India, Jan. 31 -- Work has begun on a short-term expansion of Hindon civil airport to ease congestion and add passenger facilities, Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials said on Friday. The project is expected to be completed within six months.

The airport currently spans about 22,050 square metres, and the expansion will add around 770 sqm. The project will cost approximately Rs.8.5 crore, officials said.

"The present building will be expanded by about nine metres, allowing us to add three more check-in counters to the existing nine. There will also be an increase in passenger departure space and vehicle pickup points," said Chilka Mahesh, airport director.

Officials said the passenger vehicle pickup area is about 3.5 metres at ...