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Airport operator BIAL said an interim expansion of the Bangalore International Airport's terminal area would roll out in June.
The expanded T1, when completed over 18 months, would be double the current 70,000 sq. m.
The country's third busiest airport would then be ready to handle 17 million passengers a year, BIAL said after a board meeting on Monday.
The works contract has been awarded to L&T, an initial co-promoter of the Rs 2,500-crore airport project.
(It sold its 17 per cent stake to GVK group last year.) BIAL turns three on May 24.
The project cost was not mentioned. Last August, officials of the GVK group that owns 29 per cent stake in the airport, had said it may cost Rs 1,000 crore and would be financed up to 70 per cent through debt.
The airport was growing at 18 per cent a year, higher than the national average of 16 per cent; it manages movements of 33,000 passengers and 330 aircraft each day, BIAL said.
Terminal expansion
“With the commencement of the terminal expansion, we hope to alleviate any hurdles being faced by passengers today.
At completion, we envision an enhanced airport that befits the city of Bangalore, enhances its business opportunities, complements its culture and welcomes its visitors,” said Mr G.V. Sanjay Reddy, Managing Director, BIAL.
For the next few years, this addition would be flexible to handle 20 million passengers a year.
The big expansion – that of a second terminal – would be taken up after a total review of the master plan.
“The decision to begin expansion has come at an apt time, given the rapid pace of growth that this airport is witnessing,” said Mr G.V.K. Reddy, Vice-Chairman, BIAL.
Since it started working in May 2008, BIA had grown from 7.9 million passengers in the first year to 10 million in the second year.
In 2010-11, it handled 11.7 million passengers. Cargo handling surpassed 2.24 lakh, an increase of 24.6 per cent for 2010-11.
At this rate, “The airport is poised to achieve its aim of becoming the gateway to South India,” BIAL said.
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