"Rajahmundry Airport Set to Welcome ₹350-Crore Terminal Expansion"

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, marked a significant milestone recently by laying the foundation stone for the upcoming terminal building at Rajahmundry Airport. This infrastructural endeavor, backed by a robust investment of ₹350 crore, is poised to enhance the airport's capacity and accommodate the surging demand for air travel.

In his address, Minister Scindia underscored the remarkable growth of civil aviation in Andhra Pradesh, noting that the state's airport count had surged from 4 to 6 since 2014. He highlighted the substantial rise in air traffic movements, soaring from 388 in 2014 to an impressive 1162. The Minister also provided updates on two new Greenfield airports underway in Bhogapuram and Nellore, along with the imminent completion of the Prakasam water barrage project.

Looking at the national landscape, Minister Scindia shared ambitious projections, stating that India is slated to boast over 200 airports by 2030, with a particular emphasis on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. He expressed confidence that the country would cater to more than 40 crore passengers, solidifying its position as the largest aviation market.

Currently linked to Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru, Rajahmundry Airport manages 126 flight movements per week. The impending terminal expansion, covering an additional area of 17,029 sqm, is a response to the escalating passenger traffic that has outpaced the existing infrastructure. With a total area of 21,094 sqm after expansion, the new terminal is designed to accommodate 2100 passengers during peak hours and serve approximately 30 lakh passengers annually.

The initiative aligns with the government's commitment to fortify regional air connectivity and underscores its proactive measures to meet the burgeoning demands of the aviation sector.

HBL