Ahmedabad: Work on the New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport has begun, with the airport operator aiming to make the facility operational by 2029-30, sources close to the development said.The first phase of the terminal will come up on the right of the existing domestic terminal, extending from the T3 side. The project cost is estimated to be over Rs 3,000 crore, according to the airport operator’s submissions before Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).“T3 has nearly been vacated. The existing spaces are being demarcated as the construction of periphery is underway. The terminal complex will expand further in subsequent phases as part of the airport’s plans to increase passenger handling capacity,” said a source.The phased construction plan will allow existing terminal operations to continue while the new infrastructure is developed.“As of now there are no restrictions on passenger movement or vehicular traffic on the airport approach roads. As construction progresses, if any particular area is shut or cordoned for public movement, people will be notified beforehand to ensure minimal inconvenience,” a source told TOI.The expansion comes as passenger traffic at Ahmedabad airport grows, prompting the addition of infrastructure to cater to future demand. The new terminal will progressively add passenger handling capacity and form part of the wider expansion of infrastructure at the airport.The airport operator has also been expanding and upgrading existing terminal infrastructure to accommodate the increase in passenger traffic. Separately, construction of a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility began two months ago near the existing Airports Authority of India office on the airport premises.Other infrastructure development at the airport includes upgrades to airside facilities and utility systems.GRAPHIC | New Integrated Terminal· Planned to become operational in 2030· Project cost: Rs 3,130 crore· First phase: To come up to the right of the existing domestic terminal, extending from the T3 side
