World-class cure ordered for air terminal sickness

Airport's new management intent on image makeover of 'shabby' Terminal 1, creation of new infrastructure

Airport's new management intent on image makeover of 'shabby' Terminal 1, creation of new infrastructure

Terminal 1 of Bangalore airport, which recently came in for heavy criticism from the House committee of Karnataka's legislators and was termed shabby and 'not world class', has been promised a swanky,
world-class look soon.

The new bosses, who come with the experience of Mumbai airport behind them, have roped in a global
design house to announce their arrival.



Master plan

After taking over the management of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) on Tuesday, the new management it also manages the Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), currently India's busiest airport announced a series of activities after reviewing the expansion master plan.

G V K Reddy, chairman of GVKPIL, the parent company that manages MIAL and BIAL, said, "We intend to fast track implementation of the new master plan for Bangalore International Airport.

We will ensure that the new passenger terminal combines the best in technology and processes with an iconic design."

Brand new terminal

The grand plans for BIAL include starting construction of a brand new terminal building T2, which is to be initiated immediately.

A BIAL spokesperson said, "The first phase of terminal T2 expects to cater to passenger traffic of 15 million per annum, looking to eventually handle 36 million passengers per annum in the next phase." Designs for the new terminal building will be selected through a global bidding process.

Terminal expansion

Terminal 1, which was criticised by the House committee, will also see change. The expansion will be designed by global architectural firm HOK, which has also designed the under-construction integrated terminal of the Mumbai airport at Sahar.

Landscaping

The gardens will also have a master plan, with landscaping on the city side leading up to the airport. "This is to enhance passenger experience and do justice to Bangalore's reputation of being a Garden City," a BIAL release said.

The new boys

Reconstitution of the BIAL board of directors followed the acquisition of 29 per cent stake in the company by GVK Power and Infrastructure Ltd. The reconstituted board of directors reviewed the master plan for expansion of the Bangalore International Airport and decided on several changes to be made and new things to be undertaken.

The Controversy

Poor Quality Work A joint House committee of the State Legislature had recommended blacklisting L&T, Siemens and Unique Zurich Airport for a minimum period of five years citing "poor quality of workmanship" in the construction of the airport. Demand for Action It had asked for "appropriate action" against those involved in important decisions on the project, including Infosys chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy and Rajeev Chandrashekar, MP. Lapses found The committee found serious lapses in drafting the Concession Agreement to construct the greenfield airport on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, which was allegedly heavily loaded to benefit the private participants.