Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) on Wednesday said it has begun bi-weekly trials for the readiness of facilities at the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA), as part of the expansion of Terminal 1 (T1).

An official press release said that “trials on the check-in counters and bags with simulated passengers and flights have been initiated in collaboration with the airlines.”

Currently, work on the check-in baggage make-up process and security screening is in progress. These trials are to ensure that the new infrastructure is ready for operation as planned.

The T1 expansion work is being undertaken alongside a fully operational airport and will be made available in phases from October. The design takes into account the existing core strengths – short walkways, ease and convenience of usage, linear flow and flexible design. Once expanded, the terminal will more than double the current floor space, the release said.

“It will have more check-in counters, seating areas, a large security hold area and added aerobridges. It will make access to seating, amenities and commercial facilities easier and better,” it added.

Among other things, BIAL has also completed the installation of the new airport operational control centre (AOCC), located in the east section of the terminal on the pier.

“This is the nerve centre of the airport and helps both airlines and concessionaires to streamline processes to ensure faster turnaround making the operations as well as travel through airport more efficient and economical for passengers,” the release said.

Aided with technologically advanced processes to enable faster and quicker decision in real time, the AOCC comes equipped with a video wall to enable operators to have a common real-time information projection at a common visible area.

The release added that the modifications in the existing terminal were proceeding at a fairly good pace along with the works in the expanded areas of the terminal.

While the installation of elevators on the western side is completed, the glass façade works are substantially completed across the expanded terminal.

Arakkal’s ‘flight mural’

Stating that it aims to create an experience and believes it is more meaningful when airport’s architecture reflects the spirit of the South, BIAL said passengers arriving at the airport can now view the ‘flight mural’ designed by eminent artist Yusuf Arakkal.

“...The art evokes in the viewer the many dimensions of Bangalore; based on the theme of flight, it references the City’s heritage as the aerospace hub of India and the flag-bearer of modernity and technology in the country,” a BIAL press release said.

Installed at the domestic arrival corridor, the mural has been made using stainless steel. The state-of-the art expanded terminal will showcase art installations by various eminent artists in the country.