Trichy Airport’s New Integrated Terminal with Gopuram is a Fusion of Tradition & Technology: Interesting Features

The metamorphosis of Indian airports into world-class gateways integrating both modern technology and local cultural elements is taking global aviation aback. The new integrated terminals of Indian airports are being designed as gateways to a new INDIA where tradition and technology are going hand in hand. Flying through the newly inaugurated Ayodhya Airport, the Garden Terminal of Bangalore Int. Airport, the new terminal of Gujarat’s Surat Airport, and T2 of Chennai MAA Airport is an absolutely immersive experience not only for NRIs but also foreigners.

Inaugurated on Day 2 of the New Year 2024, Tiruchirappalli Airport’s new terminal is as beautiful as the city, home to India’s largest architectural complex of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam. Built for a whopping Rs 1100 crore, the new integrated terminal of Tamil Nadu’s second largest airport (TRZ) makes a passage to the rich cultural heritage of the state through its highly aesthetic design, outside and inside.

Trichy Airport’s New Terminal is no less than a temple museum 

Trichy Airport’s new integrated terminal aesthetically integrates various cultural elements into its contemporary design. One of the most interesting features of the terminal architecture is its gopuram-like entrance that welcomes passengers. Inspired by the iconic raja gopuram (temple tower) of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli’s Srirangam, the ornamental replica dramatically rises against the sleek geometrical roof and the multi-layered facade of the terminal building.

What grabs eyeballs is the horizontal line of wooden carvings of Lord Vishnu and His incarnations including the Narasimha avatar inside the terminal, just like the intricate engravings found at south Indian monuments. The most prominent being the carving of Vishnu in the reclining position, which is modelled after the presiding deity of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The elaborately sculpted columns supporting the terminal roof are reflective of the 1000 pillars with centuries-old sculptures of riding horses in Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.

From the roof to column cladding to accent walls, the terminal design pays homage to the magnificent temple architecture of the region. The 13 larger-than-life canvas acrylic paintings of the historical temples across Tamil Nadu, including Madurai Meenakshi Temple and Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple, make the terminal feel like a museum. Traditional rangoli motifs, paintings and murals lend a splash of color and history to the terminal interiors, depicting local traditions, festivals and cultural heritage.

While the cultural aspects of the terminal take passengers on a captivating journey through the beating heart of Trichy, its eco-friendly features pave the way for a sustainable future, reflecting Indian aviation’s commitment to sustainability. The energy efficient building, which acquired 4 stars as per the GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) rating system, has arrangements in place for solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, water and sewage treatment plants among others.

Tiruchirappalli Airport New Terminal: Cost, Capacity, Facilities 

Built at an astounding cost of Rs 1112 crores, Tiruchirappalli International Airport’s new integrated terminal building sprawls across 75,000 square meters, which is six times the size of its previous terminal. The bi-level modular building has a capacity to handle 4.5 million passengers annually – 3X of Tiruchirappalli Airport’s present capacity; giving a significant boost to Tamil Nadu’s third busiest airport (after Chennai and Coimbatore).

The state-of-the-art terminal is equipped with 60 check-in counters (34 for international passengers and 26 for domestic passengers), 60 arrival immigration counters, 44 departure emigration counters, 19 baggage scanners, and 5 baggage belts to facilitate seamless passenger flow even during peak hours.

A four-lane elevated roadway connecting the departure lounge on the first floor of the terminal with the Trichy-Pudukottai National Highway serves as a direct link for travelers heading to Tiruchirappalli Airport to catch their domestic or international flights.