GMR Bhubaneswar Airport Acoustic Treatment

Airport & Terminal / Odisha

GMR Group Bhubaneswar Airport Acoustic Ceiling Improvement

  • ClientGMR Group
  • LocationBhubaneswar Airport, Odisha
  • SectorAirport & Terminal

Enhancing Acoustics Under Perforated Ceilings

GMR Group required a high-efficiency acoustic solution for the passenger terminal at Bhubaneswar Airport. Large open halls, reflective surfaces and perforated metal ceilings resulted in excessive echo and low speech clarity. MMT Acoustix supplied NRC-optimised acoustic foams designed to be installed as backing behind the perforated metal ceiling system, significantly improving sound absorption and reducing reverberation throughout the terminal.

Scope
Acoustic foam backing for perforated metal ceilings
Objective
Improve NRC and reduce reverberation in terminal halls
Key Materials Supplied
  • NRC-rated acoustic foam backing for metal ceilings
  • Optimized thickness for perforated aluminium ceiling plenum
  • Fire-rated foam options suitable for public passenger zones
Focus
Terminal Acoustics / NRC Improvement / Public Spaces

01 / The brief

Reducing Echo in a Busy Terminal

Airports are large, hard-surfaced environments where announcements, passenger chatter and rolling luggage create constant ambient noise. The perforated metal ceiling design required a high-absorption backing material to deliver expected NRC values.

Bhubaneswar Airport perforated ceiling acoustics

  • High reverberation affecting announcement clarity

  • Large open areas with poor absorption

  • Need for fire-safe, durable acoustic material

  • Integration without altering visual architecture

02 / The approach

NRC-Optimised Acoustic Foam Backing System

Improved speech clarity, reduced echo and an overall quieter, more comfortable experience for thousands of daily passengers.

  • 01

    NRC Enhancement

    • Selected foam thickness based on plenum depth
    • Maximized absorption across mid and high frequencies
    • Improved clarity for announcements and conversation
  • 02

    Seamless Integration

    • Installed behind perforated metal ceilings
    • No change to aesthetics
    • Compatible with existing mounting grids
  • 03

    Airport-Safe Materials

    • Fire-rated formulation available
    • Lightweight, durable and non-shedding
    • Ideal for public and high-traffic zones

03 / Products and Installation

Acoustic Foam Backing for Metal Ceilings

  • Acoustic Foam Panels

    NRC-optimised foam panels providing high-frequency and mid-frequency absorption.

  • Metal Ceiling Compatibility

    Designed to fit seamlessly behind perforated aluminium ceiling tiles.

  • Fire-Rated Options

    Formulated for safety in public spaces and terminals.

  • Long-Term Durability

    Stable over time, non-shedding and resistant to sagging.

04 / Outcome

Quieter Terminal & Clearer Announcements

  • Reduced Reverberation

    Echo was significantly reduced across the departure and arrival halls.

  • Improved Speech Clarity

    Public announcements now remain sharp and intelligible even during peak hours.

  • Enhanced Passenger Comfort

    A more pleasant acoustic environment for thousands of daily travellers.

What made it work

Acoustics Engineered for Busy Airport Terminals

  • Targeted NRC enhancement under perforated metal ceilings.
  • Material selected without altering architectural design.
  • Fire-rated acoustic foam suitable for public-use facilities.
  • Improved clarity for passenger information systems.
GMR Group: project at a glance
ClientGMR Group
LocationBhubaneswar Airport, Odisha
ScopeAcoustic foam backing for perforated metal ceilings
ObjectiveImprove NRC and reduce reverberation in terminal halls
Key Materials SuppliedNRC-rated acoustic foam backing for metal ceilings; Optimized thickness for perforated aluminium ceiling plenum; Fire-rated foam options suitable for public passenger zones

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Frequently Asked Questions

What was the acoustic problem at Bhubaneswar Airport?

Large open terminal halls with reflective surfaces and perforated metal ceilings, producing excessive reverberation and poor speech intelligibility. Announcements were unclear, and raising the PA level in a reverberant hall makes intelligibility worse rather than better.

What did MMT Acoustix supply to GMR Group?

NRC-rated acoustic foam backing for the perforated metal ceilings, with thickness optimised for the perforated aluminium ceiling plenum and fire-rated grades suitable for public passenger zones.

Why does a perforated metal ceiling need an acoustic backing?

Because the metal is a facing, not an absorber. Sound passes through the perforations and is only absorbed if there is absorptive material and cavity depth behind them. A perforated ceiling installed without backing looks acoustic and performs close to a solid one.

How does the backing thickness affect performance?

Absorption at a given frequency requires depth on the order of a quarter of its wavelength, so the backing thickness and the plenum depth together set the frequency range that is actually absorbed. That is why the backing was optimised to the specific ceiling build-up rather than supplied as a standard thickness.

Why does fire rating matter in an airport terminal?

Because it is a high-occupancy public building where the ceiling void is a fire path. Materials in that void are specified to the fire classification the building code requires, which in this case governs the choice as tightly as the acoustic figure does.

Who manufactures acoustic ceiling backing for airport projects in India?

MMTPL (Mahabir Multi Tech Private Limited) manufactures the full range at its Palwal plant in Haryana, India, and supplies architects, consultants and turnkey contractors in India and 25+ export markets.