Gannavaram airport works in full swing.

Expansion works at the existing terminal building at the Gannavaram airport will be completed by the end of this month, according to officials.

The works were taken up by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in view of the growing passenger patronage at the airport post-bifurcation. The works are being carried out without affecting regular operations at the airport. Among the passenger amenities planned are cash deposit machines, ATMs, food court, pharmacy-cum-clinic, flower shops and police outpost, officials claimed. Conveyor belts at arrival and departure counters and a generator to ensure round-the-clock power supply will also be part of the renovated terminal.

'We are planning to complete the works, taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.29 crore, by the end of this month,' Airport Director M. Rajkishore said.

The AAI has already chalked out an action plan to construct a swanky terminal building at a cost of Rs. 103 crore.

Works will be taken up in accordance with a master plan on developing an airport of international standards. Once the new terminal is commissioned, requirements of more than 700 passengers can be met everyday, according to senior airport officials.

The Centre gave clearance for the new facility after elected representatives from Krishna district persuaded it, citing increasing passenger patronage.


THE HINDU