History of the passenger terminal at BIAL

I came across the below enclosed press story dated September 2006. In 2006 itself, based a various information, including reports, authored by me, submitted by the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), the Ministry of Civil Aviation, forced the BIAL consortium to expand the capacity of the new Bengaluru International Airport (BIA).

Please observe the following in the story.

  1. The terminal area was expanded only 27%, but claimed passenger capacity increased by 244%.
  2. Even today, the BIA terminal is still at 71,000 sq. mtr. However the claimed capacity of 11 million, has been increased to 15 million.
  3. Additional funding of Rs. 518 Crore was by debt financed by Indian institutions and advance security deposits, not promoter investment. (Also read http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/09/08/stories/2006090802710700.htm
  4. What happened to that rail link BIAL announced ?

I checked BIAL website. All references to these announcements are removed.

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Bangalore to increase planned airport capacity
07-Sep-2006
Airport Code [BLR]
http://indiaaviation.aero/news/airline/1918/59/Bangalore-to-increase-planned-airport-capacity

The Central Government approved (07-Sep-06) amendments to the Concession Agreement of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) to allow a redesign to increase capacity.

A study conducted by BIAL showed the original traffic forecast of 8.4 million passengers p/a in 2020 would be reached by 2010, and the airport would handle 7.0 million passengers upon opening in Apr-08. BIAL currently holds the concession to operate the airport for 60 years.

The projected cost, including the redesign, will increase from USD305 million to USD418 million, which BIAL plans to raise through additional debt. Details of the expansion include:

  • Terminal: Expanded from 55,850 sqm to 71,000 sqm with capacity to handle 11 million passengers p/a, up from an initial capacity of 4.5 million;
  • Apron: Expanded to accommodate 36 narrowbody aircraft;
  • Taxiways: Lengthened, although details were not disclosed.

BIAL also announced (14-Sep-06) plans to construct a rail link between Byappanahalli (the location of the new airport) and Devanahalli, although a timeframe was not disclosed.

Meanwhile, BIAL announced (20-Sep-06) it has shortlisted an Air India-SATS consortium for one of two ground handling concessions at the new Bangalore International Airport. The consortium is currently in negotiations with BIAL on the concession agreement.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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