In 2025, jet set to get a cleaner and swankier Kolkata airport
Times of India | 28 December 2024
12 Kolkata: In its centenary year, authorities at Kolkata airport are planning a major overhaul of the terminal building that will be 12 years old in 2025. They hope the makeover will infuse the wow factor to replace the jaded look.
Work has started on completely redoing the toilets, which have been a peeve point for passengers for a long time. Kolkata airport officials said all toilets would be stripped and reconstructed with new tiles, sanitaryware, and fixtures. "The stink in the washrooms has long been an issue raised by flyers. We are now addressing that with new washrooms. By mid-2025, we expect to complete the makeover of all 80 toilets — 60 in the departure level and 20 in arrival," an airport official said.
To ensure that the new washrooms are properly cleaned and maintained, the official said powerful industrial-grade cleaning agents provided by the airport operator would be used.
Next, the airport will change the carpet in the departure lounge near boarding gates. Around 4,000 sqm of worn-out carpet is being removed and replaced by flake epoxy flooring, which is expected to give the terminal a new sheen.
"Carpet covers nearly half the security hold area of the terminal. It has been in use since the terminal was inaugurated in 2013. Though it is cleaned, it has become old and stained. We will replace it with jointless epoxy flooring that will make it more hygienic as it can be cleaned easily," the official said.
Carpets that currently pave the floors of the 18 aerobridges will be replaced with PVC flooring. "This will remove the mustiness that is caused by the occasional water drip from the ceiling-mounted AC units," he said.
In addition, chairs at the airport are also being replaced to ensure there is no broken seat. Though the airport has been replacing chairs from time to time, it is now undertaking a comprehensive check-and-replacement drive.
Furthermore, the airport authorities are also looking at more retail and food-&-beverage options to infuse fresh life into the airport. "An airport is no longer just a place to board and alight from planes. Many airports are also destinations. Many people from the north-east states transit Kolkata airport. They eat and shop there. We will try to cater to all passengers' needs," the airport official added.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, Location Guesser and Mini Crossword.