GMR International Airport Ltd.

Mission-Critical IT Passive Cabling Infrastructure for Airport Operations in Goa and Hyderabad

GMR International Airport Ltd. manages two of India’s most advanced aviation environments: the newly developed Goa International Airport at Mopa and the world-class Hyderabad International Airport. These facilities rely on highly synchronized digital systems that support passenger processing, baggage management, airline coordination, aeronautical operations, security systems, surveillance, terminal automation, and 24×7 mission-critical airport workflows.

To ensure seamless operations and future scalability, GMR required a high-precision, aviation-grade IT passive cabling infrastructure engineered for zero downtime, maximum reliability, and strict regulatory compliance.

Orchids Network & Systems (I) Pvt. Ltd. was selected to deploy a robust, high-performance structured cabling ecosystem across airport-critical zones in Goa and Hyderabad, strengthening the technological backbone for uninterrupted airport operations.

Project Objective

The objective was to implement a globally compliant structured cabling framework capable of supporting airport systems such as flight information displays, check-in kiosks, access control, IP surveillance, baggage handling automation, airside communication networks, terminal management solutions, and passenger services.

The infrastructure needed to deliver absolute reliability, withstand environmental challenges, support high-density device layouts, and ensure seamless interconnectivity across vast terminal and operational spaces.

Solution Delivered by Orchids Network & Systems

Aviation-Grade Structured Cabling Framework

Orchids engineered a high-availability structured cabling infrastructure using CAT6A shielded copper across terminal zones, control rooms, security areas, passenger service counters, and operational spaces. Shielding ensured interference-free connectivity in areas with heavy power equipment, x-ray systems, and complex electrical layouts.

A multi-layered fiber backbone was deployed to interconnect critical systems such as airport operations control centers, baggage handling networks, security command centers, and terminal management servers. This backbone ensured low-latency communication, high data throughput, and stable interconnection between mission-critical airport applications.

All cabling routes were designed with aviation-grade containment, precise bend radius control, and compliance with international standards including TIA, ISO, and ICAO-aligned operational guidelines.

Infrastructure Supporting Mission-Critical Airport Systems

The cabling architecture was tailored to sustain essential systems such as:

Flight information systems
Public address and emergency announcement networks
CCTV and perimeter surveillance systems
Biometric access and security screening networks
Airline operations and check-in systems
Baggage handling and conveyor automation
Terminal Wi-Fi infrastructure

Each connection point was engineered for durability, redundancy, and operational continuity, ensuring that any infrastructure failure would have minimal to zero operational impact.

Multi-Zone Deployment Across Goa and Hyderabad

Airports operate continuously and cannot accommodate downtime in operational or passenger-facing areas. Orchids implemented a strategically phased deployment approach, executing work in tightly controlled windows coordinated with terminal operations, security protocols, and GMR’s internal IT governance teams.

Both airports received standardized rack layouts, labeling systems, fiber documentation, patching schemes, and certification frameworks. This unified approach enabled seamless management, simplified troubleshooting, and ensured uniform operational standards across both locations.

A dedicated PMO (Project Management Office) supervised compliance, risk assessment, quality checkpoints, and daily coordination with airport authorities, ensuring precision execution in high-security environments.

Security, Compliance, and Audit Integration

Given the sensitivity of airport infrastructure, Orchids adhered to stringent security clearance processes, audit controls, and airport operational guidelines. All installations followed strict access protocols, documentation accuracy requirements, and operational safety standards.

Comprehensive as-built documentation, fiber test reports, terminal pathway maps, and rack elevation diagrams were delivered to meet GMR’s internal audit and regulatory compliance frameworks.

Outcome and Measurable Impact

GMR’s airports in Goa and Hyderabad now operate on a mission-critical, aviation-ready passive cabling foundation engineered to support 24×7 operations. Network reliability improved significantly, reducing latency for airport systems and enhancing real-time data exchange between operational command centers, security systems, and passenger service platforms.

Baggage handling workflows, terminal automation, flight display systems, and access control networks benefited from higher uptime and improved responsiveness. The infrastructure is now capable of supporting future airport modernization initiatives including smart terminal solutions, IoT-driven airport analytics, automated passenger movement systems, and expanded digital services.

The standardized architecture across Goa and Hyderabad enhances operational continuity, simplifies IT maintenance, and ensures long-term scalability.

Why GMR Partnered with Orchids Network & Systems

GMR selected Orchids due to its deep expertise in designing mission-critical infrastructure for high-security environments, its precision engineering capability, and its proven ability to execute large-scale deployments in operationally sensitive zones. Orchids ensured full compliance with airport guidelines, provided exceptional documentation standards, and delivered a robust, future-ready network foundation suitable for next-generation airport operations.