The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : AAI to begin second phase work of terminal soon

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

AAI to begin second phase work of terminal soon

S. Anil Radhakrishnan

Steps to invite tenders for the work begin

Work to be taken up simultaneously along with the first phase
Project to cost Rs.80.58 crore

Thiruvananthapuram: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has decided to take up the Rs.80.58-crore second phase work of the world class international terminal complex of the Thiruvananthapuram airport soon.

The work on the Rs.165-crore first phase, which includes Rs.115-crore terminal building, apron and car park, is progressing as per schedule and is slated for commissioning in December 2008.

“Rather than waiting to complete the first phase in September 2008, we have decided to take up the second phase work on the Chakka side simultaneously and to complete the Rs.245.58-crore terminal project at one go,” Airport Director N. Nagraj said.

The plan was to commence the second phase work in September 2008 and to complete it in 2010.

AAI Executive Director (Engineering) V.K. Choudhari is in the city to hold talks with the authorities and the consultant of the project to find out the feasibility.

PIB nod

The nod from the Public Investment Board (PIB) is also needed for taking up the work since it costs Rs.80 crore. The PIB clearance was granted only for the first phase.

“We have also commenced steps to invite tenders for the second phase. An additional 8,000 square metres will be added to the complex by extending the terminal on both sides. In addition, four parking bays, conveyor belts, escalators and other facilities will be set up,” Mr. Nagraj said.

AAI Member (Planning) V.P. Agarwal arriving later this week to meet Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan to speed up land acquisition for the project and for setting up the new cargo complex proposed by the AAI on the airport premises.

Piling work completed

The piling work for the terminal building has been completed. The three-storied terminal building, with a floor area of 23,299 sq. metres, is being constructed using modern construction materials.

“The materials for erecting the structure of the terminal have arrived. By December/ January next, the structure of the new terminal building will be visible above the surface,” Mr. Nagraj said.

Of the 48.56 hectares needed for the project, the government had handed over 11.15 hectares.

The AAI would be able to take up the second phase only if the government handed over the remaining land.

Meets officials

Meanwhile, Mr. Nagraj, who recently took charge as Director, called on Chief Secretary P.J. Thomas and Secretary to the Chief Minister Sheela Thomas to brief them on the works.

The change in the reporting structure of the Airport Director has in no way affected the status or development works of the airport. The works are being controlled and monitored directly by the AAI corporate headquarters in Delhi.

The Executive Director, Southern Region, with headquarters in Chennai will look after Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore, Kozhikode and Hyderabad airports.

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