Bangalore International unveils T1 plans

India's Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) unveiled (19-Aug-2010) designs and details of the Terminal 1 expansion with enhanced capacity to cater to the rapidly growing passenger traffic in Bangalore. Details include:

• Timeframe: The expansion is scheduled to be completed in 18 months from the commencement of its construction;
• Estimated cost: USD217 million;
• Capacity expansion: The expansion of the existing T1 has been designed to enhance the operational performance in order to handle the increase of passenger traffic between now and 2015. The traffic is estimated to increase from the current 10.6 million passengers p/a to approximately 17 million passengers. The airport handled 11.6 million passenger in the previous 12 months, with the increased capacity to suffice until 2014;
• Area: The enhanced T1 will be spread over an area of approximately 134,000 sqm;
• Financing details: The debt-equity ratio for the expansion project is 70:30, with funding to come "partly come from internal accruals and also from the equity holders", with the airport adding that "banks have already agreed to fund the project" (The Hindu, 19-Aug-2010);
• Design: Designed by HOK, the expanded T1 has an architectural concept based on the idea of a dramatic swooping and curving roof, under which the building sits. The roof is the unifying element for new and existing facilities. It also forms a canopy to the main entrance, offering passengers and public a giant covered area, protected from the weather;
• Other features: The new terminal will increase the number of check-in counters from 53 to 83, with the number of baggage reclaim belts to be increased from nine to 13 and the number of seats to increase from 2,300 to 5,300. [more]

GVK: "GVK is proud to be a part of this prestigious project as it serves an important driver for the overall growth of Bangalore, Karnataka and Southern region of India. We are committed to the success and growth of Bengaluru International Airport and share the vision of making it the gateway to South India. GVK's business expertise combined with the operational excellence established by the airport is a perfect combination to achieve both infrastructure and operational growth for the airport," GV Krishna Reddy, Chairman. Source: Company Statement, 19-Aug-2010

BIAL: "The expansion of the existing terminal marks a significant milestone for Bengaluru International Airport and is a step towards giving the city of Bangalore an airport that caters to its global aspirations. The radiant interiors and breathtaking exteriors will be designed to mirror the rich culture of Karnataka and the vibrant colours of the Garden City. Our thought is to seriously consider the views of the local citizens while realising the T1 expansion. The shared sneak preview into our communication designed to generate ideas from the passengers and the city is testimony to our inclusive approach," Sanjay Reddy, MD. Source: Company Statement, 19-Aug-2010.