The new INR3 billion ($64 million) terminal features a distinctive roofline, designed to suggest the familiar form of kites associated with an international festival held in the city. The terminal building features several skylights in the form of kite-shaped cutouts. Built on the lines of Changi airport in Singapore, the terminal building has won the contest conducted by Institute for Steel Development and Growth (INSDAG), Ministry of Steel.
The terminal has been selected as the second best taking into account construction and overall utility for the end users at large. The selection parameters included architectural excellence and innovations, cost effectiveness and functional efficiency, durability, efficiency in provision of services and preservation of energy. The way in which the structure and services are integrated to meet architectural requirements, use of pioneering ideas, benefits attained by using steel in the construction, fire protection and corrosion systems were some other parameters.
Nine teams participated in the national level contest. Larsen and Toubro emerged as the first prize winner for its Tata Consultancy Services building at Chennai Techno Park.
SVPi’s new terminal was inaugurated on 4 July 2010. The building is designed to handle 2,200 passengers per hour, including departure and arrival. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is India’s eighth busiest airport with an average of 250 aircraft movements a day.
