vogue,
average financial turnover should be 30% of the estimated cost. So, in place of Rs. 30 crores average
annual turnover, TKIAL has specified Rs. 750 crores turnover (which is 25 times)
ii) Net worth
Asking net worth of Rs. 250 crores is very restrictive for a work value of Rs. 100 crores (approx.) as
many Airport Operators are specifying only Positive net worth.
• Due to such restrictive criteria, only 2 agencies (out of these 2, one was a related party and other is an
Airport Operator) participated in the tender and work was awarded to agency quoting 10% revenue
share percentage.
• In fact, now a days other Airport Operators have dispensed with technical eligibility criteria in Non-
Aeronautical activities tenders to attract more and more agencies and to encourage healthy
competition.
11.2.5 Pursuant to the above RFP, two prospective bidders had submitted their proposals to TKIAL. Based on
technical qualification, financial parameters and evaluation criteria provided under the RFP, Adani Airport
Holdings Limited (AAHL) was selected as the Service Provider, TKIAL, then entered into a Master Services
Agreement with AAHL. The Authority notes that the revenues projected by TKIAL are based on the said
Agreement.
11.2.6 The Authority notes that the total non-aeronautical revenue projected by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
is only Rs. 102.76 crores (refer Table 189) which is substantially lower than the actual non-aeronautical
revenue earned by AAI for the Second Control Period (i.e., FY 2016-17 till FY 2020-21) which was Rs.
285.86 crores (refer Table 50) despite the effect of COVID-19 pandemic. The following table and chart show
the year wise NAR earned by AAI during the Second Control Period and the projections of TKIAL for the
Third Control Period:
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 217 of 253NON-AERONAUTICAL REVENUE (NAR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Table 190: Year-wise NAR earned by AAI and projected by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Financial Year AAI TKIAL
2016-17 50.62
2017-18 54.84
2018-19 71.71
2019-20 87.11
2020-21 21.58
2022-23 20.50
2023-24 20.53
2024-25 20.55
2025-26 20.58
2026-27 20.61
Total 285.86 102.76
Figure 1: Year-wise NAR earned by AAI and projected by TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
87.11
71.71
50.62 54.84
21.58 20.50 20.53 20.55 20.58 20.61
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27
AAI AO
Figure 2: Year-wise NAR per passenger earned by AAI and projected by TKIAL
(Rs. per PAX)
222.27 230.71
161.72
130.41 124.81
58.94
46.21 40.05 36.64 34.14
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27
AAI AO
11.2.7 The Authority also observed that the NAR projected by TKIAL for the Third Control Period is significantly
lower as compared to that of other PPP airports (DIAL, MIAL, BIAL, GHIAL, CIAL), wherein the NAR
projected by such PPP airports are at least 50% of the total O&M expenses projected by them for the
respective Control Period. Whereas in the case of TRV, the Authority notes that the NAR projected by TKIAL
for the Third Control Period is Rs. 102.76 crores, which is minuscule as compared to the O&M expenses
submitted by TKIAL which is Rs. 1,752.35 crores (refer Chapter 10).
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 218 of 253NON-AERONAUTICAL REVENUE (NAR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
11.2.8 The Authority takes cognizance of the fact that non-aeronautical revenues projected for the Third Control
Period by TKIAL, considers the pandemic and economic conditions on traffic which will reduce the consumer
spending at the airport. However, the Authority is not convinced about the revenue projection in the Master
Service Agreement, which remains constant for the period while all other costs increase substantially. Further,
it is the responsibility of TKIAL to ensure that they achieve NAR higher than what was achieved in the
Second Control Period. In this context, there was no obligation on TKIAL to accept the bid of the Master
Concessionaire offering such a low revenue share.
11.2.9 The Authority notes that TKIAL has proposed re-alignment and creation of additional spaces in Terminal-II
together with carrying out certain expansion activities. However, TKIAL has not proposed any incremental
revenues from Non-Aeronautical services that may be earned from increase in space.
11.2.10 When an Airport Operator takes an initiative, such as undergoing an open global competitive bidding process,
it is for the betterment of the airport and is in the interest of the Airport users. The Holding Company (Group
entity of Adani Enterprises Limited itself) was selected as the Master Concessionaire. However, the selected
Group entity does not have direct experience of handling such services and may have to engage other
experienced operators for provision of different services. This does not result in enhancing the material gains
to the airport users by higher cross subsidization of NAR. It is pertinent to note that the Airport Operator
could have leveraged the technical know-how to bring in efficiencies in generating NAR without the master
concessionaire. No advantages have been granted to the Airport users on account of this Master concession
agreement.
11.2.11 Moreover, considering the positive outlook provided by the Expert Agencies, the outlook of the GDP growth
predicted by the GoI and the encouraging trend in the traffic numbers reported in FY 2022-23 and the first
half of FY 2023-24 (April 2023 to September 2023), the Authority is of the view that the Passenger traffic
will revert to pre-COVID levels by FY 2023-24. Further, the traffic is expected to progressively increase
during the Third Control Period (as discussed in Chapter 6).
11.2.12 With the steady increase in passenger traffic, the Authority foresees an increase in passenger-related non-
aeronautical revenue across the Third Control Period. Further, the Authority noted that the projection for
NAR is substantially less than the projection for O&M expenses during the same period and therefore expects
TKIAL to bring in efficiencies in non-aeronautical operations as followed by other PPP airports wherein the
proportion of non-aeronautical revenue projected by the airport operator is equal or comparable to the
quantum of O&M expenses. This will impact the interest of the airport users as 30% of the non-aeronautical
revenue is used for cross-subsidization. Hence, the Authority urges TKIAL that it should make efforts to
generate non-aeronautical revenue higher than that was earned by AAI during the Second Control period.
11.2.13 TKIAL, in its MYTP submission has estimated Revenues from space rentals from Government agencies to
be Rs. 0.50 crores. TKIAL has considered a 5% increase in these rates Y-o-Y. Based on the review of the
agreements submitted by TKIAL, the Authority notes that the revenue for FY 2022-23 is Rs. 0.08 crores
which the Authority proposes to consider, instead of the estimate submitted in MYTP, together with a 5%
increase every year.
11.2.14 The Authority also noted that in TKIAL’s subsequent submission on actual NAR for FY 2022-23 of Rs. 22.64
crores, Rs. 0.58 crores relate to Notional Income from Security Deposit and proposes to not consider the same
while determining NAR for FY 2022-23 as it is an IND AS adjustment. The Authority also notes that Rs.
0.43 crores relate to Aerodrome Entry Permit (AEP) Charges. AEP Charges relate to entry permits for the
Airport and its stakeholders. The Authority proposes to consider the same as NAR for FY 2022-23.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 219 of 253NON-AERONAUTICAL REVENUE (NAR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
11.2.15 On review of the transactions relating to Non-Aeronautical Revenue, the Authority noticed that the NAR
submitted by TKIAL included Rs. 1.56 crores related to space rented by agencies providing aeronautical
services including airlines as given below.
Table 191: Breakup of revenue from agencies involved in aeronautical activities for FY 2022-23
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Amount
Air India Ltd 0.02
Others including Cargo, Ground Handling and Fuel service providers 1.54
Total 1.56
11.2.16 The Authority is of the view that space rentals from agencies providing aeronautical services should be treated
as Aeronautical revenue. Hence, the Authority proposes to consider revenue from space rentals and common
maintenance collected from such agencies, amounting to approximately Rs. 1.56 crores as Aeronautical
revenue.
11.2.17 Based on the above discussion the adjustments to the actual Non-Aeronautical Revenue for FY 2022-23 are
as given below
Table 192: Adjustment to Revenue from Non-Aeronautical Services considered by the Authority for
FY 2022-23
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY23
Actual Non-Aeronautical Revenue as submitted by TKIAL (A) 22.64
Adjustment:
Revenue from agencies providing aeronautical services including airlines (B) 1.56
Notional Income on Security Deposit (C) 0.58
Non-Aeronautical Revenue as per the Authority (A – B – C) 20.50
11.2.18 Based on the above considerations, the Authority has estimated the total non-aeronautical revenues for the
Third Control Period for TRV as follows:
i. The NAR earned by AAI in FY 2019-20, which is a pre-COVID year, is considered as the base for
estimating the NAR for TRV for the Third Control Period.
ii. The Authority has considered the actual revenue earned by TKIAL for FY 2022-23.
iii. Further, the Authority notes that the actual NAR for FY 2022-23 includes Space rental from Govt.
agencies amounting to approximately Rs. 0.08 crores and proposes to consider the same. The Authority
also proposes to consider the revenue from space rental to Govt. agencies from FY 2023-24 based on the
terms of the agreement with the respective agencies.
iv. The Authority proposes not to consider Rs. 0.58 crores of Notional Income on Security Deposit as it
relates to IND AS adjustment.
v. The Authority proposes to consider the Rs. 0.43 crores of AEP Charges as part of the Non-Aeronautical
Revenue.
vi. The Authority also proposes to consider the revenue from space rentals of approximately Rs. 1.56 crores
from the agencies providing aeronautical services as Aeronautical revenue and not be considered as part
of the NAR for the Third Control period.
vii. The NAR of FY 2019-20 i.e., Rs. 87.11 crores have been assumed for FY 2023-24, as the traffic is
expected to reach the pre-COVID level of FY 2019-20 by FY 2023-24 (as explained in Chapter 6).
11.2.19 The Authority proposes to increase NAR Y-o-Y in line with inflationary increase given in Table 153 for the
remaining tariff years of the Third Control Period. The Authority also takes cognizance of the fact that with
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 220 of 253NON-AERONAUTICAL REVENUE (NAR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
the refurbishment of existing Terminal-II has been allowed to be undertaken in the Third Control Period and
therefore proposes to consider the additional increase of 6.24% as submitted by TKIAL to the NAR in FY
2026-27 (refer para 10.2.14).
11.2.20 The NAR derived by the Authority based on the above factors has been presented as follows:
Table 193: Total Non-aeronautical revenues estimated by the Authority for Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY20* FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Total
Total NAR 87.11 20.50 87.11 90.42 93.86 103.28 395.18
% Increase in NAR 3.80% 3.80% 10.04%
*NAR earned by AAI in FY 2019-20 (Refer Table 50)
11.2.21 Based on the total NAR derived as per Table 193, the Authority has bifurcated it component wise as under:
i. Revenue from Master Service Agreement: This has been derived as the difference between total NAR
as per Table 193 and the other income which includes Space rental from Govt. Agencies.
ii. Non-Aero Rent from Govt. Agencies: The revenue from space rented to Govt. agencies has been
computed as per the terms of the agreement wherein a Y-o-Y increase of 10% was considered on the
rate per sqm.
iii. Other income: The Authority has considered the actual revenue for FY 2022-23 and thereafter projected
by considering an inflationary increase as given in Table 153 for the remaining four (4) tariff years.
Table 194: Non-aeronautical revenues (component-wise) proposed by the Authority for the Third
Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY23* FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Total
1. Revenue from Master Service Agreement (A) 20.00 86.58 89.86 93.27 102.64 392.35
2. Other Income (B)
(not covered under Master Service Agreement)
a. Notional Income on Security Deposit - - - - - -
b. Non-Aero Rent from Govt. Agencies (including
0.08 0.10 0.11 0.13 0.14 0.56
Common Maintenance Charge)
c. Other Incomes (AEP Charges etc.) 0.43 0.43 0.44 0.46 0.51 2.27
Total other income 0.50 0.53 0.56 0.59 0.65 2.83
Total NAR for the year (C=A+B) 20.50 87.11 90.42 93.86 103.28 395.18
*As per actuals of FY 2022-23
11.2.22 The Authority is of the view that TKIAL should make efforts to substantially increase NAR for the Third
Control Period in line with the other PPP airports.
11.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Non-Aeronautical Revenue (NAR) for the Third
Control Period
Based on the material before it and its analysis, the Authority proposes the following with regard to Non-
Aeronautical Revenue for the Third Control Period:
11.3.1 To consider Non-Aeronautical Revenues for the Third Control Period for TRV as per Table 194.
11.3.2 Non-Aeronautical Revenue will not be trued up at the time of tariff determination of next control period if it
is lower than that proposed by the Authority in Table 194.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 221 of 253TAXATION FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
12 TAXATION FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
12.1 TKIAL’s submission regarding Taxation for the Third Control Period
12.1.1 TKIAL has submitted its computation of tax for the Third Control Period based on the following
considerations.
• Income tax has been computed based on the prevailing Income Tax laws and rules, and the tax rate has
been considered at 25.17%
• The aeronautical segment has been considered as a standalone entity.
• 30% of Non-Aeronautical Revenue which was reduced from ARR is added back to arrive at the
Aeronautical Revenue
• The Concession Fee is not considered as an expenditure in line with the Supreme Court judgement dated
7th July 2022 in the case of Delhi and Mumbai airports.
12.1.2 The Aeronautical Tax as submitted by TKIAL is given below.
Table 195: Aeronautical Tax submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Total
Aero Revenues A 202.11 548.96 976.84 1,131.61 1,270.59 4,130.11
Add: 30% Non-Aero
B 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.17 6.18 30.83
Revenues
Less: Aero O&M Expenses C 198.33 336.92 383.69 466.93 535.95 1,921.81
Less: Depreciation D 55.75 71.96 135.17 236.23 352.05 851.16
Aero PBT E=A+B-C-D (45.83) 146.24 464.15 434.63 388.77 1,387.96
Tax expenses @25.17% F=E*25.17% - 36.81 116.83 109.40 97.85 360.88
12.2 Authority’s examination regarding Taxation for the Third Control Period
12.2.1 The Authority notes that TKIAL has considered 30% non-aeronautical revenues in the estimation of
Aeronautical Proft Before Tax (PBT), which was then used in the computation of Aeronautical taxes. The
fact that a part of non-aeronautical revenues is used for cross-subsidization as per the Hybrid Till mechanism
does not change the nature of such revenues to Aeronautical. Further, the cross-subsidization as per the Hybrid
till mechanism is done in order to reduce tariff pressure on passengers and to incentivize TKIAL to make
effective investments in non-aeronautical income-generating sources.
12.2.2 Therefore, the Authority is of the view that:
• Non-Aeronautical revenues (30%) should not be treated as a subsidy for TKIAL as the airport operator
has already earned it from non-aeronautical services but is meant as a cross-subsidy to the airport user.
• The consideration of 30% non-aeronautical revenues as part of revenues from Aeronautical services
would result in undeserved enrichment to the airport operator effectively reducing the cross-subsidy
benefit to the airport user from the present 30% of the Non-Aeronautical income.
12.2.3 The Authority, thus, proposes to consider only Aeronautical revenues and expenses in the calculation of
Aeronautical PBT.
12.2.4 The Authority has also noted that TKIAL has not considered the interest expense on the long-term borrowings
while computing the Aeronautical PBT for the Third Control Period. This has resulted in estimating higher
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 222 of 253TAXATION FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
Aeronautical Profit and consequently, higher Aeronautical taxes. The Authority proposes to consider interest
expense as a deduction in estimating the Aeronautical P&L.
12.2.5 The Authority has recomputed the Aeronautical taxes for TRV based on the changes proposed to the other
building blocks and based on the proposal discussed above in para 12.2.2 and 12.2.3 with regard to Non-
Aeronautical Revenue.
12.2.6 The Authority has considered the prior period losses during the post COD period till 31st March 2022 in the
computation of taxes of TKIAL for the Third Control Period (refer Table 79).
12.2.7 The Authority notes that as per Clause 28.11.4 of the CA, the Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB will be reduced
for over-recoveries of Aeronautical Revenues, or increased for under-recoveries, impacting Aeronautical
Charges for the next Control Period. The Authority has considered that the compensation paid to AAI by
TKIAL for shortfall, will be claimed as a deduction in the Income Tax computation of TKIAL and the same
has been considered accordingly in estimating the taxes below.
12.2.8 The following table summarizes the Aeronautical taxes proposed by the Authority for the Third Control
Period.
Table 196: Taxation proposed to be considered by the Authority for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Total
Aero Revenues* A 311.44 547.12 632.04 691.77 743.47 2,925.83
Aero O&M Expenses (refer
B 175.97 196.12 237.01 283.65 342.39 1,235.14
Table 187)
Interest Expense C 52.37 62.81 67.98 91.56 114.61 389.33
Depreciation as per IT Act** D 54.69 56.33 65.37 116.33 158.49 451.20
Payment to AAI - PV of Under-
recovery as on 31st March 2023 E 789.29 - - - - 789.29
(Table 58)
F=A-
Aero Profit Before Tax -760.88 231.86 261.68 200.23 127.98 60.88
(B+C+D+E)
Previous loss adjustment G - 231.86 261.68 200.23 100.59
Taxable Profit H=F-G - - - - 27.40 27.40
Tax rate (%) I 25.17% 25.17% 25.17% 25.17% 25.17%
Aeronautical Tax J=H*I - - - - 6.90 6.90
Opening Losses K -33.48 -794.36 -562.50 -300.82 -100.59
Current period (loss)/profit L=F -760.88 231.86 261.68 200.23 127.98
Closing Losses M=K+L -794.36 -562.50 -300.82 -100.59 -
*This is subject to revision based on tariff rate card which is to be submitted by TKIAL (refer para 14.2.11). For FY 2022-23, actual
revenue has been considered.
**Computed using WDV method considering useful lives as per IT Act.
12.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Taxation for the Third Control Period
Based on the material before it and based on its analysis, the Authority proposes the following with regard to
Taxation for the Third Control Period.
12.3.1 To consider the Taxation for the Third Control Period for TRV as per Table 196.
12.3.2 To true up the aeronautical tax amount appropriately taking into consideration all relevant factors at the time
of tariff determination for the Fourth Control Period.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 223 of 253QUALITY OF SERVICE FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
13 QUALITY OF SERVICE FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
13.1 TKIAL’s submissions regarding Quality of Service for the Third Control Period
13.1.1 TKIAL has submitted that it will abide by the ASQ performance indicators mentioned in Annexure 1 of
Schedule H of the Concession Agreement.
Clause 23.7.1 of the CA states:
The Concessionaire shall participate in the user survey of ASQ undertaken by Airports Council International
(“ACI”) or any substitute thereof, conducted every quarter and shall ensure that the Airport achieves and
maintains a rating of at least 4.5( four point five) out of 5.0 (five) and / or shall appear within top 20 (twenty)
percentile of all airports, in its category in the world in such survey within 5 (five) years from the COD and
maintain the same throughout the rest of the Concession Period.
Clause 23.7.2 of the CA states:
“The Concessionaire shall, within 21 (twenty-one) days of the end of each calendar quarter, provide to the
Authority a written report on the results of the user survey of ASQ for the immediately preceding quarter,
together with its analysis of the results and the action, if any, that it proposes to take for improvement in User
satisfaction.”
13.1.2 TKIAL has further submitted that adherence and maintenance of these standards will require creation of
significant infrastructure, ramp-up of human resource and increase in operations and maintenance costs and
that the TKIAL has considered the cost implications, while preparing future projections as part of its MYTP
submission.
13.2 Authority’s examination regarding Quality of Service for the Third Control Period
13.2.1 The Authority notes that:
• As per section 13(1)(d) of the AERA Act, 2008, the Authority shall “monitor the set performance
standards relating to quality, continuity and reliability of service as may be specified by the Central
Government or any Authority authorized by it in this behalf.”
• As per section 13(1)(a)(ii), the Authority is required to determine the tariff for Aeronautical services
taking into consideration “the service provided, its quality and other relevant factors.”
13.2.2 The Authority noted from AAI’s website and TKIAL’s submission that the ACI ASQ survey results for TRV
for the year 2018 to 2022 Q3 have been in the range of 4.78 to 4.91 (overall score), as against the average
score of AAI Airports which ranges from 4.60 to 4.73.
Table 197: ASQ ratings for TRV for the years 2018 to 2022
Year ASQ rating
2018 4.86
2019 4.86
2020 4.91
2021 4.91
2022 – Q1 4.93
2022 – Q2 4.72
2022 – Q3 4.70
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 224 of 253QUALITY OF SERVICE FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
13.2.3 The Authority notes that the ASQ rating awarded to TRV is higher than the average rating of the AAI airports
for the FYs 2018 to 2022.
13.2.4 The Authority also notes that as per the Concession Agreement, TRV is required to maintain an ASQ rating
of at least 4.5 out of 5. The Authority notes that TRV has achieved an ASQ rating of 4.70 to 4.93 during the
first 3 quarters of the year 2022, which is higher than the requirement given in the Concession Agreement.
13.2.5 Based on the above factors, the Authority does not propose any adjustment towards tariff determination for
the Third Control Period on account of the quality of service maintained by TRV.
13.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Quality of Service for the Third Control Period
Based on the material before it and its analysis, the Authority proposes the following with regard to Quality
of Service for the Third Control Period:
13.3.1 Not to consider any adjustment towards tariff determination for the Third Control Period with regard to
Quality of Service of TRV.
13.3.2 TKIAL should ensure that service quality at TRV conforms to the performance standards as indicated in the
Concession Agreement throughout the Third Control Period.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 225 of 253AGGREGATE REVENUE REQUIREMENT (ARR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
14 AGGREGATE REVENUE REQUIREMENT (ARR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
14.1 TKIAL’s submission regarding Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) for the Third
Control Period
14.1.1 TKIAL has submitted ARR and Yield per Passenger (YPP) for the Third Control Period as per the regulatory
building blocks discussed.
14.1.2 The summary of ARR and YPP has been presented in the table below.
Table 198: ARR submitted by TKIAL for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Total
Average RAB 444.84 565.00 1,145.11 2,035.98 3,136.30
Fair Rate of Return 14.76% 14.76% 14.76% 14.76% 14.76%
Return on Average RAB 65.64 83.37 168.97 300.43 462.79 1,081.21
O&M expenses including working
198.33 336.92 383.69 466.93 535.95 1,921.81
capital & finance charges
Depreciation 51.90 73.63 113.28 176.65 244.28 659.74
Tax - 36.81 116.83 109.40 97.85 360.88
Less: 30% NAR -6.15 -6.16 -6.17 -6.17 -6.18 -30.83
Add: True-up for SCP for AAI - - - - - -
Add: True-up for SCP for TKIAL 84.57 - - - - 84.57
ARR per year 394.29 524.56 776.60 1,047.23 1,334.69 4,077.38
Discount Factor @14.76% 1.00 0.87 0.76 0.66 0.58
PV of ARR 394.29 457.11 589.72 692.97 769.63 2,903.73
Sum of PV of ARR 2,903.73
Total passenger traffic (MPPA) 3.46 4.44 5.13 5.62 6.04 24.68
Yield per passenger (YPP) 584.69 1,077.06 1,445.71 1,333.41 1,213.94
14.2 Authority’s examination regarding Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) for the
Third Control Period
14.2.1 The observations and proposals of the Authority across the regulatory building blocks impact the computation
of ARR and Yield. With respect to each element of the regulatory building blocks considered by TKIAL in
the computation of ARR and Yield in the table above, the Authority proposes to consider the regulatory
building blocks as discussed in the respective previous chapters.
14.2.2 The Authority notes that the AO has on-going capital expenditure projects and other planned works, which
has resulted in a higher ARR for the Third Control Period. The traffic estimates for the current control period
have also been made on the backdrop of the recovery from the impact caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The
existing traffic base may not be sufficient for the complete recovery of ARR in the current Control Period
and that this would require a significant increase in tariff, which in the present times is likely to adversely
impact the recovery of air traffic. Further, a significant increase in Aeronautical tariff, is also attributable on
account of the fact that the new Aeronautical tariff proposed by the Authority may be implemented only by
the first quarter of next Financial Year, thereby resulting in lesser tariff years being available for recovery of
the ARR.
14.2.3 In this regard, the Authority had drawn reference to the guiding principles issued by the International Civil
Aviation Organization (“ICAO”) on charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services (ICAO DoC 9082),
which lays down the main purpose of economic oversight which is to achieve a balance between the interest
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 226 of 253AGGREGATE REVENUE REQUIREMENT (ARR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
of Airports and the Airport Users. This policy document categorically specifies that caution be exercised
when attempting to compensate for shortfalls in revenue considering its effects of increased charges on
aircraft operators and end users. The said policy document also emphasizes balancing the interests of airports
on one hand and aircraft operators, end users on the other, in view of the importance of the air transport
system to States. This should be applied particularly during periods of economic difficulty. Therefore, the
policy document recommends that States encourage increased cooperation between airports and aircraft
operators to ensure that the economic difficulties facing them all are shared in a reasonable manner.
This may also be read in conjunction with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016,
which intends to provide affordable and sustainable air travel for passengers/ masses. As per para 12 (c) of
the NCAP, “In case the tariff in one particular year or contractual period turns out to be excessive, the
Airport Operator and the Regulator will explore ways to keep the tariff reasonable and spread the excess
amount over the future.” The above has also been conveyed by AERA vide its Order No. 14/2016-17 dated
12th January 2017.
14.2.4 Determination of Aeronautical charges and UDF requires a delicate balance between cost recovery and its
potential impact on air traffic demand. This balance is crucial for the financial viability of the airport and its
ability to sustain operations while also ensuring that the tariffs remain competitive enough to attract and retain
airlines and passengers. Therefore, the Authority, based on the Tariff Rate Card to be submitted by TKIAL
would decide the balance between cost recovery and its potential impact on air traffic demand.
14.2.5 The Authority notes that, it is necessary to have the individual year wise tariff card laying down the different
aeronautical charges and the workings for the aeronautical revenues, in order to have a constructive
stakeholder discussion and hence TKIAL is directed to submit the detailed Annual Tariff proposals in line
with the ARR and Yield arrived at by the Authority within 7 days of issue of the Consultation Paper.
Air Freight Station (AFS)
14.2.6 The Authority notes the Policy Guidelines on ‘Air Freight Station’ (AFS) issued by MoCA in October 2014.
This Policy shall create an off Airport Common User facility equipped with fixed installations of minimum
requirements and offering services for handling International Air Cargo in the form of Air Freight Stations
with a mandate to enable the Cargo Industry as follows:
• Off-Airport common user facility equipped with fixed installations of minimum requirements and
offering services for handling and temporary storage of import/ export goods, loaded and empty Unit
Load Devices (ULD) and Cargo in bulk/ loose for outright export.
• Create an enabling environment for promoting International Air Cargo operations by reaching out to
hinterland regions of the Country besides de-congesting the congested Air Cargo terminals in some
gateway International Airports that face high dwell time.
• Authorizing some of the Inland Container Depots (ICD) to cater to the International Air Cargo operations,
the existing facilities in these ICDs could be fully utilized.
14.2.7 The Authority notes that the above Policy Guidelines on AFS has larger national intent and it aims to
strengthen and develop air cargo logistics in the Country and the same is expected to reduce the bottlenecks
in air cargo logistics and help in ease of doing business, particularly for exporters.
14.2.8 The Authority directs TKIAL to submit a separate tariff rate in case the cargo is received from the approved
AFS and factor it in the Tariff Rate Card.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 227 of 253AGGREGATE REVENUE REQUIREMENT (ARR) FOR THE THIRD CONTROL PERIOD
14.2.9 The Authority also seeks comments from the stakeholders on application of tariff on AFS Cargo, as the
Authority feels that the tariff on AFS Cargo should be significantly lesser than the tariff levied on the General
Cargo.
14.2.10 After considering the above, the Authority proposes the following ARR and YPP:
Table 199: ARR proposed to be considered by the Authority for the Third Control Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 Total
Average RAB (A) Table 147 458.25 474.07 558.41 1,035.13 1,481.62
Fair Rate of Return (B) Table 151 12.21% 12.21% 12.21% 12.21% 12.21%
Return on Avg. RAB (C=A*B) 55.95 57.88 68.18 126.39 180.91 489.31
O&M expenses incl. working
capital interest & finance charges Table 187 175.97 196.12 237.01 283.65 342.39 1,235.14
(D)
Depreciation (E) Table 144 30.74 32.50 38.82 58.83 77.13 238.02
Tax (F) Table 196 - - - - 6.90 6.90
ARR (G=C+D+E+F) 262.67 286.50 344.00 468.87 607.32 1,969.37
PV of Under-recovery of AAI as
Table 58 789.29 - - - - 789.29
on 31st March 2023 (H)*
PV of Under-recovery of TKIAL
Table 80 54.60 - - - - 54.60
as on 31st March 2023 (I)
Total ARR (J=G+H+I) 1,106.56 286.50 344.00 468.87 607.32 2,813.26
NAR (K) Table 194 20.50 87.11 90.42 93.86 103.28 395.18
30% NAR (L=30%*K) 6.15 26.13 27.13 28.16 30.98 118.55
Net ARR (M=J-L) 1,100.41 260.37 316.88 440.72 576.33 2,694.71
Discount Factor @12.21% (N) 1.00 0.89 0.79 0.71 0.63
PV of ARR as on 31st March
1,100.41 232.04 251.67 311.94 363.54 2,259.59
2023 (O=M*N)
Sum of PV of ARR (P) 2,259.59
Total passenger traffic (MPPA)
Table 90 24.70
(Q)
Yield per passenger (YPP) (Rs.)
914.76
(R=P/Q)
Total departing passenger traffic
Table 90 12.35
(MPPA) (S)
Yield per departing passenger
1,829.51
(Rs.) (T=P/S)
14.2.11 The Authority notes that, it is necessary to have the individual year wise tariff card laying down the different
aeronautical charges and the workings for the aeronautical revenues, to have a constructive stakeholder
discussion and hence TKIAL is directed to submit the detailed Annual Tariff proposals in line with the ARR
and Yield arrived at by the Authority within 7 days of issue of the Consultation Paper.
14.3 Authority’s proposals regarding Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) for the Third
Control Period
Based on the material before it and based on its analysis, the Authority proposes the following with regard to
ARR for the Third Control Period:
14.3.1 To consider the ARR and YPP for the Third Control Period for TRV in accordance with Table 199.
14.3.2 To direct TKIAL to submit the Annual Tariff Proposal (Tariff Rate Card) within 7 days from issue of this
Consultation Paper which will be put up for stakeholders’ consultation.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 228 of 253SUMMARY OF AUTHORITY’S PROPOSALS PUT FORTH FOR STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS
15 SUMMARY OF AUTHORITY’S PROPOSALS PUT FORTH FOR STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATIONS
Chapter 4: True Up of AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period
4.16.1 To consider the Passenger traffic and ATM as detailed in para 4.4.8 (Table 10) for true up of the Second
Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.2 To consider capital additions and aeronautical allocation of assets as detailed in Table 23
4.16.3 To recompute Depreciation considering the revised allocation of assets as detailed in para 4.6.6 (Table
28) for true up of AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.4 To consider RAB for AAI as detailed in para 4.7.1 (Table 29) for true up of the Second Control Period
and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.5 To consider Deemed Initial RAB for TRV as detailed in para 4.7.5 (Table 30).
4.16.6 To consider FRoR as detailed in para 4.8.10 for true up of the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.7 To not consider return on the cost of land for true up of the Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.8 To consider O&M expenses and their allocation as suggested by the study on efficient O&M expenses
for TRV (summary of the Study is provided in Annexure 2 and the study is attached as Appendix 2) and
as detailed in para 4.9.20 (Table 44) for true up of Second Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.9 To consider Non-aeronautical Revenue as detailed in para 4.11.10 (Table 50) for true up of the Second
Control Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.10 To consider Aeronautical Revenue as detailed in para 4.12.7 (Table 54) for true up of the Second Control
Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.11 To consider Aeronautical Tax as detailed in para 4.13.5 (Table 57) for true up of the Second Control
Period and Pre-COD Period.
4.16.12 To consider the present value of under-recovery of Rs. 789.29 crores (as on 31st March 2023) for true up
of AAI for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period as per Table 58 and readjust the same in the
ARR for the Third Control Period.
Chapter 5: True Up of TKIAL for the Second Control Period from COD Till 31st March 2022
5.12.1 To consider RAB and depreciation for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as per Table 65
5.12.2 To consider FRoR for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as per Table 66.
5.12.3 To consider O&M expenses for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as per Table 72.
5.12.4 To consider Non-Aeronautical Revenue for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as per Table 76.
5.12.5 To consider Aeronautical revenue for the period from COD till 31st March 2022 as per Table 78
5.12.6 To consider under recovery of Rs. 54.60 crores for True-up of TKIAL as per Table 80 for the period
from COD till 31st March 2022 and readjust the same in the ARR for the Third Control Period.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 229 of 253SUMMARY OF AUTHORITY’S PROPOSALS PUT FORTH FOR STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS
Chapter 6: Traffic for the Third Control Period
6.3.1 To consider the Passenger traffic, ATM and Cargo traffic for the Third Control Period for TRV as per
Table 90.
6.3.2 To true up the traffic volume (Passengers, ATM and Cargo) based on actual traffic in the Third Control
Period while determining tariffs for the Fourth Control Period.
Chapter 7: Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Depreciation and Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) for the Third
Control Period
7.7.1 To consider the Terminal Building ratio of 90%:10% in line with the Study on Allocation of Assets,
IMG norms and as approved for other similar Airports.
7.7.2 To allow IDC during the Third Control Period and not to allow Financing Allowance as mentioned in
para 7.3.147.
7.7.3 To adopt the capitalization of Aeronautical Expenditure for the Third Control Period in accordance with
Table 139.
7.7.4 To true up the Aeronautical Capital expenditure based on actuals, cost efficiency and reasonableness, at
the time of determination of tariff for Fourth Control Period.
7.7.5 To reduce (adjust) 1% of the uncapitalized project cost from the ARR in case any particular capital
project is not completed/ capitalized as per the approved capitalization schedule, as mentioned in para
7.3.144. The same will be examined during the true up of the Third Control Period, at the time of
determination of tariff for the Fourth Control Period.
7.7.6 To consider GST on RAB/CWIP and Stamp Duty on actual incurrence basis, as detailed in para 7.3.150
and 7.3.149 respectively.
7.7.7 To examine the accounting of input tax credits in accordance with Chapter V of The Central Goods and
Services Tax Act, 2017 and make necessary adjustments at the time of determination of tariffs for the
Fourth Control Period (as explained in para 7.3.150).
7.7.8 To adopt Aeronautical Depreciation as per Table 144 for the Third Control Period.
7.7.9 To true up the Depreciation of the Third Control period based on the actual asset additions and actual
date of capitalization during the tariff determination of the Fourth Control Period.
7.7.10 To consider average RAB for the Third Control Period for TRV as per Table 147.
7.7.11 To true up the RAB based on actuals at the time of tariff determination for the Fourth Control period.
Chapter 8: Fair Rate of Return for the Third Control Period
8.3.1 To consider the Cost of equity at 15.18%.
8.3.2 To consider the notional debt to equity (gearing) ratio of 48:52 in line with target gearing ratio being
considered in case of other PPP airports.
8.3.3 To consider cost of debt of 9% for the Third Control Period,
8.3.4 To consider FRoR of 12.21% for the Third Control Period based on above mentioned Cost of equity,
Cost of debt and gearing ratio.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 230 of 253SUMMARY OF AUTHORITY’S PROPOSALS PUT FORTH FOR STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS
Chapter 9: Inflation for the Third Control Period
9.3.1 To consider the inflation rate proposed in Table 153.
Chapter 10: Operation and Maintenance Expenses for the Third Control Period
10.3.1 To consider O&M Expenses for the Third Control Period as per Table 187.
10.3.2 To consider the O&M expenses incurred by TKIAL during the Third Control Period subject to
reasonableness and efficiency, at the time of tariff determination for the next Control Period.
Chapter 11: Non-Aeronautical Revenue for the Third Control Period
11.3.1 To consider Non-Aeronautical Revenues for the Third Control Period for TRV as per Table 194.
11.3.2 Non-Aeronautical Revenue will not be trued up at the time of tariff determination of next control period
if it is lower than that proposed by the Authority in Table 194.
Chapter 12: Taxation for the Third Control Period
12.3.1 To consider the Taxation for the Third Control Period for TRV as per Table 196.
12.3.2 To true up the aeronautical tax amount appropriately taking into consideration all relevant factors at
the time of tariff determination for the Fourth Control Period.
Chapter 13: Quality of Service for the Third Control Period
13.3.1 Not to consider any adjustment towards tariff determination for the Third Control Period with regard
to Quality of Service of TRV.
13.3.2 TKIAL should ensure that service quality at TRV conforms to the performance standards as indicated
in the Concession Agreement throughout the Third Control Period.
Chapter 14: Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) for the Third Control Period
14.3.1 To consider the ARR and YPP for the Third Control Period for TRV in accordance with Table 199.
14.3.2 To direct TKIAL to submit the Annual Tariff Proposal (Tariff Rate Card) within 7 days from issue of
this Consultation Paper which will be put up for stakeholders’ consultation.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 231 of 253STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION TIMELINE
16 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION TIMELINE
16.1.1 In accordance with the provision of Section 13(4) of the AERA Act, 2008, the proposals contained in the
Chapter 15 – Summary of the Authority’s proposals read with the relevant discussion in the other chapters of
the Paper is hereby put forth for Stakeholders’ Consultation.
16.1.2 For removal of doubts, it is clarified and explained that the contents of this Consultation Paper may not be
construed as any Order or Direction by the Authority. The Authority shall pass an order in the matter only
after considering the submissions of the stakeholders in response hereto and by making such decisions fully
documented and explained in terms of the provisions of the Act.
16.1.3 The Authority welcomes written evidence-based feedback, comments and suggestions from stakeholders on
the proposals made in this Consultation Paper, latest by 13th March 2024.
Secretary
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India
AERA Building, Administrative Complex,
Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi- 110003
Tel: 011-24695043; Fax: 011-24695039
(Chairperson)
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 232 of 253ANNEXURES
17 ANNEXURES
17.1 Annexure 1: Summary of Study on Allocation of Assets between Aeronautical and Non-
Aeronautical Assets
17.1.1 Objective
• The objective of the Study is to determine a basis for appropriate segregation of assets between
Aeronautical, Non-aeronautical and Common assets as per the provisions of the AERA Act and the
Concession Agreement entered into between AAI and TKIAL. The Common assets have been further
segregated between Aeronautical and Non-aeronautical assets based on Terminal Building ratio,
Employee Head Count ratio or Staff Quarters ratio, as appropriate.
• The Estimated Deemed Initial RAB as on 31st March 2018, as per the Concession Agreement between
AAI and TKIAL was Rs. 424 crores.
17.1.2 Analysis of assets capitalized by AAI in SCP (till COD)
• The Opening RAB for FY 2016-17 of the SCP was examined as per the Study and adjusted with Rs.
12.48 crores of left out assets (refer Annexure 1 of the “Study on allocation of Assets between
Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical Assets for TRV, Thiruvananthapuram”) which were not considered
by AERA at the time of SCP order as mentioned in para 4.2 of the Study
“4.2.2 For true-up, AAI has considered a slightly different value for Opening RAB for FY 2016-17 from
what was approved by AERA in the Tariff Order for TRV for the Second Control Period. The opening
RAB submitted by AAI as part of the true up proposal submission is Rs. 357.01 crores. On seeking
clarification, AAI has given the following justification for the difference of Rs. 12.48 crores – “the
reason for variation is that certain assets were inadvertently excluded during the tariff finalization
process for the Second Control Period. However, these assets were subsequently identified and included
when transferring them to TKIAL. Consequently, these assets have been duly considered and accounted
for in the Opening RAB for the Second Control Period.”
• AAI, at the time of SCP Order, was unable to provide information regarding these assets. However, AAI
shared the information during the true-up submission. The Study carefully verified each asset that had
been excluded and reconciled them with the Joint Asset Reconciliation Statement, which was jointly
prepared by AAI and TKIAL after conducting a physical verification. As a result of this verification
process, it was confirmed that these assets were actually present at TRV, leading to their inclusion in
the Opening RAB of AAI.
• Financing Allowance claimed by AAI as mentioned in para 4.3.4 not allowed as per the Study.
“4.3.4 Financing Allowance: It was observed that in Table 5, the RAB included Financing Allowance
of Rs. 10.05 crores as additions to the SCP. It was noted that AAI in the SCP has not disclosed any
borrowings in the True up submission. Therefore, considering the nature of airport as brown field and
the detailed explanation provided in this regard in para 6.4.2, the Study proposes not to allow financing
allowance as additions for the determination of RAB”
• Adjustments of provision of accounting standards (para 4.3.5), inclusion of interest during construction
(para 4.3.6) and inclusion of the left-out assets (refer para 4.3.7) as per the Study has decreased
aeronautical Gross Block by Rs. 1.82 crores.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 233 of 253ANNEXURES
“4.3.5 Financial Lease Assets (Accounting treatment Adjustment):
• Upon detailed review of the assets, it was observed that assets worth Rs. 3.10 crores were acquired
under a contract to operate the X-ray Baggage Inspection Systems (XBIS) using a Build-Operate-
Transfer (BOT) model. According to this contract, AAI leased the XBIS system for a period of 6 years,
with an annual lease payment of Rs. 0.65 crores. Initially, AAI treated this lease as an operating lease,
recording the lease payment as part of its O&M expenses until FY 2018-19. Study on Allocation of
Assets between Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical Assets for TRV, Thiruvananthapuram
• However, in FY 2019-20, due to the implementation of accounting standard on leases, AAI reclassified
the lease from an operating lease to a "Financial Lease." Consequently, the asset value of Rs. 3.10
crores were included as additions to the Regulated Asset Base (RAB).
• Nevertheless, this change in accounting treatment does not accurately reflect the true RAB for tariff
determination under the AERA Act, 2008. Therefore, the Study suggests that these assets should not be
considered as part of the RAB additions but rather as an expense.”
“4.3.6 Interest on Capital Expenditure during Construction: The Study upon detailed review of MYTP
submission by AAI, noted that interest on Capital expenditure has been included in Operating and
Maintenance expenses for the SCP. It was explained by AAI that the interest is associated with a loan
obtained from AXIS Bank in FY 2020-21 at the headquarters level. This interest has been allocated to
the station (TRV) based on the portion of the loan utilized for acquiring capital assets. According to the
Study and Direction 5 of AERA, interest on Capex represents the financing cost incurred in acquiring
capital assets. Therefore, this cost should be capitalized and considered as part of RAB in order to claim
a return on investment. Hence, the cost has been considered as a part of capital additions commissioned
and acquired through debt in FY 2020-21 and Pre COD period.”
“4.3.7 Left out Assets: Further to the submission in the MYTP, AAI has informed vide email dated 17th
November 2023 that it had inadvertently left out two assets amounting to Rs. 1.12 crores and capitalized
in FY 2017-18, while submitting the proposal for true up of RAB as on COD. These relate to assets
which were constructed by or were available with Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Limited (KSIE)
that were transferred/handed over to AAI. AAI has also informed that these were later transferred to
TKIAL along with other assets on COD. Hence the cost related to these assets has been considered as
a part of RAB additions.”
• The classification of individual assets capitalized by AAI in the Second Control Period and Pre-COD
period into Aeronautical, Non-aeronautical, ANS and Common, was examined and wherever necessary,
assets were reclassified based on the information available in the FAR and the methodology detailed in
Chapter 3 of the Study and were further allocated based on Terminal Building Ratio, Employee Head
Count Ratio and Staff Quarters Ratio as per para 4.4.4, Table 14 and Table 15 respectively of the Study.
The decrease in additions to aeronautical Gross Block due to such reclassifications is 2.84 crores.
• The reclassification, change in useful life and exclusion of assets also had an impact on the aeronautical
depreciation for the Second Control Period and Pre-COD period. Therefore, the depreciation was
recomputed considering the changes made to the aeronautical Gross Block. This re-computation has led
to a reduction of Rs. 1.11 crores across the SCP and the Pre-COD period.
• Post adjustments, the RAB as on COD for AAI was determined to be Rs. 491.23 crores as compared to
AAI’s submission of Rs. 503.87 crores.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 234 of 253ANNEXURES
17.1.3 Analysis of transfer of assets from AAI to TKIAL as on COD
• The net value of aeronautical assets (including ANS assets) transferred from AAI to TKIAL as per the
Joint Asset Reconciliation Statement submitted by AAI & TKIAL is Rs. 486.26 crores.
• As a result of the adjustments, reclassification, the revision in the Terminal Area Ratio and Employee
Head Count Ratio and the resultant changes in depreciation, the Study determined the Initial RAB to be
Rs. 483.77 crores as against the Initial RAB of Rs. 486.26 crores submitted by TKIAL.
17.1.4 Analysis of assets capitalized by TKIAL in post-COD
• The assets capitalized by TKIAL post COD were examined and classified into Aeronautical, Common
and Non-aeronautical, based on the information in the FAR and the following laid out principles:
“3.2.1 As part of this Study, various asset categories have been reviewed and a basis has been developed
for the classification of assets into Aeronautical, Non-aeronautical, ANS and Common.
3.2.2 Assets which are directly used for rendering of aeronautical services defined under section 2 (a)
of the AERA Act of 2008 are classified as Aeronautical Assets. As per Section 2 (a) of the Act,
“aeronautical service” means any service provided for:
i. navigation, surveillance and supportive communication thereto for air traffic management,
ii. the landing, housing or parking of an aircraft or any other ground facility offered in connection with
aircraft operations at an airport,
iii. ground safety services at an airport,
iv. ground handling services relating to aircraft, passengers and cargo at an airport,
v. the cargo facility at an airport,
vi. supplying fuel to the aircraft at an airport, vii. services for a stakeholder at an airport, for which the
charges, in the opinion of the Central Government for the reasons to be recorded in writing, may be
determined by the Authority.
3.2.3 TKIAL commenced the operations at TRV from 14th October 2021 (COD). In the context of the
Control Period and true-up process, it is essential to highlight that the COD of TRV, which took place
in FY 2021-22, falls outside the control period of 5 years of the Second Control Period for true up
purposes. However, in Public Notice No. 05/2022-23, issued on 20th June 2022, AERA made a decision
to consider the true-up for the period from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022, during the determination
of tariffs for the upcoming Third Control Period.
3.2.4 Therefore, in the Study, it is necessary to examine the asset allocation followed by both AAI (until
COD) as well that followed by TKIAL (post COD). The criteria explained in Para 3.1 above would also
be applicable for the assets capitalized by TKIAL. The same can be inferred from Clause 1.1 of the
Concession Agreement signed between AAI and TKIAL. The relevant sections of the clause are as
follows:
• “Aeronautical Assets" means the assets which are necessary or required for the performance of
Aeronautical Services at the Airport and shall include such other assets as the Concessionaire may
procure from time to time, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, for or in relation to
performance of Aeronautical Services, and does not include Non-Aeronautical Assets.
• “Aeronautical Services” has the meaning as set forth in the AERA Act.”
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 235 of 253ANNEXURES
• Further allocated by considering the Terminal Building ratio of 90%:10% and Employee Head Count
Ratio of 98.19%: 1.81%. As a result, there was a reduction of Rs. 0.33 crores in the aeronautical capital
additions post COD.
• TKIAL had also considered a Financing Allowance of Rs. 0.14 crores under the capital additions
submitted by them. The Study has proposed to exclude this amount of Rs. 0.14 crores from the
aeronautical capital additions post COD based on the rationale shared in para 6.4.2
“6.4.2 Review of TKIAL’s claim as well as the justification provided for the same in detail and the
Study’s views on the same are as shown below:
• Providing return on capital expenditure from the very beginning of construction will significantly
lower the risks for an airport operator and may require revisiting the return on equity allowed to airport
operators as the investment in the asset class will then be equated to risk free rate of return.
• Further, provision of Financing Allowance will disincentivize the Airport Operators from ensuring
timely completion of projects and delivery of services to the users. Therefore, a return should be
provided only when the assets are made available to the airport users except in the case of certain costs
like IDC that will have to be incurred if debt is used for funding projects.
• Furthermore, the future returns from the project should generate adequate returns to cover the cost of
equity during the construction stage. The airport operator is adequately compensated for the risks
associated with the equity investments in a construction project once the project is capitalized by means
of a reasonable cost of equity.
• Developments at greenfield airports inherently take longer durations to commission and
operationalize. Thus, airport operators would have to wait for a considerable duration before getting
returns on large capital projects. Keeping this in view, financing allowance was provisioned in the
initial stages to such airports. It may be further noted that financing allowance was never provided in
the case of brownfield airports like MIAL, DIAL and other AAI airports. Further, financing allowance
for greenfield airports of BIAL, HIAL, CIAL etc. was allowed only for the initial stages of their
development, after which IDC was permitted on the debt portion of the proposed capital expenditure.
• It is pertinent to note that in case of a greenfield airport, investment in regulatory blocks by the Airport
Operator would not make the airport facilities available to the passengers. Brownfield and Greenfield
airports can’t be equated on this issue. In greenfield airports, the tariff is not applicable, and no revenue
is available to the Airport Operator till the aeronautical services have been created and put to use.
However, in the case of brownfield airports, where the AO brings in additional investments, the airport
facilities are mobilized and enabled to other functional parts of the airport, which remains functional,
and the AO keeps on enjoying the charges from the users. In the case of TRV, the Airport ought to be
considered as a brownfield airport, which would not be eligible for an allowance on equity portion of
newly funded capital projects.
• Financing Allowance is a notional allowance and different from interest during construction.
Therefore, the provision of Financing Allowance on the entire capital work in progress would lead to a
difference between the projected capitalization and actual cost incurred, especially when the Airport
Operator funds the projects through a mix of equity and debt.”
• The asset adjustments also have an impact on depreciation. Further, it was observed that the useful lives
considered by TKIAL for certain assets were not in line with AERA Order No. 35/2017-18 dated 12th
January 2018. The Study recomputed the depreciation for Post COD period after revising the useful life
of assets wherever necessary.
• Accordingly, the RAB for TKIAL as on 31st March 2022 was determined to be Rs. 457.94 crores.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 236 of 253ANNEXURES
17.1.5 Conclusion
• The revised RAB (Net block of assets) as on 14th October 2021 and 31st March 2022, after the above
adjustments and reclassifications are summarized in the table below:
Table 200: Summary of adjustments to RAB as on 14th October 2021 and 31st March 2022
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Ref. Ref.* Amount
RAB as on 13th October 2021, submitted by AAI A Table 5 503.87
Less: Financing allowance B Table 5 9.08
Adjustments and Reclassification proposed as per the Study report
Less: Financial Lease net block as on 13th October 2021 C Table 11 3.10
Add: IDC net block as on 13th October 2021 D Table 11 0.16
Add: Left out assets E Table 11 1.12
Less: Reclassification of assets F Table 17 2.84
Add: Adjustments as per the Study due to reclassification/revision of
G Table 22 1.11
depreciation
H = A-B-
Adjusted RAB as on 13th October 2021 for AAI 491.23
C+D+E-F+G
Less: Assets retained by AAI I Annexure 4 8.00
Add: Buildings for navigational aids/ radar installations reclassified J 0.54
Adjusted RAB as on 13th October 2021 transferred by AAI to
K = H-I+J 483.77
TKIAL
Add: Other additions to RAB by Airport Operator during the period
L Table 28 4.00
from COD till 31st March 2022 as per the Study report
Less: Depreciation for the period from COD up to 31st March 2022 as
M Table 33 29.83
per the Study report
Revised adjusted RAB as on 31st March 2022 for TKIAL N = K+L-M 457.94
*Refers to Tables and Annexures of the Study on Allocation of Assets between Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical Assets
• Based on the adjustments, reclassification, reallocation and recomputed depreciation, the Regulatory
Asset Base for the Second Control Period & FY 2021-22 for TRV was determined as per the Study as
follows:
Table 201: RAB for SCP & FY 2021-22 as determined as per the current Study for AAI & TKIAL
(Rs. in crores)
Pre- Post
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total Total Total
COD COD
Submission by AAI TKIAL
Opening RAB 357.01 454.87 437.76 450.07 485.12 507.88 486.26
Addition 130.36 16.52 50.09 76.63 71.28 344.88 19.01 363.88 4.47 368.35
Depreciation 29.49 33.63 37.64 40.09 43.39 184.24 23.01 207.26 48.71 255.96
Sales/Disposals/Tr
3.01 - 0.14 1.48 5.14 9.77 - 9.77 - 9.77
ansfers
Closing RAB 454.87 437.76 450.07 485.12 507.88 503.87 442.02
Average RAB 405.94 446.31 443.91 467.59 496.50 505.87 464.14
Revised as per
AAI TKIAL
Study
Opening RAB 357.01 452.25 435.68 447.52 476.74 496.28 483.77
Addition 127.71 16.95 49.41 70.26 67.37 331.69 17.48 349.17 4.00 353.17
Depreciation 29.46 33.52 37.43 39.56 42.69 182.65 22.53 205.19 29.83 235.02
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 237 of 253ANNEXURES
Pre- Post
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total Total Total
COD COD
Sales/Disposals/Tr
3.01 - 0.14 1.48 5.14 9.77 - 9.77 - 9.77
ansfers
Closing RAB 452.25 435.68 447.52 476.74 496.28 491.23 457.94
Average RAB 404.63 443.96 441.60 462.13 486.51 493.75 470.86
• Based on this Study, the aeronautical capital addition for the Second Control Period, Pre and Post COD
Period is Rs. 353.17 crores (Rs. 349.17 crores by AAI until COD and Rs. 4.00 crores by TKIAL post
COD). There has been a total reduction of Rs. 15.18 crores in the aeronautical additions as against the
submissions of AAI and TKIAL. The Initial RAB as on COD was determined as per the Study to be Rs.
483.77 crores.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 238 of 253ANNEXURES
17.2 Annexure 2: Summary of Study on Efficient Operation and Maintenance expenses
17.2.1 Assessment of O&M Expenses and its allocation submitted by AAI and as per the current Study for
SCP & Pre-COD Period
Allocation Ratios
• The allocations ratios submitted by AAI and recomputed as per the Study are as follows:
Table 202: Allocation Ratios submitted by AAI and recomputed as per the current Study for the SCP
& Pre-COD Period
Pre-COD
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21
Period
Submitted by AAI
Employee Ratio 74.50% : 72.31% : 71.37% : 70.21% : 70.07% : 68.02% :
(Aero : Non-Aero : 1.20% : 1.24% : 1.45% : 1.06% : 1.11% : 1.19% :
ANS) 24.30% 26.45% 27.18% 28.72% 28.82% 30.79%
Employee Ratio 98.41% : 98.31% : 98.01% : 98.51% : 98.44% : 98.28% :
(Aero : Non-Aero) 1.59% 1.69% 1.99% 1.49% 1.56% 1.72%
Terminal Building
92.34% : 92.12% : 92.21% : 92.19% : 93.29% : 91.59%:
Ratio (Aero : Non-
7.66% 7.88% 7.79% 7.81% 6.71% 8.41%
Aero)
Electricity Ratio 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% :
(Aero : Non-Aero : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% :
ANS) 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55%
Recomputed as per
the Study
Employee Ratio 71.71% : 69.23% : 68.47% : 66.9% : 66.75% : 64.02% :
(Aero : Non-Aero : 3.99% : 4.32% : 4.35% : 4.38% : 4.43% : 5.19% :
ANS) 24.3% 26.45% 27.18% 28.72% 28.82% 30.79%
Employee Ratio 94.73% : 94.12% : 94.02% : 93.86% : 93.78% : 92.5%:
(Aero : Non-Aero) 5.27% 5.88% 5.98% 6.14% 6.22% 7.5%
Terminal Building
Ratio (Aero : Non- 90% : 10% 90% : 10% 90% : 10% 90% : 10% 90% : 10% 90% : 10%
Aero)
Electricity Ratio 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% : 80.44% :
(Aero : Non-Aero : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% : 0.01% :
ANS) 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55% 19.55%
Gross Block Ratio 91.82% : 91.68% : 91.62% : 91.89% : 92.17% : 92.29% :
(Aero : Non-Aero : 2.95% : 2.93% : 2.79% : 2.60% : 2.46% : 2.42% :
ANS) 5.23% 5.39% 5.59% 5.51% 5.37% 5.29%
17.2.2 Summary of Head wise assessment of O&M expenses submitted by AAI for SCP as per the current
Study
17.2.2.1 Employee Benefit Expense
17.2.2.1.1 According to the Reasonableness assessment and trend analysis detailed in paras 3.4.3 and 3.4.4, it was noted
that employee expenses witnessed an increase in FY 2017-18 and FY 2018-19. This rise can be attributed to
pay revisions and provisions made for retirement benefit costs. Furthermore, the implementation of a three-
year pension plan, covering the period from January 2017 to March 2019, also contributed to the rise in
employee costs. Upon comparison with the approved figures of SCP and FCP actuals, the analysis of
employee benefit expenses appears to be reasonable.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 239 of 253ANNEXURES
17.2.2.1.2 Due to revision in the allocation ratio as per the Study, the Aeronautical employee benefit expenses submitted
by AAI for SCP were rationalized to Rs. 316.17 crores as per Table 17.
17.2.2.2 Administration and General (A&G) Expense
17.2.2.2.1 In the assessment, it was observed that the Administration and General (A&G) expenses for the SCP
submitted by AAI were higher than the approved figure mentioned in the SCP order. On detailed analysis, it
was observed that major reasons for the increase was interest and penalties payments and inconsistencies
such as treating ANS expenses as aeronautical expense. These have been adjusted appropriately. Also, the
Study has made adjustment of accounting treatment recorded by AAI for payment of lease by treating it as
financial lease.
17.2.2.2.2 After adjustments, the A&G expenses seem to reasonable as compared to SCP Order approved amount.
17.2.2.2.3 A&G expenses were adjusted, reclassified and reallocated based on principle set in para 3.3.1. Due to such
revision, the Aeronautical A&G expenses submitted by AAI for SCP were rationalized to Rs. 11.96 crores as
per Table 24.
17.2.2.3 CHQ/RHQ Expense
17.2.2.3.1 In para 3.4.11, it was noted that the CHQ & RHQ expense reported by AAI for the SCP were significantly
higher than the approved amount specified in the SCP order. A comprehensive analysis was carried out as
per the Study to examine and justify these expenses. As a result, the CHQ & RHQ expenses were rationalized
and reallocated. Through this revision, the aeronautical CHQ & RHQ expense submitted by AAI for the SCP
has been rationalized to its optimum level and allowed it to the tune of Rs. 133.72 crores (Table 27).
17.2.2.4 Repairs and Maintenance (R&M) Expense
17.2.2.4.1 In para 3.4.15.4, it was observed that R&M Expenses for SCP submitted by AAI was in the range that was
approved in the SCP order. Upon detailed analysis, it was determined that the expenses incurred by AAI were
reasonable when compared to the approved figure in the SCP order and the actual FCP expenses.
17.2.2.4.2 The Study has made adjustment in R&M expenses by re-categorizing Inline Baggage Manpower cost to
Utilities & Outsourcing expenses head and R&M-BOT XBIS lease to A&G expense head (refer para
3.4.7.1(8) (1)).
17.2.2.4.3 However, from an external benchmarking perspective, the R&M Expenses of AAI appear to be on par with
the expenses incurred by other comparable airports (external benchmarking is detailed in para 5.5).
17.2.2.4.4 By comparing the R&M expenses to the Opening RAB, it is concluded that the expenses incurred are within
reasonable limits i.e., 6% of the Opening RAB (benchmark set by the Authority for most of the airports).
17.2.2.4.5 After considering adjustments, R&M Expenses were reclassified and reallocated based on principle set in
3.3.1. Due to such revision, the Aeronautical R&M Expenses submitted by AAI for SCP was rationalized to
Rs. 59.89 crores as per Table 32.
17.2.2.5 Utility and Outsourcing Expense
17.2.2.5.1 In para 3.4.19, it was observed that Utility and Outsourcing Expenses for SCP submitted by AAI was higher
than the approved figure in the SCP order. On detailed analysis, it was observed that expenses incurred by
AAI were necessary to spend and thus appears to be reasonable as compared to approved figure in the SCP
Order and FCP actuals.
17.2.2.5.2 As per para 3.4.19.3, manpower cost for AAICLAS amounting to Rs.0.36 crores have been proposed to be
excluded from the aeronautical expense.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 240 of 253ANNEXURES
17.2.2.5.3 As per para 3.4.19.6 of the Study, Inline Baggage Manpower cost has been reclassified from R&M expense
to Utilities & Outsourcing expenses in line with the hiring of manpower.
17.2.2.5.4 From an external benchmarking perspective, the Utility and Outsourcing Expenses of AAI appear to be on
par with the expenses incurred by other comparable airports (external benchmarking is detailed in para 5.7).
17.2.2.5.5 After considering the adjustments, the Utility and Outsourcing Expenses were reclassified and reallocated
based on principle set in para 3.3.1. Due to such revision, the Aeronautical Utility and Outsourcing Expenses
submitted by AAI for SCP was rationalized to Rs. 83.56 crores as per Table 36.
17.2.2.6 Other Outflow
17.2.2.6.1 The category of Other Outflows includes collection charges paid to airlines and IATA for UDF and PSF. The
expenses incurred for SCP exceeded the approved figures in the SCP Order because the collection charges
paid to IATA were not initially considered in the projections. However, these expenses were necessary for
the collection of aeronautical revenue and were based on actual figures. Therefore, they are deemed
reasonable and directly related to the collection of aeronautical revenues, eliminating the need for
reclassification.
17.2.2.7 Aeronautical O&M Expenses as per the current Study for SCP
17.2.2.7.1 Based on the analysis of the submission by AAI for SCP, the aeronautical O&M expenses of AAI as per the
Study for SCP was determined to be Rs. 615.98 crores after taking into account the adjustments (Table 39),
re-classification (Table 40) and re-allocation (Table 41). The break-up of O&M expenses is given below:
Table 203: Aeronautical O&M Expenses for AAI as per the current Study for SCP
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total
Employee Benefit Expenses 48.15 59.73 73.80 77.33 57.16 316.17
A&G Expenses 1.21 2.05 2.98 3.35 2.37 11.96
CHQ & RHQ Expenses 14.67 17.96 30.70 43.63 26.76 133.72
R&M Expense 11.83 11.11 11.86 11.86 13.23 59.89
Utility & Outsourcing Expenses 13.47 16.36 16.16 18.73 18.83 83.56
Other Outflows 1.53 2.64 3.01 3.06 0.45 10.68
Total Operating Expenditure (A) 90.87 109.84 138.51 157.97 118.80 615.98
17.2.3 Summary of Head wise assessment of O&M expenses submitted by AAI for Pre-COD Period as per
the current Study
17.2.3.1 The Pre COD period for AAI starts from 1st April 2021 to 13th October 2021. On and after the COD, which
is 14th October 2021, the TRV operations were undertaken and managed by the concessionaire, TKIAL. To
reconcile the expenses incurred during the Pre COD period, which fall outside the scope of the SCP, the
Study has proposed an approach. The proposed approach involves extrapolating the approved figures of FY
2020-21 from the SCP order to the Pre-COD period. This extrapolation is based on the growth rate utilized
for projecting expenses in the SCP order for FY 2020-21. By employing this methodology, the Study ensures
a meaningful comparison and analysis of the O&M expenses during the Pre COD period with the benchmark
set in the SCP order.
Following this approach, the O&M expenses submitted by AAI for the Pre COD period have been assessed,
and the results for each category of O&M expense are provided below:
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 241 of 253ANNEXURES
17.2.3.2 Employee Benefit Expense
17.2.3.2.1 Based on the Reasonableness assessment carried out for Employee Benefit Expense, it was observed that
employee expenses for the Pre COD period seem to be reasonable.
17.2.3.2.2 Due to revision in the allocation ratio as per the Study, the Aeronautical employee benefit expenses submitted
by AAI for Pre-COD Period were reduced by Rs. 1.99 crores.
17.2.3.3 Administration and General (A&G) Expense
17.2.3.3.1 It was observed that A&G expenses for the Pre-COD period submitted by AAI were lower than the estimated
figure. On detailed analysis, it was observed that major reasons for decrease was reversals booked under the
head Prior Period Expenses that has been considered as per the Study to reduce expenses that were
overbooked or incorrectly recognized in previous periods. The Study has made adjustment of lease
accounting provisions recorded by AAI for payment of lease by treating it as financial lease.
17.2.3.3.2 After adjustments, the A&G expenses seem to be reasonable as compared to the estimated amount.
17.2.3.3.3 A&G expenses were adjusted, reclassified and reallocated based on principle set in para 3.3.1. Due to such
revision, the Aeronautical A&G expenses submitted by AAI for Pre-COD Period were increased by Rs. 0.03
crores (Rs. 0.04 crores as per Table 47 to Rs. 0.06 crores as per Table 51).
17.2.3.4 CHQ/RHQ Expense
17.2.3.4.1 It was observed that AAI reported higher CHQ & RHQ expenses for the Pre COD period compared to the
estimated amount. The expense for the Pre COD period was calculated by applying a 5% growth rate to the
actual expenses of FY 2020-21, as submitted by AAI, since the workings for CHQ & RHQ expenses for FY
2021-22 were not finalized.
17.2.3.4.2 Therefore, based on AAI's responses, the revised CHQ & RHQ expenses were calculated using the revised
FY21 figures. Through this revision, the aeronautical CHQ & RHQ expenses submitted by AAI for the Pre
COD period were reduced by Rs. 2.45 crores. This needs to be suitably reviewed based on actual information
to be made available before the Order.
17.2.3.5 Repairs and Maintenance (R&M) Expense
17.2.3.5.1 In the Pre-COD Period, it was observed that R&M Expenses submitted by AAI were higher than the estimated
figures. Upon detailed analysis, it was determined that the expenses incurred by AAI were necessary and
reasonable.
17.2.3.5.2 By comparing the R&M expenses to the Opening RAB, it is concluded that the expenses incurred are within
reasonable limits i.e., 6% of the Opening RAB (benchmark set by the Authority for most of the airports).
17.2.3.5.3 R&M Expenses for the Pre-COD Period were reclassified and reallocated based on principle set 3.3.1. Due
to such revision, the Aeronautical R&M Expenses submitted by AAI were reduced by Rs. 0.03 crores.
17.2.3.6 Utility and Outsourcing Expense
17.2.3.6.1 It was observed that Utility and Outsourcing Expenses for the Pre-COD Period submitted by AAI were higher
than the estimated figure. On detailed analysis, it was found that expenses incurred by AAI were necessary
to spend and thus appear to be reasonable.
17.2.3.6.2 After adjustments, the Utility and Outsourcing Expenses were reclassified and reallocated based on principle
set in 3.3.1. Due to such revision, the Aeronautical Utility and Outsourcing Expenses submitted by AAI for
Pre COD were reduced by Rs. 0.13 crores.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 242 of 253ANNEXURES
17.2.3.7 Other Outflow
17.2.3.7.1 The category of Other Outflows includes collection charges paid to airlines and IATA for UDF and PSF. The
expenses incurred for the Pre-COD Period exceeded the estimated figures because the collection charges paid
to IATA were initially not considered in the projections. However, these expenses were necessary for the
collection of aeronautical revenue and were based on actual figures. Therefore, they are deemed reasonable
and directly related to the collection of aeronautical revenues, eliminating the need for reclassification.
17.2.3.8 Aeronautical O&M Expenses as per the current Study for Pre-COD Period
17.2.3.8.1 Based on the analysis of the submission of AAI for Pre-COD Period, the aeronautical O&M expenses of AAI
as per the Study for Pre COD period was determined to be Rs. 66.20 crores after taking into account the
necessary adjustments, re-classification and re-allocation. The break-up of O&M expenses is given below:
Table 204: Aeronautical O&M Expenses for AAI as per the current Study for Pre-COD Period
(Rs. in crores)
Particulars Pre COD
Employee Benefit Expenses 31.31
A&G Expenses 0.06
CHQ & RHQ Expenses 15.09
R&M Expense 9.58
Utility & Outsourcing Expenses 9.50
Other Outflows 0.66
Total Operating Expenditure (B) 66.20
17.2.4 Aeronautical O&M expenses submitted by AAI and as per the current Study for SCP and Pre-COD
Period
17.2.4.1 The aeronautical expenses submitted by AAI and as per the Study amounted to Rs. 767.08 crores & 682.18
crores respectively. As can be seen, there is an impact of Rs. 84.90 crores on the O&M expenses due to
adjustments, rationalization, reclassification and re-allocation of expenses. The table below demonstrates the
comparison of O&M expenses, categorized head wise, as per AAI and as per the Study for both the SCP and
Pre COD periods:
Table 205: Aeronautical O&M Expenses submitted by AAI and as per the current Study for the SCP
and Pre-COD Period
(Rs. in crores)
Pre
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total Total
COD
As per AAI Submission
Employee Benefit Expenses 48.71 60.58 74.97 78.42 58.01 320.70 33.30 354.00
A&G Expenses 2.61 1.90 2.56 3.92 5.59 16.58 0.04 16.62
CHQ & RHQ Expenses 32.58 43.44 42.45 52.47 31.11 202.05 17.54 219.59
R&M Expense 11.95 11.46 12.54 12.46 15.65 64.05 9.61 73.66
Utility & Outsourcing Expenses 13.64 16.57 16.52 18.68 16.83 82.25 9.63 91.88
Other Outflows 1.53 2.64 3.01 3.06 0.45 10.68 0.66 11.33
Total Operating Expenditure (A) 111.01 136.60 152.05 169.01 127.64 696.30 70.78 767.08
As per the Study
Employee Benefit Expenses 48.15 59.73 73.80 77.33 57.16 316.17 31.31 347.48
A&G Expenses 1.21 2.05 2.98 3.35 2.37 11.96 0.06 12.02
CHQ & RHQ Expenses 14.67 17.96 30.70 43.63 26.76 133.72 15.09 148.80
R&M Expense 11.83 11.11 11.86 11.86 13.23 59.89 9.58 69.47
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 243 of 253ANNEXURES
Pre
Particulars FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 Total Total
COD
Utility & Outsourcing Expenses 13.47 16.36 16.16 18.73 18.83 83.56 9.50 93.07
Other Outflows 1.53 2.64 3.01 3.06 0.45 10.68 0.66 11.33
Total Operating Expenditure (B) 90.87 109.84 138.51 157.97 118.80 615.98 66.20 682.18
Variance (C = A - B) 20.15 26.76 13.54 11.04 8.84 80.32 4.57 84.90
17.2.5 Assessment of O&M Expenses and its allocation submitted by TKIAL and as per the current Study
for Post COD Period
17.2.5.1 In FY 2021-22, TKIAL operated the airport for a period of 5.5 months post COD in which they had incurred
an amount of Rs. 65.79 crores towards O&M expenses. The employee expenses of AAI, Corporate cost
allocation and R&M expenses primarily contribute towards this amount. However, all the expenses were
analysed separately to ascertain their reasonableness.
17.2.5.2 The average salary per TKIAL employee is higher than that of the Select Employees (of AAI) by more than
~ 75%. The Study has considered the Select employees of AAI and TKIAL as common and bifurcated the
employee expenses towards them in EHCR of 98.56% and 91.67% respectively. The adjustments in the Study
led to an overall reduction of Rs. 0.75 crores on the employee expenses.
17.2.5.3 Utility Expense incurred by TKIAL for the Post COD period does not reflect major change as compared to
the cost incurred by AAI for Pre COD period, as there has not been any considerable change to the airport
infrastructure. The utility expenses with water charges (Rs. 5.68 crores) incurred by TKIAL seems to be
reasonable after netting off the recoveries from the concessionaires.
17.2.5.4 The Security expenses, as per TKIAL is Rs. 3.76 crores. The expense related to R&M of security equipment
amounting to Rs. 2.04 crores were recategorized to R&M head and analysed there. The Study has further
reclassified the expense as common and applied Gross Block ratio which led to an overall reduction of Rs.
2.05 crores in the Security expense.
17.2.5.5 The Corporate Support Service expense, as per the MYTP submission of TKIAL, is Rs. 7.01 crores. However,
the Study has made certain adjustment to this expense which led to an overall reduction of Rs. 0.62 crores in
the CSS expense.
17.2.5.6 As per the submission of TKIAL, the aeronautical A&G expenses including insurance, IT expense and Bank
charges amounts to is Rs. 4.94 crores. Certain reclassifications have been carried out in the Study, resulting
in the revised aeronautical A&G expenses to be Rs. 4.81 crores. This led to an overall reduction of Rs. 0.13
crores in the A&G expenses.
17.2.5.7 The R&M expenses of TKIAL were included with R&M of Security equipment in the Study and found
reasonable and in the range of cost incurred by other PPP Airports. The Study has reclassified the expenses
and led to the increase of R&M expenses by Rs. 1.93 crores. The R&M expense post reclassification as per
the Study were lower than 6% of the opening RAB of TKIAL. Therefore, this expense does not require any
rationalization.
17.2.5.8 As per the submission of TKIAL, the other outflow expenses as per TKIAL is Rs. 4.46 crores. Certain
reclassifications have been carried out in the Study, because of which, other outflow expenses revised to Rs.
4.05 crores. This led to an overall reduction of Rs. 0.41 crores in the other outflow expenses.
17.2.5.9 TKIAL has submitted a cost of Rs. 1.67 crores in respect of fees payment to the Independent Engineer
appointed by AAI for a period of 3 years for a fee of Rs. 11.35 crores starting from 22nd October 2021. As
per Clause 24.3.1 of the Concession Agreement, this cost has to be considered as a pass-through expense by
AERA. Consequently, the Study considers the fee of Rs. 1.67 crores as an O&M expense for the Post COD
period.
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17.2.5.10 As per the submission of TKIAL, the aeronautical O&M expenses for the Post COD Period amounts to Rs.
65.79 crores. Certain reclassifications have been carried out in the Study, because of which, the aeronautical
O&M expenses as per the Study were revised to Rs. 63.84 crores. This led to an overall reduction of Rs. 2.95
crores in the aeronautical O&M expenses. The breakdown of the expenses is provided below:
Table 206: Aeronautical expenses for TKIAL for post COD period as per the current Study
(Rs. in crores)
Heads Sub Heads Post COD
Employee Benefit Manpower expenses - AAI employees 27.68
Expenses Manpower expenses - Adani employees 3.85
Utility & Utility expenses 5.68
Outsourcing
Security expenses 1.71
Expenses
CSS Expenses Corporate Allocation 6.39
Independent Engineer Fee 1.67
A&G Expenses
Administrative Expenses – Others 4.81
R&M Expenses R&M 7.89
Collection Charges on UDF 0.11
Other Outflows
Others 4.05
Total 63.84
17.2.5.11 It is important to consider that TKIAL operated the airport for only 5.5 months during the Second Control
Period. In such cases, it is common to have one-time expenses associated with repairs, modifications, or
refurbishments when a new operator takes over the operations of an airport. To assess the reasonableness of
these expenses, it is necessary to analyze trends over a longer period of time.
17.2.5.12 Drawing conclusions about the efficiency of TKIAL based on just five months of data would be premature.
However, based on a broad-level assessment, there are no deviations from the trends observed at TRV in the
past. While a longer timeframe would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the operator's
performance, the initial analysis does not indicate any significant concerns.
17.2.6 External Benchmarking of Expenses of AAI
17.2.6.1 It is observed that, based on a per PAX basis, TRV seems to have higher operational expenses with respect
to select comparable peers. However, this is primarily due to the CHQ/RHQ expenses and Employee
expenses that are quite high for TRV.
17.2.6.2 The employee expenses per passenger of TRV are higher than most of the other airports due to lower
passenger traffic and TRV’s strategy of prioritizing customer service and quality staff leads to a higher cost
structure. However, it is within the budget approved in the SCP order. Thus, the employee expenses for TRV
seem to be reasonable.
17.2.6.3 The A&G expenses of TRV (4.93% of total expenses) when compared as a % of the total expenses, is slightly
higher than Pune. But lower than that of Ahmedabad. Further, the expenses are the second lowest among all
the airports. Thus, the A&G expenses are moderate in comparison to the other airports.
17.2.6.4 TRV’s R&M expenses per average RAB are lower than most airports, even from an external benchmarking
point of view, it can be concluded that the R&M expenses incurred by AAI are reasonable. These expenses
were discussed in detail in the fifth chapter.
17.2.6.5 TRV is incurring the highest CHQ/RHQ expenses among its peer group and the expenses seem unreasonable.
However, these expenses have been readjusted in Table 27. Since TRV was concessioned during the Second
Control Period, these expenses would not appear as part of the O&M expenses in future Control Periods.
However, TKIAL does incur corporate support service expenses towards its parent companies. If it is
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 245 of 253ANNEXURES
observed that such expenses do not seem reasonable, the Study may consider capping the allowable expenses
based on suitable global/regional benchmarks at the time of determination of tariffs for future Control
Periods.
17.2.6.6 Based on external benchmarking, there is no evidence to suggest that the utility expenses for TRV are
unreasonable.
17.2.6.7 Based on the observations from external benchmarking, it can be concluded that the operations and
maintenance expenses at TRV are reasonable except for CHQ/RHQ expenses that seem exorbitantly high
and are driving the overall costs high. Though the cost structure may evolve as the airport transforms to a
PPP regime, the Study may still consider capping the allowable expenses based on suitable regional
benchmarks at the time of determination of tariffs for future Control Periods.
17.2.7 Conclusion
17.2.7.1 Based on the analysis of the submissions of AAI and TKIAL, the O&M expenses for TRV for the Second
Control Period and Pre & Post COD period is determined as per the Study to be Rs. 746.02 crores. (Rs. 682.18
crores by AAI and Rs. 63.84 crores by TKIAL). The break-up of the O&M expenses is given below.
Table 207: O&M Expenses for SCP and Pre & Post COD period as per the current Study
(Rs. in crores)
Total
Pre Post
FY (A=sum Total Total
Particulars FY 18 FY 19 FY 20 FY 21 COD COD
17 (FY 17 to (C=A+B) (E=C+D)
(B) (D)
FY21))
Employee
Benefit 48.15 59.73 73.80 77.33 57.16 316.17 31.31 347.48 31.53 379.00
Expenses
A&G Expenses 1.21 2.05 2.98 3.35 2.37 11.96 0.06 12.02 6.48 18.50
CHQ & RHQ or
14.67 17.96 30.70 43.63 26.76 133.72 15.09 148.80 6.39 155.19
CSS Expenses
R&M Expense 11.83 11.11 11.86 11.86 13.23 59.89 9.58 69.47 7.89 76.96
Utility &
Outsourcing 13.47 16.36 16.16 18.73 18.83 83.56 9.50 93.07 7.40 100.46
Expenses
Other Outflows 1.53 2.64 3.01 3.06 0.45 10.68 0.66 11.33 4.16 15.50
Total
Operating 90.87 109.84 138.51 157.97 118.80 615.98 66.20 682.18 63.84 746.02
Expenditure
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17.3 Annexure 3: Projects not/partly considered for addition to RAB by the Authority for the
Third Control Period
Projects Category Project /Item Name Base Cost
Other Buildings Replacement of 11KV Old HT panels in CCR with associated works 1.65
IT – Strategic Projects Traffic Management 0.80
IT – Strategic Projects IT Network Segmentation 14.33
IT – Strategic Projects IOT-enabled PAX Count, Flow and Queue Monitoring 7.64
IT – Strategic Projects IOT-enabled Asset Tracking Project 4.93
IT – Strategic Projects Wi-Fi Network - Passenger 4.20
IT – Strategic Projects Vehicle Tracking and SLA Violation Reporting 0.80
IT – Strategic Projects Landside Security Camera 0.56
IT – Strategic Projects Wi-Fi Network - Indoor 0.39
IT – Strategic Projects AI, IOT, R&D and other Strategic Initiatives 2.00
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17.4 Annexure 4: Clauses of the Concession Agreement entered into between AAI and TKIAL
Concession Clause
Clause Description
Agreement Heading No.
AO obligation 4.1.3 Except as may have been specifically otherwise provided in this Agreement, the
regarding Conditions Conditions Precedent required to be satisfied by the Concessionaire within a period
Precedent within 180 of 180 (one hundred and eighty) days from the date of this Agreement shall be
days deemed to have been fulfilled, when the Concessionaire shall, subject to the
satisfaction of the Authority, have:
(a) provided performance security to the Authority in accordance with Clause 9.1 ;
(b) procured all the Applicable permits as may be required for the commencement of
the project unconditionally, or if subject to conditions, then all such conditions
required to be fulfilled by the date specified therein shall have been satisfied in full,
and such Applicable Permits are in full force and effect;
(c) executed and procured execution of the Escrow Agreement in the form provided
in Schedule M and the same shall have become effective in accordance with the terms
thereof;
(d) executed and procured the execution of the CNS-ATM Agreement in the form
provided in Schedule Q and the same shall have become effective in accordance with
the terms thereof;
(e) maintained shareholding of the concessionaire in accordance with the
requirements of the RFP and this Agreement;
(f) delivered to the Authority from the selected Bidder, confirmation of the
correctness of
the representations and warranties, set forth in sub-clauses (c), (f), (g), (j), (k), (l), (o)
and (p) of Clause 7.1 of this Agreement;
(g) delivered to the Authority a legal opinion from the legal counsel of the
concessionaire with respect to the authority of the Concessionaire to enter into this
Agreement and the enforceability of the provisions hereof;
(h) delivered to the Authority:
(a) a list of Construction works it proposes to undertake in the first 7 (seven)
Concession years, having due regard to the works:
a. Currently being implemented by the Authority; and
b. Proposed to be implemented by the Authority as on the date of signing the
Agreement (and as set forth in Schedule U),
(b) the scheduled date for completion of such Construction works.
(i) executed and procured execution of the Memorandum of Understanding in the
form provided in Schedule R and the same shall have become effective in accordance
with the terms thereof.
Provided that upon request in writing by the Concessionaire, the Authority may, in
its discretion, waive any of the Conditions Precedent set forth in this Clause 4.1.3 for
the purposes of the achievement of the COD. The Authority may, in its sole
discretion, grant any waiver hereunder with such conditions as it may deem fit.
Select Employees 6.5.1, Clause 6.5.1. states that:
6.5.4, “(i) “Select Employees·’ shall mean those employees of the Authority as set forth in
6.5.10 Schedule S (of the rank of assistant general manager and below) who are posted at
read the Airport by the Authority and shall be deployed at the Airport for the duration of
with the Joint Management Period and Deemed Deputation Period. The Select Employees
28.4.3 shall stand reduced to the extent of employees who retire, are deceased or otherwise
separated from Authority’s services during the Joint Management Period or Deemed
Deputation Period. It is clarified that the Select Employees shall not be reduced to
the extent of employees who are transferred by AAI.
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Concession Clause
Clause Description
Agreement Heading No.
ii. “Joint Management Period·· shall mean the period commencing from the COD
and ending on the date which is 1 (one) calendar year after the COD.
iii. “Deemed Deputation Period” shall mean the period commencing from the expiry
of the Joint Management Period and ending on the date which is 2 (two) calendar
years therefrom.”
Clause 6.5.4 states that:
“The Concessionaire shall bear the Select Employee Costs for the Joint Management
Period and Deemed Deputation Period.”
Clause 6.5.10 states that:
“If, at the expiry of the Deemed Deputation Period, the number of Accepting
Employees is less than 60% (sixty) percent of the Select Employees (the ·’Deficit
Employees”), the Concessionaire shall, commencing from the expiry of the Deemed
Deputation Period pay to the Authority, on a monthly basis, such amounts as may be
indicated in an invoice to be raised by the Authority on the Concessionaire with
regard to the emoluments payable by the Authority in respect of such Deficit
Employees (the “Deficit Employee Costs”).
(i) The select Employees in respect of which the DeficitEmployee costs are payable
shall be mutually identified by the Parties no later than 3 (three) months prior to the
expiry of the Deemed Deputation Period.
(ii) The Deficit Employee costs shall be considered for pass-through in the
determination of the Aeronautical Charges.
(iii) The provisions of sub-clauses 6.5.5 (i), 6.5.5 (ii), 6.5.5 (iii), and 6.5.5(iv) shall,
mutatis mutandis, apply to payment of the Deficit Employee Costs
(iv) The Deficit Employee Costs shall be considered for pass-through in the
determination of the Aeronautical Charges.”
Clause 28.4.3 states that:
“The Parties agree and acknowledge that the Concessionaire expressly waives its
right to seek as pass-through in the Aeronautical Charges such costs and/ or expenses
which the Concessionaire is restrained under this Agreement from seeking to be
passed-through thereunder.”
Performance Security 9.1.1 The Concessionaire shall, for the performance of its obligations during Phase I
hereunder, provide to the Authority, no later than 120 (one hundred and twenty) days
from the date of this Agreement, an irrevocable and unconditional guarantee from a
Bank for a sum equivalent to Rs. 80,00,00,000 (Rupees Eighty crore) in the form set
forth in Schedule E ("Performance Security"). Until such time the Performance
Security is provided by the Concessionaire pursuant hereto and the same comes into
effect, the Bid Security shall remain in force and effect, and upon such provision of
the Performance Security pursuant hereto, the Authority shall release the Bid
Security to the Concessionaire.
Performance Security 9.1.3 After completion of Phase-I, the value of the Performance Security shall be revised
to an amount equal to 10% (ten percent) of the Yearly Concession Fee paid by the
Concessionaire in the Concession Year immediately preceding the Concession year
in which the Phase - 1 completion date falls. Thereafter, the value of the Performance
Security shall be increased by the Concessionaire every 5 (five) Concession Years to
an amount equal to 10% (ten percent) of the Yearly Concession Fee paid by the
Concessionaire in the immediately preceding Concession Year.
Transfer of Finances 16.1.1 All revenues, receipts, expenditure and other financial transactions for and in respect
of the Airport shall be deemed to be transferred from the Authority to the
Concessionaire with effect from 0000 (zero zero zero zero) hours on COD and all
rights, obligations and liabilities in respect thereof shall vest exclusively in the
Concessionaire from that hour and until the Transfer Date.
All liabilities incurred by the Authority prior to COD, including any debt obligations
and payments to the Authority or any third party, shall continue to vest in the
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Concession Clause
Clause Description
Agreement Heading No.
Authority at all times, and the Authority Shall indemnify, defend, save and hold
harmless the Concessionaire against any and all suits, proceedings, actions, demands
and claims for any loss, damage, cost and expense of whatever kind and nature under
or in connection with any Novated Contracts or the Non-Novated Contracts arising
before the COD. Provided that the Authority shall not be liable for any individual
claim which is less than Rs. 2,00,00,000 (Rupees Two crore), nor shall the aggregate
liability of the Authority for all claims (excluding related interest and enforcement
costs) under any or all Novated contracts and/or non-novated contracts be equal to or
exceed Rs 20,00,00,000 (Rupees Twenty crore).
Observation Period 16.5 The Authority (AAI) shall for a period of 60 days prior to COD, enable the
prior to COD concessionaire and all persons designated by it to enter the airport and observe the
functioning of the staff, equipment, systems and facilities at airport. The Authority
shall instruct its staff to cooperate with the Concessionaire and its designated persons
and assist them in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for operating the
Airport after COD. Provided, however, that the provisions of this Clause 16.5 shall
apply only after the Concessionaire has provided the Performance Security in
accordance with the provisions of Article 9.
Restoration of Loss or 18.7 Save and except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, in the event that
damage to airport the Airport or any part thereof suffers any loss or damage during the Concession
Period from any cause whatsoever, the Concessionaire shall, at its cost and expense,
rectify and remedy such loss or damage forthwith so that the Airport conforms to the
provisions of this Agreement. If such loss or damage has resulted due to any breach
or default in the performance obligations of the Concessionaire under this
Agreement, then, the costs undertaken by the Concessionaire on the repair or
rectification or such loss or damage, shall not be taken into consideration for the
purposes of the determination of the Aeronautical Charges.
Ground Handling 19.2 The Concessionaire shall provide or cause to be provided as per Applicable Laws
Services and Good Industry Practice, at its own cost and expense, the infrastructure required
for operation of the ground handling services required at the Airport for and in respect
of the Users, like aircrafts, passengers and cargo, which shall include ramp handling,
traffic handling, aircraft handling, aircraft cleaning, loading and unloading ("Ground
Handling Services"). Such infrastructure shall include luggage conveyor belts,
computer terminals, information technology backbone and associated facilities in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, Applicable Laws and Good
Industry Practice.
Aircraft Fueling 19.3 The Concessionaire shall provide, or cause to be provided, the infrastructure required
Services for operation of fueling services on equal access basis for all the aircrafts at the
Airport in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner. Such infrastructure shall
include tank farms and associated facilities in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement, Applicable Laws and Good Industry Practice. Good Industry Practice.
Cargo facility 19.4.1 (a) The Concessionaire shall upgrade, develop, operate and maintain the Cargo
Facilities in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, Applicable Laws,
Applicable Permits, relevant ICAO Documents and Annexes and Good industry
Practice.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided in this Clause 19.4 and Clause
23.5, it is clarified that, where Cargo Facilities have been earmarked for AAICLAS
in Schedule A (i) the Concessionaire will not be responsible for operations,
development, maintenance and management thereof, nor shall the Concessionaire be
bound by the obligations set out elsewhere in this Clause 19.4; and (ii) AAICLAS
shall be granted access to the airside by the Concessionaire free of cost.
(c) It is further clarified that, where Cargo Facilities have been earmarked for
AAICLAS in Schedule A, there shall be no restriction on the upgradation and/ or
development of Cargo Facilities by the Concessionaire, including on grounds of
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Concession Clause
Clause Description
Agreement Heading No.
quantum of cargo volumes at the Airport, business potential or impact of such
additional facilities on Cargo Facilities earmarked for AAICLAS.
Cargo facility 19.4.2 The Concessionaire shall:
(a) make reasonable endeavors to ensure that the Cargo Facilities include adequate
cargo and parcel space, handling equipment, storage and handling of perishable cargo
and dangerous goods, space for cargo agents and customers, inspection area, office
space, automation systems, screening equipment, storage facilities, and facilities for
mail handling and courier shipments in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement and Good Industry Practice;
(b) operate and maintain the Cargo Facilities and provide the associated services to
airlines and consignors in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement,
Applicable Laws and Good Industry Practice;
(c) provide, free of charge and in accordance with Good Industry Practice,
operational space and other facilities to the customs, security, quarantine and other
Designated GOI Agencies, as the case may be, for discharging their statutory
functions;
(d) install and keep operating in good working condition, web-cams, at all the
strategic locations, wherever, the cargo facilities are being handled or dealt with in
any manner whatsoever.
Cargo facility 19.5.1 The Concessionaire shall ensure that the Master Plan earmarks an area for Cargo
Facilities, and that such area shall be used only for handling of cargo and for
associated activities.
CNS/ATM Services 20.2.1 The Authority (AAI) shall, upon fulfilment of the applicable terms and conditions by
Concessionaire, at the request of consessionaire, procure the execution of an
agreement between the Authority and the consessionaire, substaintially in the form
set forth in Schedule Q (CNS/ATM Agreement), which shall ensure the provision of
CNS/ATM Services at the Airport, at all times during concession period in
accordance with the practises established or recommended by from time to time
pursuant to the Chicago Convention and on the same terms as applicable to simlilar
services at other airports in India, and in compliance with the directions of DGCA.
If the format of CNS/ATM agreement is changed or modified by the authority in its
sole discretion any time after the date of this agreement but before its execution by
the concessionaire, then, the concessionaire shall execute the CNS/ATM agreement
in such changed or modified format.
CNS/ATM Services 20.2.2 The Designated GOI Agency, may at its own cost, install at the Airport, any radar,
equipment or facilities necessary for the provision of enroute and terminal air
navigation services and the Concessionaire hereby undertakes to provide all
necessary civil infrastructure and necessary support assistance in respect thereof.
Independent Engineer 24.1.2 The appointment of the Independent Engineer shall be made within 90 (ninety) days
Fees of the date of execution of this Agreement, and such appointment shall be valid for a
period of 3 (three) years. On the expiry or termination of the said appointment, the
Authority shall appoint an Independent Engineer for a further term of 3 (three) years
in accordance with the provisions of Schedule K, and such procedure shall be
repeated after expiry of each appointment.
Independent Engineer 24.3.1 The remuneration, cost and expenses of the Independent Engineer shall be paid by
Fees the Authority, and all such remuneration, cost and expenses shall be reimbursed by
the Concessionaire to the Authority within 15 (fifteen) days of receiving a statement
of expenditure from the Authority. Any amounts paid to the Independent Engineer
shall be considered for a pass-through for the determination of the Aeronautical
Charges by the Regulator.
Collection of Fee's by 28.1.1 On and from COD and till the Transfer Date, the Concessionaire has the sole and
Concessionaire exclusive right to demand, collect and appropriate Fees from the Users for the
provision of the Aeronautical Services and Non-Aeronautical Services, including the
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Concession Clause
Clause Description
Agreement Heading No.
airlines and passengers, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulatory
Framework and this Agreement including the terms set out in Schedule R
(Memorandum of Understanding), provided that the Concessionaire may determine
and collect Fees at such lower rates as may be agreed with the Users or any category
of Users in accordance with the Applicable Laws and Applicable Permits.
Deemed Initial RAB 28.11.3 (a) It is agreed by the parties that the concessionaire shall be liable to pay to the
Authority an amount equivalent to the investments made by the Authority in the
Aeronautical Assets as of the COD and considered by the Regulator as part of the
Regulatory Asset Base, subject to requisite reconciliation, true-up and final
determination by the Regulator of the quantum of such investment ("Deemed Initial
RAB").
(b) The estimated depreciated value of investments made by the Authority in the
Aeronautical Assets at the Airport as on 31st March 2018 is Rs. 424,00,00,000
(Rupees Four Hundred and Twenty Four crore) ("Estimated Deemed Initial RAB").
It is agreed by the Parties that the Estimated Deemed Initial RAB shall be due and
payable by the Concessionaire to the Authority within 90 (ninety) days of COD.
Deemed Initial RAB 28.11.4 "Pursuant to the payment of the Estimated Deemed Initial RAB, and upon the
reconciliation, true-up and final determination by the Regulator of the quantum of
the investment under 28.11.3(a), any surplus or deficit in the Estimated Deemed
Initial RAB with respect to the Deemed Initial RAB shall be adjusted as part of the
Balancing Payment that becomes due and payable as per Clause 31.4 after the expiry
of 15 (fifteen) days from such final determination by the Regulator, with due
adjustment for the following ("Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB"):
(a) reduced to the extent of over-recoveries, if any, of Aeronautical Revenues by the
Authority until the COD, that the Regulator would provide for as a downward
adjustment while determining Aeronautical Charges for the next Control Period; or
(b) increased to the extent of under-recoveries, if any, of Aeronautical Revenues by
the Authority until the COD, that the Regulator would provide for as an upward
adjustment while determining Aeronautical Charges for the next Control Period.
The amount(s) to be paid by the Authority or Concessionaire shall be the present
value of Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB calculated using the fair rate of return as
determined by the Regulator for the time period from the COD to the date of actual
payment of the Adjusted Deemed Initial RAB.
Deemed Initial RAB 28.11.5 Upon reimbursement of such amount by the Concessionaire to the Authority, the
Deemed Initial RAB will, in addition to the investments made by the Concessionaire,
be considered for the purpose of determination of Aeronautical Charges by the
Regulator.
(a) The Authority undertakes to make any required supporting submissions to the
Regulator towards such consideration and determination by the Regulator.
(b) The parties shall submit to and request the Regulator to separately identify the
Deemed Initial RAB in future determinations of Aeronautical Charges with regard
to consideration of depreciation, required returns, etc.
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 252 of 253APPENDICES
18 APPENDICES
18.1 Appendix 1 – Study on Allocation of Assets between Aeronautical and Non-Aeronautical Assets
18.2 Appendix 2 – Study on Efficient Operation and Maintenance Expenses
18.3 Appendix 3 – Technical Report on Condition Assessment of Terminal TI
Consultation Paper No. 25/2023-24 Page 253 of 253