The planned second terminal (T2) at the Kolkata airport, set to cost INR 4,200 crore, will feature three additional aerobridges compared to the current terminal (T1). T2 is set to boast 21 aerobridges, a number three more than the 18 found in T1. These aerobridges are designed to allow for a greater number of passengers to board directly from the terminal to the aircraft, eliminating the need for transfers by bus to distant bays before boarding the plane.
Pravat Ranjan Beuria, the director of Kolkata airport, mentioned that the U-shaped terminal planned for the second section would use space more effectively than the present terminal. Nonetheless, he noted that the proposed terminal’s total area would be one-third smaller than the current one. “The total area of T2, at 13 lakh square feet, will be much smaller than T1, which covers 20 lakh square feet,” Beuria added.
At the base of the U, it will serve as the entry points to T2, the area for checking in, the security process, and the areas for stores and places to eat and drink (Dining and Beverage, Dining and Beverage, or Dining and Beverage) for passengers getting on the plane and places to grab a bite and a drink before boarding. Meanwhile, the two sides of the U will stretch out into the area around the runway, creating space for boarding gates and dining and drinking areas for travelers.
The initial design, sanctioned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), stipulates that the left arm will feature seven gates positioned to the left, facing north. The subsequent phase of construction, designated for the left arm, will accommodate an equal number of gates facing south.
“The current terminal can accommodate up to 8,460 travelers every hour, but the new terminal will be equipped to manage 4,800 travelers every hour,” Beuria explained.
Projects to repair the perimeter barrier surrounding the historic residential terminal are underway. It is anticipated to be finished by October to November of the following year, following which the old terminal will start to be torn down, possibly by the end of this year or in early 2023. The construction of the new terminal is planned to start by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, with a target completion date of June or July 2027.
Removal of the building that contains the air traffic control tower and the area control section can begin at a later date next year, once the facility is moved to the new air traffic control tower and technical block.
The process of obtaining navigation and monitoring devices has commenced, and delivery of these items is anticipated to occur by November. Following this, the setup will take place, and planned movement is expected to commence in March, 2025.
Following that, both the existing and newly established complex will work side by side until the older complex is closed down in October, the following year.