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Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal bats during the first ODI match against Sri Lanka in Mirpur on May 23. BCB File

Third terminal to be visible within next 1.5 years


Published : 01 Sep 2021 10:32 PM | Updated : 02 Sep 2021 12:13 AM

Despite the pandemic situation and repeated detection of explosive, the construction work of the third terminal at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is progressing fast. 

The construction of entire basement (underground) of the terminal has already been completed. There are 3,049 pillars at the base of the terminal. Concerned parties are hopeful that the project will be completed six months ahead of schedule. As such, it will be visible in the next one year and a half. The project is expected to be completed by 2030. 

According to sources, the third terminal under construction on 350 acres of land will have 40 cabin X-ray machine, 12 boarding bridges, 16 conveyor belts, 11 body scanners and tunnels. There will be 54,000 square meter multi-storey car parking, new import cargo complex and 63,000 square meters export cargo complex. There will also be rescue and firefighting stations and 4,000 square meters of equipment station.

According to the project details, 37 aircraft can be put together in an apron of 5,42,000 square meter. Besides, there will be arrangements to keep 1,230 vehicles. There will be 115 check-in counters. All in all, the third terminal will have all the facilities of the world’s top airports.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while inaugurating Cox’s Bazar airport expansion work said, “The construction of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is progressing at a fast pace and our government would be able to complete the work within the stipulated time.” 

Earlier, while talking to Bangladesh Post, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice-Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, said, “We are too much conscious about the construction work of the third terminal. The third terminal will play a vital role in accelerating the country’s economic activities including trade and tourism.” 

“Work on the project of the terminal is ongoing in full swing when the whole world came to a standstill due to the spread of Covid-19. The construction of this terminal is expected to be completed in June, 2023. However, we hope that the work would be completed ahead of schedule,” added Mafidur Rahman.

There will be a rapid exit and connecting taxiway and main road beside Le Meridian Hotel to enter the airport. Besides, a subway will be built to connect the Dhaka Elevated Expressway with the airport. The project was approved by ECNEC in October, 2017. 

Earlier in 2015, feasibility study report on the third terminal was presented to Prime Minister’s Office. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the authorities concerned to implement the project as soon as possible. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport would be able to handle 0.8 million passengers and 0.2 million tonnes of cargo annually.