BIAL embarks on expansion plan

BIAL embarks on expansion plan
Bangalore Jan 19 DH News Service

The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) on Tuesday announced the process to begin construction of a new terminal building and reconstitution of its board. This follows the recent acquisition of a 29 per cent stake by Hyderabad-based infrastructure major, the GVK Group.

Three new members - G V Krishna Reddy, Indira K Reddy and G V Sanjay Reddy - from the GVK Group were inducted into the BIAL Board of Directors at the Board meeting on Tuesday, said a release.

The newly reconstituted Board of Directors reviewed the ‘master plan’ for expansion of the Bangalore International Airport and decided on the following:

- The process to start construction of a brand new terminal building, T2, will be initiated on an immediate basis. The first phase of T2 will cater to passenger traffic of 15 million per annum.

The terminal will be further expanded in the next phase to eventually handle 36 million passengers per annum. Associated airside infrastructure will also be expanded to cater to the new terminal. Design for the new terminal building will be selected through a global bidding process involving world’s leading architects.

- To cater to the growth in passenger traffic, the existing terminal building will be expanded. Global architectural firm HOK has been appointed to design the expansion.
This added development will take the annual capacity of the existing terminal to 15 million passengers annually.

- A comprehensive landscaping master plan will be undertaken on the cityside leading up to the airport to enhance passenger experience and do justice to Bangalore’s reputation of being a ‘Garden City.’

Speaking on the occasion, G V K Reddy, Chairman, GVKPIL said: “We intend to fast track implementation of the new master plan for Bangalore International Airport. We are excited by the opportunity of creating a new landmark in Bangalore and will ensure that the new passenger terminal combines the best in technology and processes with an iconic design that makes the people of Bangalore proud.”

However, no date has been announced on the actual commencement of the construction of the new terminal, as the process of tender bids would have to be first called and evaluated before beginning the construction.

The GVK group is also involved in the operation and modernisation of India’s busiest airport, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, and has developed significant expertise and experience in airport developmen