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GMR Group Chairman GM Rao gave a proud welcome to the VIPs and guests |
INDIA. Some 7,000 people packed into the check-in hall for the inauguration of Indira Gandhi International Airport’s new Terminal 3 today, marking a landmark day in Indian aviation.
The long-awaited integrated terminal was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It will become operational from 14 July when all foreign carriers shift their operations from T2.
Speakers included GMR Chairman GM Rao and Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Praful Patel, who talked of the profound importance of the project to India. “This is a demonstration of what India is truly capable of,” Patel said.
“It’s not just a building, but a statement,” Patel added.
The Minister made the telling point that not long ago India was looking to the world for advice and investment on airport development. Now, he said, the likes of GMR are exporting their knowledge and investment to the world in locations such as Istanbul, Turkey and Malé, the Maldives.
Robbie Gill, Director of London-based The Design Solution, which played a key role in the design and planning of the terminal’s ambitious commercial services offer, told The Moodie Report from the opening: “The thread of all the speeches was the importance of the day to India and the pride that the country has in this wonderful new world-class terminal.
“Remember that the foundation stone was laid just 37 months ago by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi [also present today -Ed] and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh – that is simply remarkable in terms of the scale of the project.”
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An artist’s impression of the new Terminal 3, now all set for opening later this month |
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Delhi’s bright new international gateway: Sleek lines and gleaming whiteness abound |
Earlier, guests had been shown a film underlining GMR’s legendary sense of Corporate Social Responsibility, which showcased the group’s commitment to community projects in areas such as health, education and regional assistance.
Gill noted: “The formal ceremonies concluded with a stirring rendition of the national anthem. This was followed by a walk through the international area and eventually down to the arrivals hall where there was an amazing buffet split up into zones serving the food from the 28 states of India – it was amazing to even embark on such a catering challenge.”
As reported, T3 has the most advanced commercial offer of any Indian airport, offering a mix of duty free, luxury and speciality stores, restaurants, bars, cafes and fast food outlets in around 20,000sq m of commercial space.
The Departures hall houses 168 check-in counters mounted on six islands, 92 automatic “˜walkalators’ and 78 aerobridges.
We’ll bring you extensive pictorial coverage of the opening soon.
COMMENT. While I had to belatedly cancel my visit to the T3 inauguration due to unforseen circumstances, this is one story I take immense pleasure in reporting, writes Martin Moodie.
I have tracked the T3 development closely in recent years and have never been less than deeply impressed by the ambition of the GMR vision and the commitment of its whole team. A few weeks back I helped moderate a concessionaires’ conference as the terminal opening neared, and it was clear that a rare combination of pride, passion and partnership had been generated by all the airport’s stakeholders.
The new terminal is not only best-in-class in India by a long distance but will also, I believe, rank among the great airports of the world. The commercial offer oozes ambition and the balance between the operational and the commercial breaks exciting new ground not only for GMR but also for the citizens of Delhi. This is truly a great day for India.
MORE REACTION TO TERMINAL 3
“If the passage into the elite club of nations runs through an airport, India just checked in.” The Economic Times (India)
“It is essential for India that T3 is seen as a success. If significant investments are not paying off, capacity will not keep pace with demand as investors will shy away from the airport industry.” ACI World Director of Economics Andreas Schimm.” [Source: Business Week]
“This will be in keeping with our ambition, our aspirations and our new found confidence in recent years. In a span of a few years, India has become the 9th largest aviation market in the world. We now have ten scheduled airlines operating in our country, compared to two in 1990. In the same period, the scheduled aircraft deployed by the Indian carriers has gone up four times, from 100 to about 400.” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. [Source: The Hindu].
“Delhi’s Terminal 3: Right up there.” The Hindu
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