Lohegaon Airport's New Terminal Faces Delays

28 Oct 2023 CW Team

Officials attributed the project's initial delay to the impact of the pandemic. They mentioned that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) headquarters had recommended additional arrangements for the building, taking into consideration congestion issues faced by major airports in the country. One of the key changes is the expansion of the security hold area, which will require the installation of more scanning machines. The number of machines will be increased from eight to twelve, necessitating additional space in the new building. The construction to accommodate these changes is underway, with completion expected by November, followed by testing.

The goal is to complete all the required work in one go to ensure a seamless experience for travellers. As for the integration of the new building with the existing one, the first phase has already been finished. The second phase is nearing completion, and a request for the building's inauguration has been submitted to the Prime Minister's Office.

Under the new plan, the arrival area on the first floor of the existing building will be integrated with the new structure and serve as a security hold area. The AAI's long-term plan involves redeveloping the existing building, after which both structures will operate fully.

The changing dates for the new terminal building have raised concerns, especially with the upcoming Diwali period, which is expected to see a surge in passenger traffic. The shift of operations to the new building was expected to be completed by now, but the delays have raised worries about the airport's capacity to handle increased crowds.

The commissioning of the new terminal building at Lohegaon Airport has faced further delays and is now expected to be operational by mid-December or early January of the next year. The new building, with an estimated cost of Rs 4.75 billion, was initially scheduled to be commissioned this month. However, it has seen multiple revisions in its commissioning date since last December, missing several deadlines along the way. Officials attributed the project's initial delay to the impact of the pandemic. They mentioned that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) headquarters had recommended additional arrangements for the building, taking into consideration congestion issues faced by major airports in the country. One of the key changes is the expansion of the security hold area, which will require the installation of more scanning machines. The number of machines will be increased from eight to twelve, necessitating additional space in the new building. The construction to accommodate these changes is underway, with completion expected by November, followed by testing. The goal is to complete all the required work in one go to ensure a seamless experience for travellers. As for the integration of the new building with the existing one, the first phase has already been finished. The second phase is nearing completion, and a request for the building's inauguration has been submitted to the Prime Minister's Office. Under the new plan, the arrival area on the first floor of the existing building will be integrated with the new structure and serve as a security hold area. The AAI's long-term plan involves redeveloping the existing building, after which both structures will operate fully. The changing dates for the new terminal building have raised concerns, especially with the upcoming Diwali period, which is expected to see a surge in passenger traffic. The shift of operations to the new building was expected to be completed by now, but the delays have raised worries about the airport's capacity to handle increased crowds.