Ahmedabad airport finally gets a facelift

Three months after the civil aviation minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy's comment that Ahmedabad has one of the worst airports in the country, this important airport is all set to get a facelift.

The shabby lounges are being renovated and security system modernised.

Free medical facilities for the air passengers through a strategic tie-up with Apollo Hospitals and more such facilities are being implemented in this airport and Rs 65 lakh has already been spent for upgradation of the airport facilities.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials said soon the airport will get more funds and facilities.

"The task ahead is a total renovation of the airport in just 10 days," said N S Jaldhari, director.

"Total renovation of the airport includes renovation of VIP lounges at both the terminals, renovation of terminals including painting, false-ceiling, cleaning of floors, improvement of illumination level, refurbishing of chairs, plastering and finishing of brick textures, enhancing the capacity of security hold, providing plenty of natural and artificial plants inside the building to improve the ambiance, renovation of toilets, introduction of free medical facility in association with Apollo Hospitals in both the terminals, snack bar facilities and tea-coffee vending machines in both the terminals and introduction of 550 new trolleys. Apart from this, colourful illumination and decoration of buildings, approach roads, welcome arches and interior and exterior decoration were undertaken by the state government. In 10 days the AAI could produce output worth Rs 65 lakh," said Jaldhari.

"The confidential security checks in frisking closets and accommodation of passengers in totally clogged sterile lounge can build up some stress level for the passengers. To over come this problem, we have provided for a friendly security check. The other facility is 'Dwarka', a reserved lounge for dignitaries and commercially important personalities. The inauguration of the friendly security check and 'Dwarka' was done by Harin Pathak, Union minister of state for home affairs, at Ahmedabad airport on Sunday," said Jaldhari.