The new terminal building of Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar is expected to be ready by October 2022 as more than 80 per cent of project work is complete.

Taken up by the Airports Authority of India at an estimated cost of around Rs 707.7 crore, the airport expansion project includes the construction of a new terminal building, an additional Apron area, and four additional bays for parking the aircraft.

With a total built-up area of 40,837 sq metres., the new terminal building will be capable of handling 1,200 passengers during peak hours and about 40 lakhs passengers annually.

The new passenger terminal building will have three floors comprising lower ground, upper ground and first floor.

The lower ground floor will be used as a remote arrival, bus lounge and service area, the upper ground floor as access to the terminal building for passengers' departure and arrival, and the first floor as a Security Hold Area (SHA) for international passengers.

Inspired by nature, the terminal's design is a shell-shaped structure depicting the sea and islands. The building is a large span (120 metres) structural steel-framed building with aluminium sheet roofing and cable net glazing.

The entire terminal will also have 100 per cent natural lighting for 12 hours a day which skylights along the roof will achieve.

The terminal building will be equipped with 28 check-in counters, three passenger boarding bridges and four conveyor belts. The Cityside area of the airport will also be developed with adequate parking facilities for cars, taxis and buses, along with landscaping.

"The operationalization of the new terminal building will give a boost to the expansion of the tourism industry and thereby improve the economy of the region. The increased connectivity will not only create new employment opportunities for the local community but also provide access to better educational and medical facilities," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.