June, 2010: The master plan for the upcoming international airport at Chandigarh includes a transport hub and commercial development centre. This will be constructed on part of the 2.5 acres of land acquired by the Indian Air Force and allocated for the international airport.
The transport hub is set to feature a metro station as well as a local bus station from which passengers can take AC buses operated by the Chandigarh Administration. Taxi and auto services will also be available from the hub. Plans include an apron with several taxi tracks connecting it to the runway. The taxi tracks will be built parallel to the runway per plans coordinated between the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Air Force. This measure will keep surface transport traffic away from the runway so that air traffic will not be disturbed.
A senior official from the airport Administration said that one of the most important considerations concerning the new international airport is providing ground transport for the numerous passengers coming through and that these passengers will expect efficient and high quality transport services. He said that keeping this expectation in mind, the Administration intends to make all modes of transportation available, including autorickshaw, train, bus and cab services. This way, passengers may choose the mode of transport that suits them best.
Officials are already preparing for expected increases in traffic: Chandigarh Administration plans to gradually increase the number of operators running AC and non-AC cabs and radio autos in the city. Airport officials are also prepared and will be able to extend the international terminal’s runway if traffic demands it.
Retail facilities, a food court and restaurants will also be made available to passengers as part of the transportation hub.
One portion of the land given by the Air Force for the transport hub will be designated as a hospitality centre. This centre will provide accommodation and include a luxury hotel and a convention centre. According to an airport senior official: “A luxury hotel is a must as there are many who would visit the city for business purpose for a couple of days and thus this hotel would be ideal for them. Also they can hold their business meetings in the hotel and will not be required to look around for other places in the city.”