Bhubaneswar: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has recently submitted a proposal to the Union finance ministry’s Public Investment Board (PIB) for approval of terminal three (T3) at the city airport.Once approved by PIB, the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) can float the tender for the project, which is estimated to cost over Rs 1,200 crore, officials said.“Before floating the tender, a multi-stakeholder meeting will be organized to discuss the design, size and pattern of the new terminal. But in any case it will be a two-and-half-storeyed terminal. The expansion will enhance passenger convenience and operational efficiency,” an airport officer said.The proposed terminal will pave the way for integrated handling of both domestic and international arrivals and departures. The terminal will be designed to handle footfall of 8.6 million passengers per annum, officials said.Currently, BPIA operates with two terminals — T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international operations. They are standalone terminals with customs and immigration facilities available in T2.BPIA officials said there is a plot available for the project inside the operational area and close to the T1 building. “The new terminal may be constructed over 65,000 sqm area. The design of the terminal will have a touch of Odisha’s heritage and culture and it may reflect Odisha’s temple architecture as well,” the airport officer added.“Work on the terminal building will start once the tender process is over. Multiple parties, based on their expertise, may be involved in the project,” airport officials said.Airport officials said that considering the air traffic, passenger comfort and commercial activities, the design of the new terminal will be finalised. There are altogether 18 aprons for aircraft to reach the bays, but after the T3 terminal comes up, six more aerobridges will be required, officials said.BPIA had only one terminal building, the old domestic one which was converted into the international terminal (T2) in March 2013. Subsequently, a state-of-the-art domestic terminal was constructed at a cost of Rs 145 crore on a modular pattern to allow for further expansion. T1 has the capacity to handle around 1,000 passengers, even during peak time.
