Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday inaugurate the newly built Chennai airport terminal. The terminal has been constructed at a cost of Rs 1,260 crore and is equipped with all sorts of facilities for the travellers. Talking about the new integrated terminal, PM Modi has said that it would be an important addition to Chennai's infrastructure. "It will boost connectivity and also benefit the local economy," he further said in a tweet.
All About The New Terminal
- While giving details about the new integrated terminal building at Chennai airport, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the new terminal, spanning an area of 2,20,972 sqm., is set to cater to the growing air traffic in the state of Tamil Nadu. "It’s also a reflection of the govt.’s commitment towards providing high-quality infrastructure to travellers," the tweet said.
- According to the ministry, the new addition to Chennai airport can handle nearly 35 million passengers per year.
- As per a report in HT, arrival and departure points will have 54 immigration counters each for speedy transit procedures.
- The integrated terminal building is a tribute to the local Tamil culture as it showcases traditional elements like the kolam, saree and temples. HT reported that the ceilings are designed with motif lights representing the Kolam patterns. Besides, the pillars and columns are constructed with stainless steel champagne strips adding a golden finish.
- Another key feature is the Skylight, which utilises natural light to illuminate the space inside the building and reduces the energy consumption of the terminal. As per the report, 11 automatic tray retrieval systems (ATRS) for carry-on baggage and 33 remote boarding gates will ensure a smoother security screening process. The self-baggage drop facilities by scanning the boarding pass will also help in quick check-in formalities.
- Mint mentioned that the new terminal aligns with the GRIHA standards which means Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment. This rating system evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and habitats.
Meanwhile, the Chennai authorities have issued an advisory on the movement of passengers and vehicles on the airport premises. As per an official release on the Press Information Bureau (PFB), the new Integrated Terminal Building (Phase I) of Chennai International Airport is getting inaugurated on 08.04.2023. In view of VVIP movements at Chennai Airport, the entry of vehicles to departure level (on flyover) is restricted from 1450 hrs. – 1515 hrs.
The authorities have thus requested that passengers, who are travelling to Chennai Airport during this time duration, to plan accordingly so as to reach Chennai Airport in advance to have smooth transit.
"Additionally, passengers may alight in arrival area of Domestic / International Terminals i.e., ground level and reach Departure level of Domestic / International Terminals respectively, by using elevators for this period only. Rest of the period, traffic will be as usual, " the advisory stated.
It also said, "Airlines are also advised to inform passengers on this change in traffic routing in airport for the above said period to avoid any inconvenience. We are extremely thankful to the valued public support."
Note the above information and plan the visit to Airport accordingly.