AWARE of the inconvenience caused by ongoing renovation works at the Penang International Airport, the Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has spent RM1.6mil to increase the level of comfort for travellers.
MAHB project manager Fazil Ahmad said that the amount was spent on two tunnel-like driveways leading to the arrival hall. The driveways are covered by temporary canopies and have fans installed.
This, he said, would make the walking distance to the airport entrance shorter, and increase the comfort level.
Easing the inconvenience: Cars seen driving into the two canopied driveways leading to the departure and arrival areas at the Penang International Airport
Previously, travellers had to brave the heat and occasional downpour to reach the airport entrance leading to the arrival and departure halls.
Those driving to pick up and drop off passengers were also faced with much confusion due to the traffic diversion system, leading to constant congestion outside the airport building.
“The two driveways cut through the airport’s parking area, so they shorten the walking distance to the entrance from the parking lot,” said Fazil.
“There is also a separate entrance for parking as opposed to the previous system where all vehicles used the same lane.
“This makes the diversion more effective — those wishing to park at the airport use a different entrance than those driving through the driveways to drop off passengers and to pick them up.”
State Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng, who gave a press conference to explain the new system, said that the enhancement was aimed at easing the situation and cutting down on traffic congestion.
He said the temporary diversion would take place until the expected completion of the expanded departure and arrival halls on Oct 1.
“Upon completion, the drop-off area outside the departure hall will see an additional lane to the previous two lanes there,” Lim said recently.
He said a task force comprising the police and Rela personnel had been set up to help direct traffic and provide assistance to the public during peak hours.
The work to replace the existing driveway is part of the airport’s RM250mil renovation project, which is scheduled for full completion by June next year.
Penang MAHB senior airport manager Mohd Arif Jaafar said that as of May 31, the first phase of the renovation, consisting of work on the departure and arrival areas, was 29% completed.
~News courtesy of The Star~
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