A marvellous mix of modern technology and natural splendour – that’s how the recently opened Phase I of Terminal 2 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is being hailed. Unofficially called the Garden Terminal, it is home to hold your breath, a whopping six lakh plants, which have been brought from no less than ten ecological habitats across India. The terminal has been designed as an ode to Bengaluru – the Garden City, with sustainability and wellness being the focus.
‘Forest’ Amidst the Airport
While most new airports are in news for reasons like objections by local people, delayed construction, and even their names, the new terminal at KIA is being talked about for its green cover.
It has a “forest belt”, spread across 24,000 square meters – close to six acres! This area boasts a wide variety of plants, beautiful paths lined by greenery, a twin-storey pavilion covered with bamboo, and multiple small gardens. The food and beverage areas have been enhanced by scented plants, while the shopping section features green walls covered with exotic creepers. There are also spectacular hanging gardens and water cascades. The layout of the terminal is such that the forest belt is visible from most indoor spaces.
In short, no matter how hectic you find traveling or how prone to airsickness you are, a stroll in this airport will have a meditative effect – the same feeling that you enjoy amidst nature.
Sustainability is the Key Word
The terminal features the best and latest travel technology, including an automatic tray retrieval system, self-baggage-drop counters, automated biometric gates, and full-body scanners. At the same time, there has also been a lot of emphasis on sustainability. The facility, spread across 2,55,000 sq. m (63 acres, no less!) is said to be operated entirely by renewable energy.
Arrangements for rainwater harvesting have been made across the airport. The water thus collected will be treated, used, and reused to nurture the indoor and outdoor plants. This will considerably reduce the requirement for external water supply.
The entire terminal is environment-friendly, having been built with renewable materials. The terminal roof is said to be among the lightest in the world – it has been constructed using locally available materials and domestic technologies.
Solar shading has also been used extensively, helping reduce the temperature level inside the facility. This, in turn, reduces the consumption of electricity used for air-conditioning.
The terminal is one of the best examples of an ideal blend between technology and sustainability. It has set high standards and carved a path for all future development projects in the country to follow.
Terminal Fast-Tracks North Bengaluru’s Development
Phase I of the new terminal, which is operational now, is capable of handling around 25 million flyers annually. Once phase II is ready, it will be able to cater to an additional 20 million flyers. With the airport getting ready to receive a whopping additional 45 million flyers every year, it’s expected to generate 25,000 more job opportunities.
Along with job opportunities, the mammoth project has also resulted in massive infrastructure development. A new runway has been constructed, and more projects are underway. This includes an express cargo terminal, which will exclusively handle pharmaceutical items, perishable goods, animals, and electronic gadgets. There are also plans to create a multimodal hub, which will connect Terminals 1 and 2. This hub will also connect the city’s transport services – Metro, buses, taxis, and others.
With the airport undergoing such a major expansion, North Bengaluru is witnessing fast and unprecedented development. Over the past few months, many companies from sectors as wide-ranging as aerospace and pharma have set up establishments in the region. Along with lesser commercial rates, proximity to the international airport has become a major attraction for businesses.
Apart from business establishments, North Bengaluru also becoming increasingly popular among home buyers for reasons varying from proximity to the airport, better road infrastructure, and more green spaces.
If you are looking out for properties or investment opportunities in Bengaluru, you know where to head to. Don’t be too late, or you could end up missing this flight!
