BIA expansion for more space

BIA expansion for more space
Bangalore:July 29, DHNS:

The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) announced on Thursday that it plans to invest an additional Rs 977.90 crore for the expansion of the Bengaluru International Airport at Devanahalli in two phases.

The move comes in the backdrop of the Joint Legislature Committee pointing out several inadequacies in the airport.

In its report, the committee made serveral scathing observations, underlining that the space available for commercial purposes at the airport was more than that of the space available for public/travellers . It had also made negative observations regarding the number of boarding gates, aero bridges, toilet facilities and the VIP lounge space available.

The management has decided to add new facilities that would address the issues, while also expanding the airport as planned earlier. According to the proposed expansion plan, Terminal One at the airport which is about 71,000 square metres will be expanded by another 50,000 square metres, to accommodate about 17 million passengers a year against 9-12 million passengers currently.

It is learnt that the BIAL Board of Directors has proposed it to the government, and once approved by the latter, will take the proposal to the Civil Aviation ministry.
The management is also planning to build a Terminal Two in the long-run with the provision to expand it to 36 million passengers a year in due course, the proposal of which is with the State Government.

Infrastructure
Airside infrastructure would also be strengthened simultaneously to cater to the increased passenger volumes as part of the expansion programme.
The airport premises will be spruced up, with a revamped landscaping improving the visual experience from the Interchange on the National Highway 7 right up to the Terminal building.

Briefing reporters, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said: “I am happy that the GVK Group, which has recently acquired 29 per cent equity in BIAL is actively pursuing the expansion of the airport. I am told that an investment of nearly Rs 977.90 crore is planned in two phases.”

Congratulating G V Krishna Reddy and G V Sanjay Reddy for becoming the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, respectively, Yeddyurappa said the government hopes the expansion will be completed in 18 months as expected.
He also thanked the new management for giving due consideration to the sentiments expressed by the Legislature Committee and taking steps to add new facilities besides providing more space for the travellers including the VIPs.
DH News Service