New terminal building of VSI Airport is likely to be operational from this June; 96% works done until now, up to mid of May will reach to its 100% completion

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, Apr 17: The most awaited Shell-shaped terminal building of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is likely to become operational by this June.

A journalists' team today lead by most Senior Journalist, A&N Islands, Shri K. Ganeshan with the consent of Shri G. Prakash Reddy, General Manager (Project), Airport Authority of India made a visit to the under construction building new terminal of VSI Airport on April 17, 2023.

The General Manager (Projects), Airport Authority of India, Shri G. Prakash Reddy has informed the scribes that the work was started from April 2017, until now 96% of work is completed and overall cost for the building is Rs.707 crores. Altogether, 363 vehicles (including cars, buses, and taxis) could be parked at one time in the parking area at the terminal premises. With new and innovative technologies, the new terminal building of Veer Savarkar International Airport will have all modern facilities for air travellers.

During the site visit, Mr. Kurian P Mathew, Assistant Manager, Mr. Richard, Design Consultants (Electrical), and Ms. Vandana, Design Consultants (Civil) of D.K. Associates have explained the scribes about the structure and building plan and construction in detail.

Mr. Richard said that the design of the building is inspired by the theme 'Nature from the Nature' and finalised the Shell-shaped structure, with a shape that evolves through the sea and islands. The terminal building covers a 40,000 square meters area with a span of 240 meters and two 125-meter column-less spans supported by periphery steel columns and a Spine/Central beam. The building's roof height varies from 18 meters to 32 meters.

Mr. Kurian P Mathew said, the three-level building comprises a lower ground floor with remote departure and service areas, an upper ground floor for access to the terminal building and exit for arrival passengers, and a first floor with a waiting lounge for international passengers. It has been designed to accommodate 1200 peak hour passengers, with 28 check-in counters, including 12 common-use self-service (CUSS) check-in counters. The terminal also features 03 aerobridges and 06 escalators, an apron designed for type C/D category of aircraft. For baggage handling, an in-line scan system has been adopted for departure and baggage carousel for arrival passengers. The building also features an easy check-in process, a seamless movement to departure gates, and minimum queuing. In addition, it has a shopping area, waiting lounge, and is lit by natural light.

Ms. Vandana has informed that the entire terminal is lit by 100% natural lighting 12 hour a day which is achieved by skylights along the roof. In view of A&N Islands being in seismic zone, the glass around the building was placed on cable net wires and elastomeric bearings were used between spine beams and 22 mm thick roof rods to minimize the effect of earthquakes on the structure and for the safety of passengers during the time.

However, this ambitious project would be completed by next month and people hope there is a high chance that the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate this Veer Savarkar International Airport (New Terminal), A&N Islands.