On July 18,PM Modi inaugurates new integrated terminal building of Port Blair airport
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the new integrated terminal building of the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The inauguration took place through a virtual event, wherein the Prime Minister remotely unveiled and dedicated the new terminal building to the public.
The Veer Savarkar International Airport is a significant transportation hub for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, serving as the primary gateway for air travel to and from the archipelago. The new integrated terminal building is a modern infrastructure development aimed at enhancing passenger facilities and improving the overall airport experience.
The upgraded terminal building is expected to provide increased capacity and improved amenities for travelers. It is designed to handle a larger volume of passengers, ensuring smoother and more efficient operations. The state-of-the-art facilities and modern architecture of the new terminal building are aimed at elevating the overall travel experience for visitors to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The virtual inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi signifies the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and connectivity in remote and strategically important regions of India. The upgraded airport infrastructure is expected to boost tourism, trade, and overall connectivity for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In addition to the virtual inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also visited the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. During his visit, Minister Scindia unveiled a statue of VD Savarkar on the airport premises, paying tribute to the iconic freedom fighter and political leader.
Furthermore, Minister Scindia took a comprehensive tour of the newly inaugurated integrated terminal building, inspecting the facilities and infrastructure. This visit allowed him to assess firsthand the enhancements and advancements made in the airport’s infrastructure and passenger amenities.
Minister Scindia’s presence at the airport and his participation in unveiling the statue of VD Savarkar demonstrate the government’s recognition of the historical significance of figures like VD Savarkar and their contributions to the nation’s freedom struggle. The visit also highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring the smooth functioning and development of important transportation hubs like the Veer Savarkar International Airport.
The new integrated terminal building of the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is designed in the shape of a shell, representing the natural environment and surroundings of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The unique architectural design aims to blend harmoniously with the island’s natural beauty.
One notable feature of the terminal building is its emphasis on natural lighting. Skylights installed on the roof allow for 100% natural lighting to illuminate the entire terminal for approximately 12 hours each day. This design approach not only enhances the aesthetics of the terminal but also reduces the dependency on artificial lighting, contributing to energy efficiency.
The construction of the new terminal building was necessitated by the increasing passenger traffic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. To accommodate this surge in demand, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) undertook the project, estimated to cost approximately ₹707.73 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that the existing terminal had a capacity to handle 4,000 tourists, while the new terminal has significantly increased this capacity to accommodate up to 11,000 tourists. Additionally, the expanded infrastructure allows for the parking of up to 10 planes simultaneously at the airport. This increased capacity is expected to support the growing tourism industry in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and create more employment opportunities in the region.
The improved connectivity and increased tourism facilitated by the new terminal building are anticipated to bring further economic growth and development to the area, as highlighted by Prime Minister Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the new terminal building in Port Blair would enhance ease of travel, ease of doing business, and connectivity for the region. The government has made significant efforts to rectify past mistakes and implement a new system focused on balanced development.
The prime minister acknowledged that in the past, development in India was primarily concentrated in big cities, resulting in tribal and island regions being deprived of progress. However, the present government aims to address this disparity by prioritizing the development of these regions, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The new terminal building in Port Blair has a total built-up area of 40,837 square meters and can accommodate 1,200 passengers during peak hours. Annually, it has the capacity to handle approximately 40 lakh (4 million) passengers. The three-storied building will feature 28 check-in counters, three passenger boarding bridges, and four conveyor belts, providing modern facilities to enhance passenger convenience and airport operations.
These infrastructure developments align with the government’s vision to improve connectivity, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. By investing in the region’s transportation infrastructure, the government aims to foster greater accessibility, facilitate business activities, and unlock the region’s full potential.
