Progress & Process: Have a Look at New Terminal of Mangalore Airport

Progress & Process: Have a Look at New Terminal of Mangalore Airport

By Melka Miyar - Daijiworld Media Network

March 18, 2008Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda

Daijiworld Media Network
Work on the new Mangalore International Airport terminal at Kenjar village here is fast gaining momentum and the airport is expected to commence operations on schedule. However, the lethargic attitude and laxity shown by the local authorities has been proving a hurdle for the overall development of the airport and its surrounding areas.

Plans for the new project were actually put on paper in the year 1988. Now the terminal building is under construction and is expected to complete in December this year. Meanwhile, new plans for Calicut International Airport, the nearest airport to Mangalore, began four years later in 1992, and ironically, Calicut's world-class terminal building already started operating even before the same could happen in Mangalore. However, though Mangalore Airport lagged behind, time has come now to boom to a greater height.

The new airport terminal building under construction at Kenjar is expected to commission its work in March 2009, marking another milestone in the history of Mangalore International Airport. The construction work is going on in full swing, and it is easy to perceive from the speed of work that it is bound to complete in time.

There will be 28 check-in counters, several conveyor belts and inline security checking system. Five aerobridges (passage between the terminal and aircraft) will also be introduced.
A whole new world of opportunities opened to Mangaloreans with the commencement of the international airport. In the meantime, work was started to construct new taxiway and terminal building. The dynamism and zeal of present airport director M R Vasudeva has taken this airport to splendid heights in a short span of time. It is indeed a matter of great pride especially to a remote village like Kenjar to have a world-class airport in its vicinity.
Though world-class facilities are available at Calicut International Airport, it lacks domestic connection. But the case of Mangalore Airport is different. Unlike Calicut, Mangalore enjoys air connections with Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore. Therefore, Mangalore has a greater potential in terms of air traffic movement, say experts.
Mangalore is the only city in Karnataka to have such a sophisticated and well-equipped airport with international flights. Though it is tempting to pat ourselves on the back, there is still a long way to go. The construction of the concrete road connecting the city with the airport is moving on at snail's pace and the condition of the present road is pathetic to say the least.
'Most of my energy has gone into acquisition of land for the new terminal. It required a lot of patience to negotiate with the owners of these plots, listen to their pleas and arrange for compensation, thereby avoiding conflicts and protests. I am very happy for what I have achieved for the people of Mangalore. This could have been even better, if all the external agencies andthe local citizens had worked together hand in hand.'
'Now I have to concentrate more on completing the construction work of the new terminal before the scheduled time,' says Vasudeva.

Air Cargo Facility:
Meanwhile, all the possibilities of cargo export should be explored in the coming days. Only perishable goods, printed items and stationeries have been transported from Mangalore Airport to some parts of the country so far. Opportunities are now open at the global level and it is the right time to think about exporting cargo from Mangalore as the present airport at Bajpe will be left idle after the commission of the new airport, if sufficient cargo is not available.
Once the terminal is shifted to the new place, existing terminal will be used exclusively for cargo handling.

Already there are quite a number of leading shipping companies eyeing to set up base in Bajpe surroundings which is definitely a sign of progress. Even Gulf-based freight forward companies are planning to step on to Mangalore soil.

Apart from being used for the movement of cargo, it can be utilized for handling international flights during Haj pilgrimage, Vasudeva said. There is scope for `Flying Club' as well in the future.

Traffic Growth:
The growth in the air traffic in Mangalore also signifies that there is a bright prospect for development if the opportunities are explored strategically. In the year 2005, a total of 3,700 flights were recorded here and the number is expected to touch 8,600 this year. Meanwhile, the 483-meter-long taxiway constructed at a cost of Rs 3.7 crore is also ready for traffic now.
This has ensured more safety to the aircraft while saving fuel and time owing to the flexibility of operation. Also, 30% of the work related to the new integrated terminal building at an estimated cost Rs 147 crore has been completed and 70% of the work on the construction of apron and three remote parking stands is also over. This terminal will also include check-in counters, conveyor belts and inline security.
Moreover, space has been reserved for taxi parking right in front of the terminal building. The parking lot can accomodate a total of 300 taxis at a time. The basement of the terminal building has been reserved for commercial activities like shopping, cafeteria and flight ticketing while the ground floor has been reserved for airport activities. M R Vasudeva is hopeful of completing the basic structure of the terminal building by May this year and realizing the dream by March 2009.
Nevertheless, major responsibilities come later. Other agencies like state government, private investors, road transport owners and even railway department have to think of ways to explore the opportunities created by the new airport.

Flight to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia:
Thousands of NRIs who reside in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are demanding direct flight from Mangalore since the commencement of international airport at Bajpe.
The airport is all set to accept any international flight from Kuwait and Saudi Arabian airports. Nor are there any legal hurdles to commission direct flight between Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Mangalore. But the ball is in Air India Express' court. It is a million dollar question as to when Air India Express will start direct flights between the three places.

Air India Express' Concern:
Since AI Express is a budget airline, it can fly for maximum 4.5 hrs. The distant between Kuwait - Mangalore and Saudi Arabia Airport - Mangalore would be more than its capacity. Unless new aircraft are acquired, Air India Express cannot start direct flights between these territories. However, there are possibilities of connecting Kuwait - Abu Dhabi or Kuwait - Muscat - Mangalore. Air India Express is also facing a crisis regarding pilots and quite a few pilots hired by AI Express are foreigners.
According to sources, Jet Airways is trying hard to enter the Kuwait - Mangalore and Dammam - Mangalore sector, but none of the top officials are confirming this news, but say 'Be positive, we will come there soon.'
Perhaps, once Air India - Indian Airline merger process completes this sector will have a clear way for introducing direct flights.
Until then let us cross our fingers and wait for the D-day.