'Factory-like' airport is an eyesore, says Centre

'Factory-like' airport is an eyesore, says Centre
From B S Arun, DH News Service, New Delhi:
The Civil Aviation Ministry has found fault with the airport authorities on several counts noting that the airport has the "look-feel of a factory and not that of an international airport" and that it lacked the "human touch".


The Centre has taken strong exception to the design and facilities to be offered to passengers at the upcoming Bangalore international airport at Devanahalli.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has found fault with the airport authorities on several counts noting that the airport has the “look-feel of a factory and not that of an international airport” and that it lacked the “human touch”.
Suggesting changes to the airport design and facilities to be augmented, the Ministry has noted that there was “ample scope” for increasing the capital investment to implement the suggestions. This, it says, can be achieved without adversely affecting the finances of the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL).
The Ministry has based its opinions formulated by and after site visits of Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and secretary Ashok Chawla. The Ministry wrote the letter on April 30 and the BIAL management is yet to respond to it, official sources told Deccan Herald here on Sunday.

Aesthetics
On the aesthetics side, the ministry says the architecture and structure of the terminal building were “extremely rectilinear” and “very clinical in nature”. On entering the terminal building from the South side, the light trusses would lend the look-feel of a factory as the trusses get fully exposed. This should be nullified by creating elements which hide the shape generated on account of these trusses, it is suggested. Finding fault with the partition building, the Ministry has noted that they were predominantly rectilinear and lacked interest.
There was a suggestion to create a play of light by introducing alternate geometry and interesting shapes and colours which are bold and bright to understate the existing greys. The height of ceiling of the restaurant in the departure area needs to be increased.
On the facilities side, the Ministry has advised the BIAL to construct a canopy since there is a strong possibility of heavy rains lashing the terminal which is south-facing. Without any protection, people may get drenched and rain water can enter into the terminal.
The Ministry wants changes in the departure section as staircase and escalator passengers have to take to ascend towards the aircraft boarding area are “frightfully close to each other”.
Expressing concern at the runway area being constructed at a lower level than the rest of the airport, the Ministry said this needed immediate attention as it may lead to a “catastrophic situation” during heavy rains. The Ministry wants these issues to be brought up at the next meeting of the BIAL Board.
The Ministry said there was ample scope for increasing the capital investment to implement its suggestions without adversely affecting the finances of BIAL (the project has seen one increase from Rs 1,411 crore to Rs 1,930 crore). Convenience of passengers, their safety as well as an international look are of paramount importance, the ministry said.