The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has begun work on a new greenfield airport in Rajkot to serve the growing population of Gujarat’s fourth largest city and the increasing flow of air traffic in the Saurashtra region.
According to AAI, with the project cost of Rs 1,405 crores, the new airport is envisioned to be a transportation hub for people travelling abroad from the state.
Spread over 2,534 acres, the new greenfield airport will have modern facilities and conveniences for the travellers with an increased number of counters and other necessary facilities.
The location of the new airport is approximately 30 km from Rajkot city and on Rajkot Ahmadabad highway.
With a total built-up area of 23,000 sqm excluding the basement, the terminal building of this new airport will be capable to handle 1800 passengers during peak hours.
The terminal will be equipped with state-of-the-art passenger facilities, four passenger boarding bridges, three conveyor belts and 20 check-in counters along with modern firefighting and fire alarm system.
The city side area of the airport will also be developed for adequate parking facilities. Runway length is planned for 3040m for serving AB-321 type of aircraft which will be capable of parking 14 aircraft at a time.
The terminal facade design is influenced by the existing Palaces of Rajkot like the Ranjit Vilas Palace, integrating traditional elements into a contemporary form. An outer skin of traditional jalis of palaces is provided to minimize the heat gain inside the building. The terminal will depict various artforms including dandiya dance through its dynamic external facade and splendid interiors.
Rajkot is famous for its’ golden jewellery and filigree work and that has inspired the exterior panel work at drop-off area of the city side kerb.
The present progress of the total project is 45 per cent. It is expected that the new airport will be ready for operation by March 2023.
AAI believes air connectivity to the international market will boost industrial growth, which in turn will generate new employment opportunities. Apart from this, the new airport will come up with lots of commercial development. This will boost travel-logistics, hotel industry, restaurants, warehouse-Cargo handling and clearing business etc and many more.
In the PM Gati Shakti’s spirit of inclusive multi-modal connectivity, the Hirasar Airport is accessed from the National Highway NH-27. A clover -leaf flyover is planned on the highway for unhindered access to the airport.
Being located on Rajkot-Ahmadabad highway, the airport will aim to reduce time and cost related to logistics for multiple industries in the region.
More importantly, the Morbi ceramic industry and other Jamnagar industries depend on Rajkot for air connectivity.
Plans to modernise and beautify Rajkot’s ancient city are already in place, and all such infrastructure development projects, including the construction of a greenfield airport, will help promote local businesses and add economic wealth to the country.