"Kolkata Airport's New Terminal to Feature 21 Aerobridges for Faster Boarding"

The new second passenger terminal (T2) at Kolkata Airport, slated to cost Rs. 4,200 crore, will feature 21 aerobridges, surpassing the 18 aerobridges at the existing terminal (T1). This addition aims to streamline passenger boarding by allowing more travelers to board directly from the terminal, eliminating the need for bus rides to remote bays.

The U-shaped design of T2 is expected to enhance spatial efficiency compared to the current terminal, according to Kolkata Airport Director Pravat Ranjan Beuria. However, T2's floor space will be significantly smaller, measuring 13 lakh square feet compared to T1's 20 lakh square feet. The bottom of the U will house check-in counters, security checks, and retail and food and beverage outlets on the departure level, while the twin arms will extend into the apron area, featuring boarding gates and additional F&B outlets.

The preliminary design, approved by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), includes seven boarding gates in the right arm facing north and seven gates in the left arm facing north, with an additional seven gates facing south in the left arm's second phase. While the existing terminal can accommodate 8,460 passengers per hour, T2 is designed to handle 4,800 passengers per hour.

Construction on the boundary wall surrounding the old domestic terminal is set to begin soon, with completion expected by October-November. Demolition of the old terminal is anticipated to start by the end of this year or early next year, followed by the commencement of T2 construction by late 2025 or early 2026, with a 48-month completion deadline.

The demolition of the air traffic control tower and associated facilities will begin late next year, after the relocation to a new ATC tower and technical block. Procurement of new navigation and surveillance equipment has begun, with expected delivery by November. Installation will follow, with phased relocation starting in March 2025. Both the old and new terminals will operate in parallel until the old terminal is closed around October next year.

ET