Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport at Bengaluru in the presence of Karnataka Governor Dr. Thaawarchand Gehlot and CM Basavaraj S Bommai. The new terminal has been built at a cost of around Rs 5000 crore.
The terminal is expected to double the passenger handling capacity of the airport to 5-6 crore passengers per annum from the current capacity of about 2.5 crore.
As per the statement released by the Prime Minister's office (PMO), Terminal 2 is designed as a tribute to the Garden city of Bengaluru and the passenger experience is meant to be a “walk in the garden”. Passengers will travel through 10,000+ sqmts of green walls, hanging gardens and outdoor gardens.
The Airport has already established a benchmark in sustainability with 100% usage of renewable energy across the campus. Terminal 2 has been created with sustainability principles woven into the design.
Based on the sustainability initiatives, Terminal 2 will be the largest terminal in the world to be pre-certified platinum rating by US GBC (green building council) prior to commencing operations.
The theme of ‘Naurasa’ unites all the commissioned artworks for Terminal 2. The artworks reflect the heritage and culture of Karnataka as well as the broader Indian ethos.
"Overall, the design and architecture of Terminal 2 have been influenced by four guiding principles: Terminal in a garden, sustainability, technology and art & culture. All these facets showcase T2 as a terminal that is modern yet rooted in nature and offers a memorable ‘destination’ experience to all travellers," the PMO statement read.
During his visit to Bengaluru, the Prime Minister will flagged off Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express, Bengaluru at Kranthiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station. This will be the fifth Vande Bharat Express train in the country and first such train in South India. It is expected to enhance connectivity between the industrial hub of Chennai and the Tech & Startup hub of Bengaluru and the famous tourist city of Mysuru.
Earlier, Kempegowda International Airport authorities issued an advisory for passengers in view of heavy traffic on Friday due to VIP movement.
"Due to VIP movement on Friday, November 11, 2022, we are anticipating heavy traffic flow from Bengaluru city to BLR Airport. Passengers are advised to avoid the toll road and take the Mylanahalli-Begur road between 08:00 hrs - 15:00 hrs from the city towards the Airport and 09:00 hrs - 17:00 hrs from the Airport towards the city," the advisory read.
"Various measures have been put in place to ensure there is no impact on passenger processing as well as operations. Passengers are advised to plan their travel to allow sufficient time to reach the Airport," it added.