With an aim to offer an ‘immersive garden experience’ and in keeping with Bengaluru’s ‘garden city’ moniker, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) - operator of the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), has announced a series of initiatives. Among them is the translocation of plants that come in the way of expansion and a ‘terminal in a garden.’

BIAL announced here on Wednesday that with ₹13,000 crore infrastructure development, its landscape will amalgamate with the new terminal designed to be a ‘Terminal in a Garden’.

In addition, 7,095 trees and shrubs that are in the path of the expansion will be translocated to other locations within the airport premises in a phased manner. A total of 1,285 trees and plants will be translocated in the first phase, while the rest will be carried out over the next two years. The BIAL has engaged the Institute of Wood Science and Technology and Volvo to provide scientific solutions to ensure that the translocated trees survive.

The trees will be uprooted from their original location and replanted in select areas without damage to their roots. The process may take a day to a week or more depending on the species and the care required, said a BIAL release, adding that the Volvo Tree-Transplanter is capable of translocating around 17 large trees in a day.

Traditional methods will be followed for trees with a girth of above 45 inches and less than 6 inches. Using the conventional method, the process takes about three months as it requires adequate care and protection.

Tom Shimmin, Chief Projects Officer, BIAL, said: “Some of the existing trees are unique species and not available in India. Our aim is to ensure that we don’t lose out on the existing ones. The objective is to avoid felling of trees and, instead, relocate them to a place where they can further improve aesthetics of the airport. All this is to ensure that the landscape is in sync with our garden-themed Terminal 2. We will transplant trees wherever there is scope to do so.”