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GVK’s (MIAL) new integrated, state-of-the-art Terminal 2 (T2) at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) is an iconic mega-structure (measuring 4.4 million sq ft) that will set global benchmarks in airport infrastructure development. Featuring a highly compact design by New York based SOM, T2 will have the ability to handle 40 million passengers annually. Traversing across four-levels, the vertical and compact design of T2 integrating all operations (International, Domestic, Cargo, Ground Handling, Security, Retail etc.) under one roof enables enhanced passenger servicing and operational efficiency of GVK CSIA.
Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of T2, Dr GVK Reddy, executive chairman, Mumbai International Airport (MIAL), said, “The opening of T2 is one of the most important milestones in the history of CSIA as well as Mumbai. It is my dream to create icons which will last for generations. Over the years, we have developed expertise in executing challenging and complex infrastructure projects. GVK’s vision is to be pioneer and best in all the sectors we operate in. GVK’s initiatives include setting up India’s first independent power plant, the first six-lane expressway and developing the first brownfield airport under the public private partnership model. We have raised our own benchmarks with every successive endeavour. T2 reiterates our commitment towards building a better India for the present as well as for future generations and this would not have been possible without the unstinted support of our partners, associates and all my colleagues.”
The Rs 5,500 crore cost incurred by GVK in building T2 is lowest as compared to similar airport projects in India as well as across the world. The new airport terminal will also be home to India’s largest public art programme, in the form of a three km multi-storey Art Wall, illuminated by skylights, that has over 7000 pieces of artwork and artefacts from Maharashtra and also every region and corner of India. Titled Jaya He (Glory to India), it captures the expanse, depth and beauty of Indian art, craft and cultural heritage.
Integrated architecture
Reaffirming Mumbai’s status as a global economic city, T2 is the outcome of GVK’s vision to make CSIA one of the world’s best airports that consistently delights consumers, and being the pride of Mumbai and India. The new T2 built in four years, is an iconic global mega structure and India’s first and most advanced vertical passenger terminal that integrates world class design, architecture, infrastructure and operational efficiency, with a rich infusion of Indian heritage and cultural character.
The Head House roof extends to cover the entire departure roadway. A 15-metre-tall cable-stayed glass wall—the longest in the world—opens to the check-in hall, with the transparent façade allowing accompanying well-wishers, to watch as their friends and family depart. Once inside, travellers enter the warm, open, light-filled and monumentally large check-in hall, featuring 188 + 20 check-in counters, sheltered underneath the 11-acre long-span roof, supported by an array of only 30 mushrooming multi-story mega-columns. Small disks of colourful glass recessed within the canopy’s coffers speckle the hall below with light, whose constellation of colours makes reference to The Peacock, India’s national bird, and the inspiration for the airport. After check-in, 60 emigration counters, 124 security check positions, 41 travellators, 47 escalators and 73 elevators will efficiently and swiftly process passengers for boarding. The common check-in hall leads to a retail hub for international travellers, while domestic passengers proceed down to Level Three along the spectacular palm and waterfall gardens to their own dedicated domestic retail hub. For the first time in India, the terminal also features an Airport Joint Control Centre that will house all stakeholders from security to airline officials and airport operations to facilitate collaborative and speedy decision making.
According to G V Sanjay Reddy, managing director, GVK Mumbai International Airport, “The new T2 at CSIA is a monument to the beautiful spirit of Mumbai and its people. This terminal will make CSIA a gateway to the city of Mumbai and India with international and domestic passengers. This is an airport that will redefine global benchmarks in aviation and airport development. The prevalence of local art and culture, coupled with the use of warm colours and elegant accents, elevates the ambience of this terminal beyond the typical, often unimaginative airport experience, to create a sense of place and identity that celebrates India.” Throughout T2, there are fixtures and details, such as 1000 chandeliers inspired by the lotus flower, a Diya curtain with 10000 diyas waiting to welcome international travellers and the check in hall which is inspired by 1000 white peacocks in the sky.
Reflecting GVK’s environment stewardship, T2 was built to be highly energy and water efficient. Sewage recycling, water recycling and rain water harvesting technologies will contribute to a 20 per cent reduction in water use, over and above the Leeds baseline.
