The new integrated passenger terminal of Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport at Babatpur in Varanasi will become functional within a month. While Airport Authority of India (AAI) has asked the airport administration to start operations from the new terminal from October 25, 2010, local authorities said they need more time, but would definitely start operations from next month. 

Completed at the cost of Rs 150 crore, the new centrally air-conditioned terminal building has the capacity to handle 800 passengers at a given time. It has two aero-bridges, four escalators and five lifts. The terminal has 26 immigration counters, 16 check-in counters and seven customs counters. 

Airport officials said the new terminal will have simplified baggage check-in and boarding systems and spacious departure and arrival lounges. The double-storey building of the new terminal has come up on 26,500 sq metres area. The new extended apron has the capacity to accommodate 22 aircraft. A new parking lot has been also been developed. Hyderabad-based Lanco Infratech Ltd was awarded the terminal project in 2007 and was originally planned to be completed in November 2008. 

“The terminal building was completed about a month back. We are going to make it operational in November this year,” said K K Singh, General Manager (Projects), Airport Authority of India. 

Officials said that the existing terminal building has the capacity to handle only 200 passengers at a given time, lacks in amenities and is not air-conditioned. It was built in 1953 and its area is less than half of the new terminal building. “Once the new terminal building is operational and entire set up is shifted here, the existing terminal building will be turned into a cargo facility,” added Singh.

Authorities mentioned that as many as 35 domestic and international flights operate from the existing terminal every week. While international flights are available for Bangkok, Colombo and Kathmandu, the domestic flights are available for Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai and Khajuraho. The new terminal will facilitate operation of more flights.