Work on development of a new terminal building at Jaya Prakash Narayan International Airport here resumed after nearly a month on Wednesday amid the Covid-19 scare. Officials said the workers were maintaining social distancing norms and taking all precautionary steps while carrying out the work.
An airport official said nearly 51% work on cargo complex, technical block, fire station, air traffic control tower and multi-level car parking has been completed so far. These auxiliary buildings are likely to become operational by March 2021. Two floors of G+5 multi-level car parking are also complete.
Apart from the new terminal building, work has also resumed on the extended areas of the existing terminal building, which will have security hold area, check-in counters, X-ray baggage machines, frisking booths, shopping outlets, retail segments and lounge facility.
Patna airport director Bhupesh C H Negi said the construction companies have been asked to follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) based on guidelines issued by the Union ministry of home affairs.
“The workers and engineers have been provided masks, gloves, plastic cover and hand sanitizers. Other precautionary measures like disinfecting the airport premises and thermal screening of employees have also been taken,” he said.
According to the Centre’s SOP for construction work, the airport management is required to provide transportation, accommodation and medical facilities to the workers.
“The project may get delayed by few months due to shortage of workers, days lost due to lockdown and slow pace of work on account of social distancing. There might also be some issues in procuring the materials and equipment for the construction work,” another Patna airport official said.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), Patna has set the target of completing the construction the two-storey terminal building by October 22. The Centre has already allocated Rs 1,216 crore for the construction of the new terminal which will have the departure lounge on the first floor and arrival area on the ground floor.