Bajpe airport integrated terminal building to be ready in 18 months

Mangalore, Nov 10 (UNI) The Rs-147-crore integrated terminal building at the Bajpe airport, near here, for which the foundation stone was laid on October three last, would be completed within 18 to 20 months, Airport Director M R Vasudeva said today.

Speaking to reporters at the valedictory function of the vigilance awareness week, organised by the Airports Authority of India, at Bajpe airport, he said the arrival hall would be ready within three months and a canopy for providing protection and shade to passengers arriving at and departing from the airport would be ready in two months. Work on visitor's gallery had been completed, he added.

Mr Vasudeva said that with a view to strengthening the security, a nine-mt-high compound wall had been erected for a distance of eight km around the airport. An 8.5 km peripheral road connecting the airport would be laid.

''We are providing for all required security norms for the safety of the airport and the passengers,'' he said.

He said security at the airport had been further tightened following an anonymous letter received by the Tiruchirapalli airport authorities, threatening attacks on major airports in South India.

Security personnel and other airport staff have been asked to maintain vigil and those who have proceeded on leave have been asked to resume duty immediately.

UNI MA GD PV RS1705