Bangalore, September 4:

Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has been formally accorded the environmental clearance for the second stage expansion of its Kempegowda International Airport.

The expansion will include the construction of a new terminal along with a second runway, taxiways, aprons, aircraft parking and all aviation facilities and structures.

Traffic growth

The expansion is envisaged to accommodate the future traffic growth which is likely to reach 55 million passengers annually by 2029-2030 and approximately one million tonnes of cargo movement. The expansion within the existing airport site area will cater to both aeronautical and non-aeronautical infrastructure facilities.

The second stage expansion approval was granted by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

“The second stage environmental clearance for our airport is an exciting milestone which now paves the way for us to secure final approvals for the project. This expansion will help us in contributing significantly towards the state's economic development and is key to achieving our overall vision of making Bangalore the Gateway to South India. We remain committed to developing a world-class project in a timely and responsible manner and ultimately bring widespread benefits to this state” said GV Sanjay Reddy, MD, BIAL, in a release.

High impact

The airport is recognised to have a considerable economic and social impact on the region. This impact extends to the wider benefit that the airport brings to the regional business interests.

The proposed expansion will contribute not only to the economic development of the region but will also play a major role in propelling growth in the travel and tourism industry, which further has a cascading impact on allied industries.

Besides the economic benefits, this expansion will create direct and indirect employment thereby contributing holistically to the economy of the state.

Commitment

“As a responsible corporate, Bangalore International Airport Ltd accords high priority to protect the environment and conservation of natural resources. Our approach to sustainability incorporates understanding and learning from experience and to progressively develop capabilities to respond according to industry best practice. We are committed towards adopting best practices and set similar benchmarks across all functions at the airport,” Reddy said.

The airport’s green canvas includes integration of sustainable practices across business verticals and includes infrastructure, terminal operations, information technology, corporate functions and project management, he added.