The new Terminal 2 (T2) at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport will soon be opening its doors after being inaugurated earlier this week.
Built as an integrated mega-structure by GVK – an Indian conglomerate that maintains presence across a number of different sectors – the new facility measures 408,773sqm and is expected to be capable of handling up to 40 million passengers annually.
The interior concept of the four-storey terminal was done by New York-based designers SOM, and features a vertical and compact design that integrates all operations (international and domestic, cargo, ground handling, security, retail) under one roof, so as to maximise efficiency.
One of the highlights of the new T2 will be the 7,000 pieces of artwork and artefacts on display, making it home to India’s largest public art programme. Procured from every region and cornet of India, the “Jaya He” exhibition aims to showcase the depth and beauty of Indian art, as well as the country’s cultural heritage.
International passengers will be the first to enjoy the new terminal, with domestic customers to follow soon after. Passengers will enter the terminal on the fourth floor, which is accessible within three minutes by an elevated road from the Western Express Highway. Upon reaching the entrance, there will be ample space for vehicle drop-offs, and a 15 metres tall cable-stayed glass wall – the longest in the world – allows ample natural light into the interior.
The departure hall will feature 208 check-in counters sheltered underneath an 11-acre long-span roof designed to withstand Mumbai’s heat and sometimes-unpredictable weather. After checking-in, travellers will be able to take advantage of the 60 immigration counters and 124 security-check positions to swiftly make their way to boarding gates.
While level four will be designated solely for international travellers, domestic passengers will have to make their way to level three, which offers its own dedicated domestic retail area. With 1,858sqm of retail space on both levels, customers will be spoiled for choice. All departure levels will lead directly to the terminal core where the 52 departure gates are located.
Level two is the arrival hall that offers 10 automatic baggage-handling carousels, along with 72 immigration counters. Meanwhile, level one is designed for ground transportation.
As stated above, international operations will commence as soon as the new terminal becomes officially operational on February 12. The facility is currently undergoing a comprehensive security sweep, as well as undertaking familiarisation processes for airlines, ground handling staff, security, customs and other airport employees.
Terminal 2 at a glance
o Spans across 408,773sqm area
o Dedicated six-lane, 3.2 km elevated expressway shortening travel time to T2 from Western Express Highway
o 208 Check-in counters as well as 23 domestic and 30 international security pedestals
o 60 immigration counters on departure and 72 immigration counters on arrivals
o 52 boarding bridges (domestic + international)
o 10,900 in seating capacity, 102 toilets, 161 elevators, escalators, travellators
o Retail footprint of 1,858sqm
o Lounges, one day hotel and one transit hotel
o 10 Baggage carrousels, expandable to 14
o Automated baggage system handling 9,600 bags per hour
o 90 per cent passengers can be served by aerobridges
o 200,000 sq ft (18,580sqm) of landscaped gardens
o Flexible design to adapt to changes in traffic pattern, allowing domestic and international operations to share facilities when needed
For more information, visit www.csia.in
Clement Huang
