BIAL bucks up

BIAL bucks up
On even keel
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Devanahalli: Stung by criticism from the civil aviation ministry and the consequent negative publicity, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) finally swung into action on Thursday.
BIAL CEO Albert Brunner listed special features of the ultramodern airport that is 77 per cent complete. He told reporters on a site visit: “We will give good service at very competitive rates.’’
Stating that civil aviation minister Praful Patel, whom he met in New Delhi on Wednesday, was “happy’’ with the work done, Brunner said the ministry’s suggestions were being implemented. “They suggested a canopy, which we had dropped in an effort to reduce costs. But we agree that such a canopy is needed, it is being designed
now. We are not sure what the cost will be, but it will be covered,’’ he stated.
On another point raised by Patel, Brunner said the number of aerobridges at the airport, presently nine, will be increased. “The making of the aerobridge takes about an year, but we are are trying to see how many more can be put in,’’ he added. But two points — flooding of the terminal building and the ‘factory’-like look — were brushed off. “The ministry officials saw the terminal building before landscaping, there is no question of flooding. On aesthetics, they didn’t like our stringent lines, but we have planned many geometric shapes and colours inside,’’ he said.
With 46,000 workers on site, Brunner said the airport will meet the start date of April 2. “The schedule is tight; tighter than some of the flyover work in Bangalore city. But we will make it,’’ he added.
Special features
Terminal building lets in so much natural light that at 4.30 pm on a cloudy day, no interior lighting is needed. At any point in the building — ground floor to glass overbridge — the roof and sky can be seen. An architecture design and positioning of glass panes that ensures 80% of the light is let in and 80% of the heat is kept out. Design for easy passenger flow, with no change of terminal for domestic and international travel; one flows in from the other. Baggage will be security checked five times. But the passenger does not do any of it Entire terminal is Wi-Fi-enabled Shopping areas and lounges in geometric designs and colours in domestic and international shopping areas First airport in India to have a hotel right in front of the terminal and an integrated systems room where all facets — baggage handling, apron handling, caterer, security, ground handler, immigration — will be seated together
24th month report card
Terminal building almost complete, flooring being laid Runway complete Taxiway almost complete Pavement layering in car park 60-meter air traffic tower complete except for the dome Installation of the structural supports for escalators