On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a significant infrastructure development in Uttar Pradesh, unveiling 15 airport projects valued at nearly Rs 10,000 crore. The projects comprise 12 new terminal buildings for airports in Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Delhi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Adampur.
Additionally, foundation stones were laid for new terminal buildings at Kadapa, Hubballi, and Belagavi airports. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries attended the event.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already operationalized advanced integrated terminal buildings at Chennai, Port Blair, Surat, Tiruchirappalli, Kanpur, Rajkot, Tezu, and Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya Dham. These projects aim to enhance passenger amenities and boost the local economy.
The 12 new terminal buildings, with a total cost of Rs. 8,903 Crore, are designed to accommodate 615 Lakh passengers annually. Equipped with facilities like check-in counters, aerobridges, baggage conveyors, and concessionaire areas, they contribute to improving the overall travel experience.
AAI is also working on developing three new terminal buildings at Kadapa, Hubballi, and Belagavi Airports, with an investment of Rs. 908 crore. Upon completion, these airports will collectively handle 95 lakh passengers per annum, fostering increased air connectivity in the country.
The new terminal buildings incorporate sustainability features such as double insulated roofing, canopies for energy saving, LED lighting, low heat gain double glazing units, and solar power plants, aligning with GRIHA ratings. The designs draw inspiration from local culture and heritage structures, reflected in murals, paintings, and architectural styles to enhance passengers’ travel experiences.
The inauguration and foundation stone laying for these 15 airport projects, amounting to Rs 9,811 Crore, signal India’s civil aviation industry’s pivotal role in economic growth and its position as a significant player in the global aviation landscape. The development is expected to boost tourism, business, education, and employment, contributing to the long-term economic prosperity of the states involved.
