The Chennai airport could do with some lung space, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation has told airport authorities. He has also suggested that a horticulturist be appointed for the same.
After two years of repeated complaints from passengers and two months after a surprise inspection by officials of the Civil Aviation Ministry, Union Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju conducted a detailed inspection of the airport on Saturday.
He offered a slew of suggestions after visiting the new domestic and international terminals, fire station and air cargo complex, according to a press release from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
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He said that there was some improvement in the facilities but also noted there is “ample scope” for further upgradation in the cleanliness of terminals, washrooms and the ambience. Mr. Raju noted the lack of greenery in the airport and directed the AAI officials to engage a professional horticultural consultant.
Such lung spaces are common in international airports, with one of the more notable instances of green space seen at the Changi International airport in Singapore. They have demonstrated there how even a sunflower garden could be constructed within a modern airport facility.
The minister directed the officials to look into infrastructural issues and suggested realignment of kiosks for the convenience of passengers.
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During the visit, he asked passengers for feedback and some of them expressed the need to improve the hygiene in washrooms.
“Even last week, the washrooms in the domestic terminal were stinking and some areas were overflowing. The fittings in the washrooms have to be changed,” an AAI official said.
AAI chairman S. Raheja said steps are afoot to improve the condition of washrooms. The Chennai airport that was modernized at a cost of Rs. 2,000 crore has faced criticisms for the delay in the completion of project, lack of hygiene and numerous engineering problems including collapse of false ceiling and cracking of glass panels.