Kamal Basadi-inspired design shapes Belagavi Airport’s new terminal

Belagavi: Construction of the new Terminal-2 building at Belagavi Airport has entered the final phase, with nearly 87% of work completed. The ambitious project, being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 223 crore, draws inspiration from the 1,000-year-old Kamal Basadi in the city.

The terminal has been designed to blend local history, art and culture with modern aviation infrastructure. Interestingly, the new structure will be larger than the original Kamal Basadi itself.

The facade features intricately carved pillars modelled on the temple’s architecture, while the interior roof design reflects the style of the monument’s pavilion. Authorities say passengers entering the terminal will experience the ambience of a historic temple combined with modern airport facilities.

The expansion will significantly enhance the airport’s operational capacity. The new terminal will be capable of handling around 2,400 passengers at a time. Aircraft parking capacity is also being increased from three to 12 aircraft, for which around Rs 23 crore is being spent.

In addition, four modern aerobridges are being built at Rs 13 crore. The terminal will also feature conveyor belt systems for arrival and departure, 14 check-in counters, and two baggage conveyors. Work on apron expansion and a new taxi link is also progressing simultaneously as part of the modernisation initiative.

A key attraction will be a dedicated museum portraying the life and legacy of Kittur Rani Channamma. It will depict various stages of her life — from military training to her historic resistance against British rule — through sculptures and visual installations.

An exhibition wall showcasing Belagavi district’s major tourist destinations and historical landmarks through artistic murals is also being developed outside the terminal.

Kamal Basadi — a stone craft legacy

The sculptures of Kamal Basadi showcase rich stone craftsmanship and remarkable architectural skill from centuries ago. A highlight is the massive stone lotus ceiling, with delicately carved petals at the centre. Sculpted from a single stone, it appears seamlessly suspended from the roof.

Kamal Basadi is dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath. It was built as an act of repentance after the death of a group of Jain saints in a forest fire. Of the 108 basadis built during the reign of Ratta king Kartavirya IV, only three survive today, with Kamal Basadi among those well preserved.

The structure is divided into four sections — Rang Mantap, Maha Mantap, Antralay and Garbhagriha — with the Maha Mantap marked by its ornate and massive stone pillars.