Raviprasad Kamila/The Hindu

• 70 per cent of the work has been completed: AAI official 

Mangalore, Nov 13: The new integrated terminal building of the Mangalore airport is expected to be ready by January-end, according to L.L. Krishnan, Regional Executive Director, Airports Authority of India, Southern Region, Chennai.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Krishnan said that 70 per cent of the building works had been completed.

About 90 per cent of the work on construction of the main structures had been completed. The terminal building and associated facilities were being built at an estimated cost of Rs. 147 crore.

He said that the AAI would make all efforts to complete the new terminal building as a “Sankranti” gift for the people.

Mr. Krishnan said that the AAI would build a full-fledged fire station at the airport. It was expected to be ready in six months.

Mr. Krishnan said that the State Government had shown interest in developing air strips in Shimoga, Kodagu, Gulbarga, Bidar, Bellary, Chikmagalur and Karwar. The AAI was committed to providing air traffic services to these airports. “We will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government to this effect,” he added.

He said that the AAI would provide night landing facilities at Belgaum airport. It had planned to strengthen the runway at the airport at an estimated cost of Rs. 15 crore, he said. Night landing facilities had already been provided at Hubli airport.

Asked if the reduction in the number of flights by some airlines due to increase in fuel cost would affect the revenue of the AAI, he said, “We will wait and watch.”

Mr. Krishnan was here in connection with the valedictory function of the AAI’s national-level football tournament hosted by Mangalore airport.