GUWAHATI, Oct 7 - With two new aerobridges, an international cargo complex, new modern stalls and washrooms, and an extended canopy, the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport here is set for a major facelift.
Construction of two new aerobridges has been completed and are expected to be inaugurated this coming week.
Around Rs 12 crore have been spent to install the aerobridges which will be in addition to the existing two, Airport Authority of India Regional Executive Director DK Kamra told The Assam Tribune.
Besides, the AAI is building an international cargo complex at the airport and doubling the capacity of the domestic one. Work on the projects has already started. The AAI expects significant increase in cargo movement from the airport. As on date, it handles around 22,000 metric tonnes of cargo yearly.
The AAI has also roped in companies to refurbish the stalls at the airport. A seven-year contract has been signed with them.
�We hope the new stalls, which include both food and beverage as well as retail, would be ready by December and they would give an altogether new look to the airport. We are also shifting the security check area and passengers will not have to take a turn to get to it. It will be straight after entering the airport. The first floor of the airport will also be utilized effectively,� Kamra said.
Despite the losses, the AAI has also taken up expansion projects in the Silchar, Agartala and Imphal airports.
Among other new features at the LGBI airport are new washrooms and an extended canopy.
Passenger movement at the LGBI airport in 2017-18 was 46,68,053, an increase of 23 per cent over the previous year. This year, passenger movement is expected to cross 50 lakh. Currently, 67 flights operate from the airport.
The AAI is also building a new two-level integrated terminal building at the LGBI at a cost of Rs 1,232 crore. It is expected to be completed in three years time. The new terminal will have an area of 90,000 square metres.
The current terminal at the LGBI airport has a capacity to handle 1,250 passengers (per hour) at the peak hour.
