TrafficInfraTech Magazine Linking People Places & Progress
Mumbai’s new integrated, state-of-the-art Terminal 2 at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) was inaugurated on January 10 by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in the presence of the Governor of Maharashtra, K. Shankarnarayanan, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan and other dignitaries. Spread over an area of 4.4 million sqft, the new terminal features a highly compact design by New York based architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. T2 will have the ability to handle 40 million passengers annually. Traversing across four-levels, the vertical and compact design of T2 integrates all operations such as international, domestic, cargo, ground handling, security, and retail under one roof enables enhanced passenger servicing and operational efficiency. A 15m tall cable-stayed glass wall ? the longest in the world ?opens into the check-in hall, with the transparent fa?ade allowing accompanying people, to watch as passengers depart.
There are 188 + 20 check-in counters, 60 emigration counters, 124 security check positions, 47 escalators and 73 elevators.
The commercial plazas, spread over a combined area of 200,000 sqft, are centrally located at the junction of the concourses and the terminal core to provide close proximity to the 52 convenient departure gates for maximum passenger convenience. Level 2 is dedicated for all arrivals with 10 fully?automatic baggage-handling carousels & 72 arrival immigration counters, while Level 1 is designed for ground transportation.
Interconnecting light slots and multi-story light wells ensure that light penetrates even into the lower floors of the 4-storied mega structure.
For the first time in India, the terminal also features an Airport Joint Control Centre that will house all stakeholders from security to airline officials & airport operations to facilitate collaborative & speedy decision making.
The terminal will feature a multi-level car park with the ability to handle 5200 cars making it one of the largest in the country. The car park is covered with lush landscaped gardens, providing a scenic first view for arriving & departing passengers. The new integrated Terminal will commence International operations from February this year.