New Delhi: With concerns over COVID-19 continuing, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Group led consortium, has taken a major step forward by setting up an on-site coronavirus testing lab at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), which will be operational within a few days.
DIAL has collaborated with Genestrings Diagnostic Centre, a Delhi-based laboratory, which is currently associated with Delhi government to test COVID-19 samples. Constructed in 3500 square meter area at multi-level car parking (MLCP) of Terminal 3, this is the first such arrangement among Indian airports.
Results of samples collected at the laboratory will be declared within 4-6 hours to the incoming passengers. Until the results are confirmed, passengers will be isolated at the waiting lounge or may opt to stay in a hotel. In case of a positive result, the passenger will be processed in line with applicable ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) protocols by the State authorities. This will help the authorities concerned to avoid passengers affected with the disease from coming in close contact with those already having RT-PCR negative report. Those testing negative can continue their onward journey.
As the Government of India is preparing to open the sky with the rising air bubbles, the laboratory will be a key element in facilitating a safe journey for all the passengers.
With all the necessary audits and approvals from the governing bodies, DIAL has readied this testing facility and infrastructure at the premises of Terminal 3. Additionally, sample collection stations have been positioned near the arrival pier. This laboratory is set to become operational from mid-September.
Commenting on the development, Mr Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO-DIAL, said: “Delhi Airport continues to be a hub for international travellers even during the pandemic. The pilot initiative has been taken to ensure testing of all arriving international transfer passengers scheduled to board a domestic connecting flight post arrival in Delhi Airport. The COVID-19 testing laboratory at Delhi Airport has been adequately equipped for testing and sample collection that will be conducted in compliance with the protocols established by ICMR and NABL.”
“As India enters a crucial stage of further relaxing International borders, it was imperative a comprehensive strategy is put in place. We congratulate GMR DIAL for this path breaking initiative and are proud to be associated,” said Dr Rajat Arora, Director, Genestrings Diagnostic Centre.
As per Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) guidelines, international arriving passengers having RT-PCR negative certificate would be exempted from institutional quarantine granted by the State authorities and will be allowed for onward air journey. This exemption will be basis negative RT-PCR test report for which the test was conducted within 96 hours before undertaking the journey.
However, if the passenger could not get the same done within the desired time limit before boarding a flight from abroad, the RT-PCR testing facility at Delhi Airport will allow them to get tested once they have landed at Delhi Airport. A COVID-19 negative report will allow these passengers to take a connecting flight to other domestic destinations in India without needing to be quarantined in the city.
