Trial run on Chennai’s newly constructed airport terminal
Chennai: A successful rehearsal run of shifting the international departure operations of Airport Authority of India, from the existing Anna International Terminal to the latterly constructed terminal was undertaken recently. Accordingly, the common user terminal equipment, in-line baggage system, flight information display system were tested and found to be functional and in order.
A meeting chaired by Airport Director has been called for in order to take stock of the views of users. The date of shifting the operations to the new terminal would be announced after the meeting. The new international terminal of Chennai’s airport is scheduled to be launched in the month of July. As per Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation – K.C. Venugopal, with operations within the new domestic terminal going full-fledged, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is all set to commission the new international terminal within a month.
Certain deficiencies which prevailed in the past have since been ironed out. Furthermore, obstructions like a water tank, some houses and few mobile towers are the only impediment towards making the entire 9,000 feet stretch operational. The AAI is hopeful of clearing these very soon.
The new functional terminal is located adjacent to the old one which is stationed at Tirisulam, seven kilometers south of the city of Chennai. The modernization project of Chennai’s airport was meant to enhance passenger comfort and ease congestion, in short, proffer a never before felt arrival and departure experience for passengers.
Post modernization plans, the fully functional airport would be witnessing a higher footfall which could easily translate to increase in demand for real estate in nearby localities of Tambaram, St. Thomas Mount, Pallavaram, Vanuvampet, Puzhuthivakkam, Chromepet and Madipakkam, by the hospitality sector as well as for commercial and rental spaces.
The Tambaram-Velachery road has perceived traction over the last twelve months. The strategic location of the road coupled with excellent connectivity to the sub-urban region of Velachery has helped prices firm up in conjunction with this belt. An appreciation of approximately 10 per cent has been witnessed by this region during the last twelve months and this trend is expected to continue within the coming quarters. The micro markets of St. Thomas Mount, Pallavaram, Vanuvampet, Puzhuthivakkam, Chromepet and Madipakkam, continue to allure home seekers. The region is witnessing the launch of products in the higher mid-segment, priced at Rs 4,000 per square feet Rs 4,750 per square feet, depending on the location, specifications and builder. These micro markets are expected to hold their own in the coming months.
