EIA study at airport likely
Posted on: 24/Dec/2015 3:23:35 PM
Well before beginning the second phase of work for modernization project at the Chennai International Airport, an environment impact assessment will be made.
Explaining for questions in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Mahesh Sharma said this study is intended to obtain environmental clearance for the project. The study will be carried out by a consultant exclusively appointed for the job. In addition, a separate project management consultant will also be appointed to carry out planning at the phase 2 modernization of the airport.
The second phase of the work includes connecting international and domestic terminals in order to ease the passengers in switching between flights. This phase will be done at a budget of Rs 2300 crore. This phase will increase the passenger movement within the Chennai airport. The aircraft movement and passenger movement are to be increased from 29 per hour to 40 per hour, and up to 30 million per year, respectively.
The second phase will also include expansion of domestic and international terminals and combining the two. Installation of solar panels and construction of multilevel car parking are other inclusions. A minimum of two to three years will be needed to complete the project.
After long delay, the new terminals were commissioned in January 2013. However, even after these three years, commissioning the arrival hall at the new international terminal is yet to be done and the delay is due to lack of customs staff.
