Jyotiraditya Scindia, the esteemed Civil Aviation Minister, ceremoniously inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for the state-of-the-art terminal building at Rajahmundry Airport in the picturesque region of Andhra Pradesh this past Sunday.
Prior to the commencement of the foundation stone-laying event, Minister Scindia meticulously inspected the architectural marvel that is the new terminal building, a significant addition to the well-established domestic airport spanning an impressive 1223.46 acres. The runway, boasting a length of 3165 meters, is fully equipped to accommodate aircraft of Code ‘C’ classification.
The existing terminal structure, encompassing an area of 4065 square meters, stands as a testament to efficiency, accommodating a commendable 225 passengers during peak operational hours and facilitating the smooth transit of a staggering four lakh passengers on an annual basis. The airport’s apron, strategically designed, can gracefully host and park six aircraft, a combination of Two ATR-72s and Four A-320s. As of now, Rajahmundry is seamlessly connected to three bustling cities – Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru – with a frequency of 126 flight movements per week.
In light of the burgeoning passenger traffic and the saturation experienced by the existing terminal, a comprehensive expansion plan has been meticulously devised. This expansion, a testament to progressive development, is projected to add an expansive 17,029 square meters to the airport infrastructure, entailing a financial commitment of Rs.350 Crore.
Anticipating manifold benefits from this modernized terminal building, the official press release emphasized that the enhanced air connectivity and improved passenger facilities are poised to play a pivotal role in fostering the all-encompassing development of the state. The upgraded facility is expected to inject new vigor into the local industry and economy.
Sanjeev Kumar, the sagacious Chairman of the Airport Authority of India, articulated that post-expansion, the total area of the Terminal Building will be an impressive 21,094 square meters. This expanded facility will be proficient in seamlessly serving a remarkable 2100 passengers during peak hours, showcasing its capability to handle a substantial 30 lakh passengers annually. Furthermore, Chairman Kumar hinted at the prospect of introducing a cargo facility, asserting that if the demand materializes, the airport is well-prepared to provide the requisite infrastructure for the seamless movement of cargo, epitomizing its commitment to comprehensive and dynamic aviation services.