As the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport prepares for a major expansion, authorities have initiated a large-scale tree transplantation drive.
More than 200 trees have been identified for relocation as part of the proposed New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB).The first phase of the project, aimed for completion by 2029 ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games, is currently in the preparatory stage, with pruning and conditioning work underway.
Nearly 200 trees located near the old cargo complex are being trimmed and will later be scientifically transplanted to a site near Terminal 2, with the exact location yet to be finalised.Officials stated that the relocation process is being carried out in a systematic manner to ensure maximum survival.
The trees will be shifted to a designated area behind the Terminal 2 parking facility, with all necessary approvals secured from civic authorities.Pre-transplantation work includes pruning, canopy reduction, and root conditioning to reduce stress and improve adaptability.
At the same time, groundwork for the new terminal has commenced as part of the airport’s long-term expansion plan, with approvals also being sought for the relocation of the existing ATC tower.