“The work done by the private developer is quite impressive and DIAL ambitious plans but at present the passengers are facing problems and we brought this to DIAL’s notice. We emphasised to them that till the terminals are fully upgraded, they must make way for adequate passenger facilities,” said a committee member.

The committee, headed by CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, also suggested to the airport authorities that the planned shopping area be put on hold to make space for passenger seating. “We have told them to put the shopping arcade on hold until 2010 when more space is available for such things. Instead, we have asked them to provide additional seating for passengers as the airport is currently very crowded,” added the member.

The panel members were, however, appreciative of the washrooms at the airport and commended DIAL on them.

“Overall, there is scope for improvement and definitely more needs to be done for passengers. While we had earlier got complaints that their machinery and security equipment were not working well, obviously all was in order today. We tested some of their instruments,” said another member.

Meanwhile, DIAL’s statement said that the committee took keen interest in the construction work and the technical aspects of the development and provided suggestions on various aspects.

Work is in progress simultaneously on the construction of a new domestic terminal, the modernisation of the existing international terminal, a world-class integrated passenger terminal (Terminal 3) and a third runway for the airport. More than 69 per cent of the work on the runway and associated taxiways has been completed and the runway will be commissioned in mid 2008, says DIAL. The runway will feature CAT IIIB Instrument Landing System at both ends. This equipment will allow landings in visibility as low as 50 m. This 60 m wide, Code F runway will also cater to new generation large aircraft such as the Airbus A380.