The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground. And few have felt the strength of groundwork then K Ramalingam, Chairman, Airports Authority of India. A member for planning and operational activities of the AAI earlier, Ramalingam's exemplary achievement and his understanding of ground realities have helped him reach higher pedestal than many of his contemporaries. A man of few words but dollops of action and initiatives, Ramalingam has enfused fresh energy into the public sector organisation, which operates civilian airports in India.

At a time when the overnment is heading towards corporatisation of its vital airports in Delhi and Mumbai, his accession is seen as crucial to boost private capital investment and management of airport services. It goes to the credit of Ramalingam's long-term strategic vision of modernising Indian Airports. He recently introduced new technology into the organisation in keeping with global standard in airport maintenance. The introduction of a Master Plan to shift to modern glass and steel technology for its futuristic integrated airports at Vishakapatnam and Trivandrum and Calicut is sure to give a facelift to the Indian airports.

Under his competent leadership, the AAI is planning to go for controlled air ground VHF communication through VSAT via satellite to improve communication required for SAR operations. The enhanced surveillance and datalink communications system between some of the important airports in India is already in place, thanks to Ramalingam's and his predecessors' initiatives.

A man who believes in keeping his feet on ground and thoughts at lofty heights, Ramalingam very well understands the needs of changing world where efficient services and high-end technology are the keys to success. In keeping with the spirit, he is helping several airports in the country to expand and improve their runway. He is also the face who has been responsible of introducing Common User Terminal Equipment system to help passengers check-in without hassles. It seems with man like Ramalingam commandeering the base, passengers have pleasant journey to undergo.