The project which was conceived in the year 1991 was initially supposed to be undertaken by a consortium led by the Tatas. However, the Tatas walked out of the project due to delays in the clearance of the project. After this, there was complete silence on the project. Meantime, there were several rounds of litigation in various courts questioning the acquisition of land for the project.
In 1999, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Karnataka State Industries Development Corporation and the Airport Authority of India to set up an international airport. A tender was floated, the bidding process was held, and the project was finally bagged by a consortium consisting of Siemens, Zurich Airport, and Lauren & Toubro. These companies hold equity in the project.
It will be the 3rd busiest airport
The project got final clearance in 2004, and, in 2005, the land lease agreement was signed. Work on the project commenced in July 2005. This airport will be the third busiest in the country with at least 7.5 million passengers using it every year. The airport is expected to have at least 900 domestic flights a week.
Barring the distance that needs to be covered to reach the airport, the facilities look good and passengers should have no complaints.
A fully air-conditioned passenger terminal and a two-level building will accommodate both international and domestic operations. The arrival and departure areas are separated vertically, with a straight ahead flow system for easy operation and minimum maintenance. This terminal has been designed to accommodate at least 2,733 passengers during the peak hours.
Design: Out of the total 4,300 acres of land earmarked for this project, 2,000 acres is occupied by the runway, terminal, air traffic control towers and buildings. The apron area covers 182,000 metres and there shall be 40 aircraft stands.
Image: One of the air traffic control towers at the airport.
Photograph, courtesy: BIAL
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