The new integrated terminal of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, may take more than two months to be fully operational with all the promised facilities in place. On January 19, Airports Authority of India said that the airport would be operational by March.

According to sources in AAI, while an in-line baggage system will take at least five months to be installed; trials for a speedy check-in at peak hours are yet to be conducted. Normally such trials take a minimum of two months to declare readiness of the airport.

“We are in the process of acquiring equipment for in-line baggage system. The system will be installed within five months. For the time being the existing baggage handling system will continue,” the official said on condition of anonymity. An in-line baggage system is an integrated platform that ensures a speedy and hassle-free handling of luggage without involving the passenger for multiple security scanning, unlike the ordinary baggage handling.

“Passengers’ convenience is yet to be checked as no trial for speedy check-in has been conducted yet,” he added. Meanwhile, according to him, the lounge for international flyers taking a halt needs to be built soon.

ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in

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