Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) unveiled its new eastern wing on Friday to cater to the growing influx of air travelers. The expansion initiative encompasses additional check-in counters, security screening equipment, immigration and emigration stations, and enhanced domestic and international concourse structures featuring lounges, retail outlets, and dining establishments. 

A novel arrivals hall, complete with indoor greenery and a duty-free area for passengers to traverse, has been introduced, solidifying its position as one of the most extensive arrival duty-free zones in India. The expansion also introduces a dedicated transit section for domestic layovers, streamlining transfer times. Furthermore, airside facilities have been upgraded with supplementary aircraft parking spaces, taxiways, and advanced lighting systems. 

According to a statement from GMR Hyderabad International Airport, the newly inaugurated eastern section seamlessly connects departing and arriving passengers, providing access to 24 domestic departure gates, passenger boarding bridges, and a domestic-to-domestic transfer zone. The entire expanded eastern area is equipped with diverse amenities and draws inspiration from the Indian Roller bird, the symbolic state bird of Telangana. 

Moreover, the expanded facility boasts 22 escalators, 22 elevators, two travelators, 19 staircases, nine male restrooms, nine female restrooms, and two ablution facilities. 

The statement further emphasizes that the integrated terminal positions RGIA as a distinctive hub in South and Central India. Capitalizing on its strategic location and extensive route network, the airport aspires to become the preferred choice for airlines and passengers alike.