Cochin Airport, one of the major aviation hubs in southern India, has floated a tender of Rs. 265 crore for civil works associated with the expansion of its international terminal building, located at Nedumbassery, or Kochi International Airport. This is part of the efforts made by the airport to better its passenger amenities and overall infrastructure.
Expansion Plan of Cochin Airport
Currently, Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) is undertaking a huge expansion plan estimated to be around Rs. 1,300 crores. The megaproject would comprise an all-rounded renovation of the international terminal-T3 and includes several new facilities that will make the experience easy for passengers. Features of the expansion project include:
- Eight Aerobridges added
Expansion involves the installation of eight more aerobridges, which will be used for efficient boarding and deboarding of passengers. It is most probably going to help in decreasing congestion and increase operational efficiency during peak travel hours. - Terminal Building Expansion
An increase in size with international terminal buildings spread over an area of 600,000 square feet, on a built-up area will increase the built-up area for more commercial activities. The focus is on raising both the capacity and comfort for the terminal of international flights. Commercial Spaces. - Development of Commercial Spaces
It further encompasses the plan of commercializing the waiting hall for internationals. The commercial space would comprise different forms of retail outlets, restaurants, and lounges. They would have made it convenient for the passengers to relax in the proper atmosphere before their respective flight.
Important Information on the Tender:
Cochin International Airport Ltd. invited tenders amounting to Rs. 265 crore. The tenders involve civil works to enhance the international terminal. Work will be completed within 21 months from the date of award, to be submitted before December 19. This way, the contracts have to execute work in record time to help the upgraded terminals be ready and able to accept passengers when there is a heavy influx of air travelers in future years.
A pre-bid meeting will be held on Friday at the Cochin International Airport office at Nedumbassery, Kochi, wherein one can get all the information required and clarify their doubts before placing the bids.
Need for expansion at Cochin International Airport
Being one of the busiest in India, primarily as far as international traffic is concerned, Cochin International Airport presents one of the key gateways to West Asia and several world destinations. In past years, with a huge community of expats residing in the Gulf region and due to increased tourists’ inflows into Kerala, it has experienced tremendous growth in its passengers.
In this respect, the airport has undertaken this expansion project on aggressive terms to fulfill the increased demand. Infrastructures currently available are adequate but need to be scaled up much in order to ensure that smooth operations can continue and that more passengers are catered to. Additional aerobridges, retail spaces, and lounges will add significant improvements to the overall passenger experience and thus make the airport even more competitive compared to the other international terminals in the region.
Economic and Tourism Impact of the Development
The development of Cochin International Airport will be beneficial for passengers as well as the local economy. New facilities will increase tourism in Kerala, increase business travelers, and stimulate local trade. Further, commercial spaces created inside the terminal will open up new sources of revenue for the airport and make it sustainable for a longer period.
The new improved terminal will enhance operational effectiveness, minimize the waiting period of passengers, and simplify operations as well. It is going to become very essential for the airport as it is gradually becoming a hub to cater for significant volumes of both domestic and international flying.
Prospects of Cochin International Airport
With new commercial facilities to be constructed, along with expanded terminals, Cochin International Airport is well-suited to play a much bigger role in the global aviation marketplace. The expansion of the airport’s capacity and its offering will surely give it a much-needed role to play in upgrading the local economy, regional connectivity, and travel experience for millions of passengers.
This expansion project comes as a true testament to Cochin International Airport’s commitment and vision toward modernization. It shall focus on giving the best amenities while maintaining top safety and security standards when it prepares itself to handle volumes of traffic which are increasing over time.
Conclusion
A much-awaited step forward in Cochin International Airport’s growth and modernization drive has come through a Rs. 265-crore tender issued for expansion work at the international terminal of the airport. Planned to upgrade its capacity and offer improved passenger facilities along with some new commercial space, this expansion will indeed do much good for the local economy as well as for passengers’ experience of travel. As the time for the final submission of tenders is around the corner, everyone looks to this revolutionary extension that would indeed be the boom for Cochin International Airport to meet up with its demand in the years to come.
This under-development marks the dedication of the airport toward enhancing its infrastructure and coping up with the ever-growing demand for air travel in the region. Expansion of the international terminal is one exciting step for the airport and its passengers.
Refer:
Economic Times, Link to article
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