Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Feb 22: Governor Vajubai Rudabhai Vala laid the foundation stone for terminal building expansion and passenger boarding bridges here at Mangaluru international Airport on Friday, February 22.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Vajubai Vala said, "Mangaluru International Airport stands at the number one position in provision of good facilities. Even in passenger congestion, Mangaluru airport stands at 31st position in the world. It needs to strive hard to reach to the third position.

“Mangaluru city has grown as center of business. Mangaluru airport stands at number one position for cleanliness. However, to reach the number one position is not a big thing. But maintaining it for long will be the biggest challenge,” he said.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "We need not worry about decrease in passengers at Mangaluru International Airport due to opening of new airport at Kannur. We have also urged the concerned authorities to start direct flight to Pune from Mangaluru and an additional flight to New Delhi and Bengaluru. The work of runway will commence once the state government completes land acquisition process of 84 acres. Also, there is a demand for connecting road from Kenjar railway station to the airport which will be considered soon.”

The new terminal building project is coming up at a cost of Rs 132.24 crore with completion date of April 2020. The salient features of the terminal building expansion are visa on arrival facility, state-of-the-art additional area of 11,343 sqm in international terminal building, and enhancement of annual passenger handling capacity from 2 MPAX to 3MPAX per annum.

Other features are peak hour handling capacity will increase from 730 to 1000 PAX, additional two more baggage conveyors at international arrival and one more additional at domestic arrival, two additional passenger boarding bridges, new arrival hall at lower level, city side tensile fabric canopy, travellators, escalators and elevators, snack bar, F&B, travel requisite, ATM/money exchange, meet and greet area, first aid room etc.

Soujanya Hegde compered the event and airport director V V Rao rendered the vote of thanks.

Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian and mayor Bhaskar Moily were present.