Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's third terminal construction, one of the country's major mega-projects, is progressing rapidly with over 85 per cent completion, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on October 7th.

Air Vice-Marshal Md Mofidur Rahman, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), told Bangladesh Pratidin, “Construction of the third terminal is progressing rapidly, with 90 per cent of the work set to be completed by October during the partial inauguration (soft opening) of the project.”

In preparation for the upcoming inauguration, work on the second floor of the terminal building, located in the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area, is progressing with vibrant color installations. Climate control systems are being integrated, and the Prime Minister will enter the terminal building through an elevated expressway and then proceed to the boarding bridge.

Around the exterior of the terminal building, work on the boarding bridges and other elements is in full swing. For partial inauguration, three boarding bridges have been added. Both straight escalators and baggage belts have been installed in different parts of the building. Japanese companies Mitsubishi and Fujita, along with South Korean Samsung C&T, are actively contributing to the construction of this terminal at Aviation Dhaka Consortium (ADC).

ADC's Safety Officer, Imam Hasan told Bangladesh Pratidin, “80 per cent to 90 per cent of the project work has been completed. Approximately 11,000 workers are diligently engaged in this project in two shifts each day. The focus is on expediting the work to meet the inauguration deadline, ensuring the safety of the workers throughout the process.”

The construction of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is progressing rapidly. This terminal, covering an area of 5,42,000 square meters, will accommodate 37 aircraft simultaneously at aprons (parking spots). It will also feature 12 boarding bridges, providing seamless connectivity to aircraft. The terminal building, spanning 2,30,000 square meters, will incorporate state-of-the-art technology and modern amenities.

Several straight escalators will be installed within the terminal for passenger convenience, particularly for those who prefer not to walk long distances within the airport. The inclusion of these escalators aligns with international airports, including those in Singapore and Bangkok, to enhance the passenger experience. Additionally, the third terminal will be connected to an elevated expressway and a metro rail station, facilitating easy access for travelers coming to and from the airport.

The third terminal will offer convenient access for travelers not only from the airport's vicinity but also from any metro station in Dhaka. It will feature a dedicated Baby Care Lounge in front of each restroom, equipped with facilities for breastfeeding mothers and spacious family bathrooms.

For children's entertainment, various amenities like play areas, slides, and swings will be available. Health services will be easily accessible, with a health inspection facility, a first-aid room, and a testing center for various medical conditions, along with an isolation area. The interior design of the terminal building has been crafted by renowned architect Rohani Baharin.

The third terminal project has been allocated a budget of 21,399 crore and 6 lakh 33 thousand 33 taka. Out of this total cost, the government will provide 5,258 crore and 88 lakh taka, while Japan's JICA will contribute 16,141 crore taka as a loan.

The terminal's design incorporates ample escalators, subway stations, and elevators. It will feature radar systems, a control tower, an operations building, and a multi-story car park. The three-story terminal building is designed with unique architectural elements, and the exterior will showcase an eye-catching pattern.

@The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on September 16, 2023, and has been rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan.