Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chennai International Airport’s Rs 1,260 crore New Integrated Terminal Building (Phase-1) on Saturday, a facility that would improve passenger handling.
The NITB was specifically created to highlight the state’s rich cultural legacy.
‘The addition of this new integrated terminal building will increase the passenger serving capacity of the airport from 23 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) to 30 MPPA. The new terminal is a striking reflection of the local Tamil culture, incorporating traditional features such as the Kolam, saree, temples, and other elements that highlight the natural surroundings,’ the government said.
Each and every design incorporated into the building was carefully considered. According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the ceilings are decorated with theme lights that mirror the South Indian Kolam (Rangoli) patterns, the columns are shaped to resemble palm trees, and the roof design is inspired by Bharatnatyam.
‘The wavy roofing of NITB replicates the pleated costume that fans out attractively during dancer movements of traditional dance form of the state Bharatnatyam,’ it added.
Jyotiraditya M Scindia, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Governor R N Ravi of Tamil Nadu, and Chief Minister M K Stalin were among those in attendance.
The PM was spotted walking through the terminal with Stalin, holding the CM’s hand as they both chuckled and exchanged pleasantries.
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