A trip through Travancore history

Arjun Raghunath
First Published : 08 Jul 2010 01:47:29 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Jul 2010 08:25:45 AM IST

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The new international terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram Airport which is being decked up for inauguration would not only throw open world class facilities to passengers, but may also serve as a window to the past glory of the capital city.

A mural depicting images of Thiruvananthapuram city taken around 150 years ago may become an attraction at the new terminal, with the blessings of the Travancore royal family. The information that the royal family is in possession of a collection of old photographs and paintings, has ignited the idea of exhibiting murals of the past legacy of the capital city amidst the world class facilities.

Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has already spoken to Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma, head of the Travancore royal family, in this regard and the latter has expressed his willingness to share the valuable treasure.

Sources close to the MP told this paper that following a suggestion from Airport Director V N Chandran, the MP had spoken to Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and the latter had expressed wholehearted support. But the pictures are yet to be traced. The MP has also communicated to the Airport Director that he may call on Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma and pursue the idea.

The pictures and paintings that were done during the time of British rule mainly depict the past lifestyles in Thiruvananthapuram. Marthanda Varma is also known for his craze for photography.

The new terminal, developed at a total cost of Rs 289 core, is coming up at a time when the Thiruvananthapuram airport has entered its platinum jubilee year. Spread over 32,200 square metres, the new terminal can handle 1,600 passengers at a time and an annual capacity to handle 18 lakh passengers. It will have 30 check-in counters with Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) facility for easy transit of passengers, 14 immigration counters, two Customs counters and four security check counters in departure.

There will be 12 immigration counters and nine Customs check counters for the arriving passengers. With glass being a major portion of the new structure, it also provides natural lighting inside the terminal building.

Another attraction of the new terminal is that visitors can enter the terminal building up to a point so that they can see a departing passengers even after checking in, which is not possible in the existing terminal. The entry would, however, be restricted with a ticket.

Inauguration likely on July 16

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel is likely to inaugurate the new terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on July 16. Though it was earlier scheduled to be inaugurated by Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on July 14, the programme was postponed after the State Government raised strong objections to the major project being inaugurated by Vayalar Ravi.

Sources said that it had been almost finalised that the Civil Aviation Minister would inaugurate the airport in the presence of Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on July 16. Vayalar Ravi would also be invited to the function as a guest.