Chennai: The expansion of Chennai airport began six years ago. Two years past the project’s deadline, the departure halls of the new international and domestic terminals were inaugurated and subsequently, commissioned last year.
Later, the arrival hall of the domestic terminal was also opened. But the vast international arrivals hall at the new terminal is yet to be commissioned.
Insufficient number of Customs staff is one of the major reasons for the delay, say officials of Airports Authority of India (AAI). A request for additional manpower was sent (to the finance ministry) long ago, but no sanctions have been made since, said the official.
The presence of just one baggage ramp — that facilitates the transport of luggage between the terminals and the aircraft — in the new international terminal could also be an issue.
If the arrivals hall is thrown open for use with just one ramp, it may cause congestion, leading to delay in baggage retrieval, said the AAI official.
Though there is a proposal to construct a second ramp at a cost of Rs. 10 crore, it may take time to be built.
02/04/14 Sunitha Sekar/The Hindu
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Later, the arrival hall of the domestic terminal was also opened. But the vast international arrivals hall at the new terminal is yet to be commissioned.
Insufficient number of Customs staff is one of the major reasons for the delay, say officials of Airports Authority of India (AAI). A request for additional manpower was sent (to the finance ministry) long ago, but no sanctions have been made since, said the official.
The presence of just one baggage ramp — that facilitates the transport of luggage between the terminals and the aircraft — in the new international terminal could also be an issue.
If the arrivals hall is thrown open for use with just one ramp, it may cause congestion, leading to delay in baggage retrieval, said the AAI official.
Though there is a proposal to construct a second ramp at a cost of Rs. 10 crore, it may take time to be built.
02/04/14 Sunitha Sekar/The Hindu
