Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new integrated terminal building of Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair on July 18 via video conferencing. The event will take place at 10:30 am, with Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia arriving at the airport at 9 am.
The state-of-the-art terminal building, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 710 crore, spans across an area of around 40,800 sqm. Designed to handle a minimum of 50 lakh passengers annually, it features a distinctive architectural design resembling a shell-shaped structure, representing the sea and islands. The terminal will be equipped with 28 check-in counters, three passenger boarding bridges, and four conveyor belts.
In addition to the new terminal, an apron capable of accommodating two Boeing 767-400 and two Airbus 321 aircraft has been constructed at a cost of about Rs 80 crore. The architectural focus includes sustainability features such as a double insulated roofing system, LED lighting, and low heat gain glazing. The terminal will benefit from 100% natural lighting for 12 hours a day through skylights.
The terminal incorporates sustainable practices like rainwater catchment, on-site sewage treatment, and a 500 KW capacity solar power plant. These initiatives aim to promote eco-friendly operations and contribute to the region’s economy.
The inauguration of the new integrated terminal building is expected to boost air traffic, enhance tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and improve connectivity in the area. Veer Savarkar International Airport, named after the freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, will play a significant role in the region’s development. Alongside the civilian terminal operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Indian Navy is responsible for other air traffic operations in Port Blair. The airport’s single runway currently accommodates narrow-body aircraft like Airbus A320, Airbus A321, and Boeing 737.
This new terminal represents a milestone in the region’s infrastructure development and marks an important step towards facilitating travel and supporting economic growth in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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Image source: NDTV
