The construction of the new integrated terminal building of the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is likely to be completed by June 2022.
Currently work is going on in full swing for the new terminal building that is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 417 crore.
As much as 83 percent of the construction of the new terminal building of the airport has been completed. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has set a target date of June 2022 for completion of the project.
The new terminal building, once complete, will also give a boost to the Ude Deshka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) that aims to enhance connectivity to India's unserved and under-served airports.
Besides, the terminal will also provide new employment avenues for islanders and be major boost to modern infrastructure in these islands.
The Scheme has received significant interest from leading domestic carriers and startup airlines due to the various fiscal and monetary incentives therein and the three-year exclusive right to operate on the allotted Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) routes.
The new integrated terminal building of the airport, being built in an area of 40,000 sqmtr, will be able to handle 1,200 passengers -- 600 domestic and 600 international passengers at a time during peak hours.
The shell-shaped design of the building has been inspired by nature. The height of the terminal building roof would vary between 18 mtr and 32 mtr. The building will have three floors.
While one floor would be used as departure and as service area, the other floors would be used for access to the terminal building and for arrival of passengers, and as waiting lounge for international passengers.
Among other facilities, the new airport will have four aerobridges, 10 elevators and six escalators, 28 check-in counters, an in-line scan system for handling baggage, three conveyor belts for arrival baggage, two for domestic and one for International, which will be separated by a sliding glass partition.
The terminal will also feature easy check-in, ease of movement to departure gates and minimum queuing as well as waiting and shopping areas and 100 percent natural lighting for 12 hours a day which will be achieved by skylights along the roof.