Tiruchy airport new terminal combines artful elegance and facilities

TIRUCHY: The new terminal at Tiruchy International Airport inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday will stand as another landmark in the district for its architectural elegance and the utilities present on the premises.

Apart from the already existing terminal in an area of 11,777 sq metre, the new terminal was constructed in a sprawling 75,000 sq. metre. (Previously it was planned for 67,500 sq metres). The present terminal can only handle 470 passengers at a time but the new terminal can handle 4,300 passengers, including 2,900 international passengers at a time for which as many as 10 aero bridges have been established and aprons to station 10 aircrafts at a time.

This apart, as many as 26 lifts and five escalators, 40 counters for immigration clearance and passenger waiting halls with all due amenities have been established in the new terminal.

Meanwhile, the entire terminal would be under solar energy and 6 MV solar power generation has been planned. In phase I, 3 MV solar power tapping has been initiated and the power requirements for the terminal would be compensated with the solar energy. A sewage water treatment plant has also been established and they would be utilised for the garden and the other utilities.

Similarly, instant baggage scanner, conveyor belts, selfie points, 40-metre-high air traffic control rooms and parking slots for 906 four wheelers, including 250 taxis and 10 buses are also available.

The Airport Authority of India roped in ITD Cementation India Ltd based in Kolkata for the project that cost around Rs 1,200 crore. With the design advice by the France firm, the new terminal was constructed with 4 star category building along with an aesthetic appearance.