Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), Mumbai, has been rated as the 3rd best airport in the world and the 2nd best airport in India in 2011 by ACI in the 25 – 40mn passenger capacity. Mumbai International Airport Pvt Limited (MIAL), a consortium led by GVK has been awarded with the mandate of modernizing CSIA. MIAL is currently implementing a master plan to build an integrated terminal with a vision and framework to modernize this airport as one of the best airports in the world.  When complete, this integrated terminal referred to as T2 will have an area of over 4,39,000 sq. mts. and will include new taxiways and apron areas for aircraft parking designed to cater to 40 million passengers annually.

KONE is proud to be associated with MIAL for installing the world’s flattest autowalk technology at T2, which makes designing locations for and installing autowalks considerably easier. Mr. Chanderbhan Manwani, Sr. Vice President, Projects, MIAL and Mr. Rajesh Bywar, Regional Director West, KONE inaugurated the pit less travelator on 3rd August, 2012 in the presence Mr. Ramesh Desai, National Head  – Major Projects, KONE, Mr. J. Gopalakrishna Pillai, Deputy Project Director L&T and along with senior delegates from MIAL, L&T and KONE. This pit-less travelator is the first of its kind in Asia.

Due to the innovative pallet return mechanism and a new kind of motor solution, each KONE InnoTrack™ autowalk is so flat that, unlike conventional solutions, it can be installed entirely on the finished floor level.

KONE InnoTrack™ autowalk is a breakthrough innovation in the escalator business. The modular-based flat technology platform and the re-installation possibility enable the use of autowalks also in buildings and premises in which autowalks have not been used before. KONE InnoTrackTM autowalk can be installed without changes in the floor structure (direct on finished floor level), which enables the easy installation in both existing and new buildings. These features make KONE InnoTrackTM autowalk a solution for a wide range of different locations and premises with a need for efficient traffic flow.

“This is a world class international airport and has been worked on with high-end architects.  KONE has been able to complete the installation of its autowalk in less than a week’s time. This is a completely new product and the challenge was to understand the entire process & methodology and deliver on time. We have four autowalks in the airport and are confident of creating a smooth and hassle free people flow experience. We had great collaboration from the global team who provided us the technical support. Another milestone in the history of KONE,” says Mr. Neeraj Sharma, Managing Director, KONE India.

KONE InnoTrack™ autowalk is environmentally friendly because of its oil-free drive system and pallet chain and the fact that it uses significantly less material than traditional solutions. The new technology utilizes the KONE PowerDisc™ machinery, which has proven itself as a reliable and energy-efficient solution in KONE’s elevators.

KONE’s history of innovation is one of the success factors of the company. KONE has always provided systematic and long-term investment into its R&D capabilities. In its striving towards serving customers to perfection, KONE explores technologies in other industries and monitors changing markets, trends, customer needs, and working methods. KONE has introduced a wide range of major innovations throughout the years.

The new order strengthens KONE’s successful partnership with Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd.