CHENNAI: The second phase of expansion of the Chennai airport at an approximate cost of `2,100 crore will be decided on Monday when the Public Investment Board will hold a crucial meeting on the project, according to a top airport official. The meeting will decide the quantum of funds as well as how many phases the work will take, said the senior official.
The expansion plan will increase the aircraft movement from 32 to 40 aircraft per hour and passenger capacity of the terminals from 18 million to 30 million.
“Once we get approval, then we will go for bids. The PIB will also decide whether the project could be completed at one go or phase-wise,” said the official.
Interestingly, the move to get clearance for the second phase of expansion comes when the State government is looking for a site for developing the second airport. “The State has been asked to come up with a site by December 31,” the official said.
The phase-II modernisation of the airport shall include demolition and reconstruction of the old domestic terminal, old international terminal, re-construction of airside corridor for seemless integration, and interfacing provision in the new terminal for future connection of tunnel from satellite terminal. It will also include augmentation of contact bays, development of multi-level car park, development of integrated common user cargo complex, development of contact bays for category E cargo freighters etc.
The move comes at a time when both Centre and State are working together to firm up plans on setting up a second airport, a greenfield facility, and developing an aerocity around it.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha has said that efforts are on to acquire 1,000 to 2,000 acres of land to develop a world class greenfield aerocity as in Gurgaon.
A report ‘Comprehensive Integrated Masterplan for Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor’ prepared by the Japan International Cooperation Agency states that the additional airport in Chennai is necessary as passenger demand is expected to surpass capacity in 2020-21.
The peak capacity of 23 million passengers of Chennai airport is expected to fall short of the rising demand in 2020-21, triggering the need for an additional airport in the region.