PM Modi inaugurates KIA Terminal 2

BENGALURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inauguarated Terminal-2 of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, built at a cost of around Rs 5,000 crore.

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, former chief minister B S Yediyurappa, Karnataka Housing Minister Sommanna and others were present.

Officials of the Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL) briefed the PM about the features of the new terminal.

The terminal will double the passenger handling capacity of the airport to 5-6 crore passengers per annum, from the current capacity of about 2.5 crore, according to the PMO.

A large number of people had gathered on both sides of the road along the route the Prime Minister took. Modi also waved to the huge crowds at a few places.

Terminal 2 is designed as a tribute to the Garden City of Bengaluru and the passenger experience is meant to be a ‘walk in the garden’. Passengers will travel through 10,000+ sqmts of green walls, hanging gardens and outdoor gardens.

“The airport has already established a benchmark in sustainability with 100 per cent usage of renewable energy across the campus. Terminal-2 has been created with sustainability principles woven into the design. Based on the sustainability initiatives, Terminal-2 will be the largest terminal in the world to be pre-certified platinum rating by US GBC (green building council) prior to commencing operations. The theme of ‘Naurasa’ unites all the commissioned artworks for Terminal-2. The artworks reflect the heritage and culture of Karnataka as well as the broader Indian ethos,” the PMO said.

Overall, the design and architecture of Terminal-2 have been influenced by four guiding principles: Terminal in a garden, sustainability, technology and art and culture.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Bengalureans for the overwhelming welcome. He tweeted saying, “Thank you Bengaluru for the memorable welcome to this dynamic city.”