THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Adani Group has prepared a master plan to renovate the Thiruvananthapuram airport to world standards by demolishing the domestic terminal and constructing a new terminal with modern facilities, a five-star hotel in front of the international airport, and an air traffic tower.

The plan aims to renovate the airport taking account of the needs of the passengers till 2070. The domestic terminal at Shankhumukham will be completely demolished and a new terminal will be built on the model of Singapore's Changi airport. World famous architects will be brought for preparing the blueprint. The new terminal will be constructed as a domestic terminal with stunning appearance and world-class facilities. Earlier, there had been a plan to demolish the domestic terminal and shift all the services to the international terminal. However, the plan was excluded in the master plan. The international terminal in Chakkai will be refurbished with more facilities. Apart from avoiding long waits for customs and immigration clearance, passengers will also be provided with more facilities for leisure, entertainment and shopping. Currently, the international terminal can accommodate a total of 1,600 passengers.

The multi-storied five-star hotel will be constructed at the parking-toilet area in front of the international terminal. Similar hotels are located in all the major airports. The plan to take over the mall near the airport and turn it into a hotel and commercial centre has also been abandoned by the group. There will be entry gates at Chakkai leading to the national highway and the city. The master plan has been handed over to the airport authority for approval. The final plan will be published within two months.

NTC to become capital’s face

The new tower, modeled after the Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Mumbai airport, will be constructed at the right side of the international terminal’s Chakkai entrance. The tower will be equipped with sculptural elegance that will evoke the cultural legacy of Thiruvananthapuram. “There will be huge changes in the airport within five years. More facilities will be arranged here”, said the Adani Group.