The operators of the Bengaluru International airport, M/s Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have commenced the expansion of Terminal 1.
See the walk-through video here.
BIAL has planned the expansion on both ends (east and west) of the existing terminal which are open spaces today, ensuring minimal disruption to the operating portion of the terminal. The old VIP terminal has been demolished and passengers will observe furious construction activity on the east side of the airport just beyond the boundary wall. There is similar construction activity on the west side of the terminal (towards the NH-7 highway).
The intent is for the expansion construction to be completed externally to the terminal, and remove the existing side walls of the terminal, which are just bolted on, at the last moment to complete the expansion in a smooth and seamless manner.
As a part of the enabling work for Terminal 1-A expansion, the following is in progress at the Bengaluru International Airport:
- Demolition of the eastern VIP terminal and the relocation of the VIP lounge from that terminal into the passenger terminal building has been completed, with the incorporation of a new baggage screening facility for ‘non-exempted’ categories.
- A fixed loading bridge serving the passenger boarding bridge for stand 20 (boarding gate 1) has been demolished and will not be in use. In addition, various other works are simultaneously being executed that are beyond areas accessible to passengers or visitors.
- Work on the outer curb has commenced. Construction will be done in phases and will begin from the eastern and western ends of the terminal building simultaneously. The eastern outer curb canopy will be removed.
The inner curb used for VIP and taxi movement has been partially closed. Except for the area adjacent to the barricades, the other two lanes will be fully-functional. The taxi buffer at the inner curb will either be completely removed or reduced in number, as may be required.
Beginning December 2011, the existing inner curb and the outer curb will be partially closed for the extension of the canopy in front of the terminal building. During this time, traffic will be diverted to a temporary curb, which is being constructed to the south of the existing curb and cutting across P4 & P5 parking areas.
Parking areas P4 (the 10-minute free parking) and P5 (premium parking) will be temporarily closed in phases during the construction of temporary curb. P5 users will be intimated and alternate arrangements will be made accordingly. Appropriate signage will be provided at the P5 entry to re-direct users to other parking areas.
To accommodate the temporary road construction work, the P4 and P5 pedestrian walkway will be closed in phases. During any such closure, all airport users will be requested to use the “central walkway” for entry or exit to the terminal building.
While there will be signage on disruptions and alternate routes, passengers and visitors are urged to visit the airport’s website to keep abreast of the latest information, including parking information.