Multi-level car park (MLCP) will be opened at the Chennai International Airport from December 4, officials said on Wednesday.
Chennai Airport, which officials say is India’s third-largest airport by international passenger traffic, is undergoing a makeover, with a new integrated terminal building (NITB) expected to be handed over in December as part of Phase I of the project.
“The opening of the MLCP will be a major infrastructural boost for the airport, which boasts of multi-modal connectivity and is India’s first with an extensive road and rail network and an exclusive direct metro link,” the official said.
The multi-storey car park has been constructed on the existing parking lot and has a total built up area of 2.5 lakh sq ft. The MLCP has two blocks, East and West, flanking the Airport Metro on either side. The new car park can accommodate 2,150 cars and is expected to relieve the terminal’s arrival and collection areas.
A statement released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said, “The six-storey building has mechanized parking spaces, electric vehicle charging stations and a host of spacious commercial facilities including multiplexes (five halls), restaurants, retail shops, children’s. and engagement zones and restaurants for the convenience of passengers and the public. There will be an exclusive retail area in the eastern MLCP, which will be added in a phased manner. Food courts were also built in the eastern and western blocks.”
The east and west blocks of the MLCP have bridges connecting the departure area. In the East Block, users can access the Sky Walk Bridge from the third floor, while in the West Block, it is accessible from the second floor. Special seats are also available for passengers with reduced mobility.
Officials added that an hourly charge would be Rs 20 for two-wheelers, Rs 100 for cars and Rs 300 for tempos, buses and trucks with 16 seats and Rs 600 for those with a capacity of more than 16 seats.
Apart from the existing hourly charges, MLCP will also offer a car parking service which can be availed at Rs.150. Officials also informed that commercial vehicles, including prepaid taxis, will have to pay Rs 40 per entry for collection.
Officials added that once the MLCP is operational, the entire surface parking lot will be beautifully landscaped with sustainable, eco-friendly features that will enhance the aesthetic profile of the urban side of the Chennai airport.