Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 14 The international airport here, managed by Adani Airports, will undergo a Rs 2,500-crore terminal expansion under Project Anantha to enhance its international passenger-handling capacity and operational efficiency, the airport said on Wednesday.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project will be held on Thursday, October 15, the airport said in a statement.
The occasion will also mark five years of the airport’s “growth, operational excellence and passenger-centric transformation”, it said.
The project will cover approximately 92,552 square metres and increase the international terminal’s passenger-handling capacity from the existing 3.5 million to around 11.5 million passengers per annum, helping the airport meet the region’s growing aviation demand.
Project Anantha is part of the airport’s broader transformation programme, backed by an investment of approximately Rs 8,700 crore from Adani Airports, the statement said.
The proposed development will cover terminal expansion and upgrades to landside and airside infrastructure, utilities, safety systems and passenger facilities, paving the way for a modern, future-ready airport.
Highlighting its growth over the past five years, the airport said it had strengthened its position as a key gateway connecting Keralam with destinations across India and the world.
Daily aircraft movements have doubled from 45 to 90, while daily passenger handling has nearly tripled from around 5,500 to 15,000, it said.
The international terminal expansion will provide upgraded departure and arrival facilities, with modern infrastructure designed to improve passenger flow, processing capacity and operational efficiency.
The expanded departure facility, covering 78,522 square metres, will feature 48 check-in positions, comprising 44 traditional check-in counters and four self-bag-drop units.
It will have 38 emigration counters, seven pre-embarkation security check positions and seven Code C aircraft stands, designed for medium-sized narrow-body commercial jets and regional aircraft.
The departure facilities will include two Multiple Aircraft Ramp System stands, upgraded baggage make-up facilities, a dedicated holding area for reverse-entry passengers, dedicated operational and functional spaces for Customs, the Bureau of Immigration, the CISF and other agencies, as well as expanded retail, duty-free and other passenger amenities.
The expanded arrival facility, covering 14,030 square metres, will feature 40 immigration counters to improve passenger processing and four baggage belts — two measuring 70 metres each and two measuring 50 metres each. It will also have dedicated baggage break-up facilities and functional spaces for the Airport Health Organisation (APHO), Customs, the Bureau of Immigration, the CISF and other agencies.
“Together, these facilities will create a more spacious, efficient and comfortable international passenger journey while strengthening the airport’s ability to accommodate future growth,” the statement said.
(PTI News)
