Airport terminal inaugurated

Mumbai: There may be some relief in sight for companies involved in the modernisation of Mumbai airport over uncertainties surrounding land acquisition for the project. Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh on Sunday assured GVK consortium, which has undertaken the modernisation work, that the State government will give support on the land issue.

Inaugurating the new arrival hall at the domestic terminal 1B, Mr Deshmukh said, “The slum-dwellers living in the proximity of the airport will be rehabilitated soon.” He added that the Government will render full support to the modernisation work of the Mumbai airport.

According to the airport authorities undertaking the modernisation work, large tracts of land around the airport are occupied by slums and pose a challenge to the modernisation of the Mumbai international airport.

The new hall would be opened for passengers from Monday (September 17). It would cater to about 65 per cent of domestic arrivals, which would now shift from Terminal 1A to 1B.

Airlines operating from the new terminal would include Air Deccan, Indigo, Jet Airways, Spicejet and Jet Lite. Starting Tuesday, Go Air would also shift to Terminal 1B.

Among the facilities in the upgraded arrival area would be five baggage belts and dedicated baggage service facilities for each of the airlines, international transit facility, exclusive taxi services for women, foreign exchange and other similar services.