International Airport of Chhatrapati Shivaji initially known as  International Airport of Sahar, is the main international airport in the metropolitan city of Mumbai, India. Named after a ruler of the 17th century, Chhatrapati Shivaji, this is the second most flogged airport of India.

Operating from 5 terminals in totality spread over a total geographical area of 1160 hectares, the airport serves to some 30-40 million passengers annually with hassle-free travelling services.

Most recently on January 10, 2014, the new incorporated terminal T2 was installed which comprises of a six-lane structure, an elevated road that connects the new terminal with the already existing Express Highway of the west.

The bright minds behind the construction of this architectural wonder, are the SOM’s- Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. They came up with the innovative, catchy ideas of designing the structures of the terminals, getting into detailed analysis upon where to begin the entrances, and exits that link the entire journey of the passenger from the start to its final destination in a logical sequence facilitating no amount of trouble in the process. Not only passengers, but even a convenient route was also chalked out of the plan for the cargos to promote feasibility in the plan of action.

The terminal two of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai spreads over an area of 210,000 square meters with a 45000 square floor area. This includes the up and coming taxiways /apron areas for parking aircraft. The terminal that has come into being is capable of catering to some 41 million passengers annually and additional tones of limit for cargos.

The iconic structure has boarding gates located on the two piers at the south end. These piers, in turn, are extensions of the central area which in itself is a gigantic structure built by the use of twenty thousand metric tonnes of modified steel.

Designed by SOM’s in a way that the terminal can operate on the MARS concept, i.e. Multiple Aircraft Ramp System that is standing on swinging gates so that a single one can accommodate a wide-bodied aircraft in one go.

In addition to the shrewd use of space at which central core activities can take place the building has another 21000 square feet of the area reserved for lounges, retail shops, and additional travel services. Parking space for over 5000 vehicles at a time is constructed with the wise use of spaces and available.

What is commendable is how the designs have given equal importance to all the factors of quality and quantity, delivering in the best combination of both. If a close look is given at the piers, domes, and pillars, in particular, the structure is incorporated with hundreds of drawings of diamond-shaped figures that adds on to the beauty of the building from its exterior.

No wonder, huge funds are splashed in designing these, but the final structure is promising and worth every penny.