28th March 2024: Gwalior is getting a big upgrade with its new airport, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Airport, set to open in just three to four days. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia shared the news, saying it will connect Gwalior with many big cities in India, making flying easier for everyone. He’s excited about this change, believing it will greatly improve Gwalior’s air travel scene. More people are expected to fly, as flights are already seeing lots of passengers. The new airport terminal, costing Rs 500 crore, is not just convenient but also eco-friendly, promising a smooth travel experience for all.
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh is home to Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Airport, popularly referred to as Gwalior airport. This airport is very important to the city of Gwalior because it was named after a well-known leader, Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia. Gwalior and this airport have expanded year after year. Since then, the Gwalior airport has developed into a cutting-edge facility from which individuals can travel both inside and outside of the city with ease. The businesses and industries in the neighbourhood as well as the people who live in Gwalior gain from this airport. It also helps the tourism sector in Gwalior. To experience Gwalior’s and Madhya Pradesh’s overall music and culture, people travel to historic forts and other locations. The future government of Gwalior intends to expand and improve the airport so that it can increase its capacity. In this article, we will discuss the Gwalior airport in detail, including its story and real-world impact on India.
History and development
Gwalior’s history and development are far ahead, but very interesting. During the outbreak of World War I in 1942, the Royal Air Force (RAF) built this airport as a training base for pilots, and it also played an important role in the war effort, contributing to the Allied victory. When the war ended in 1947, it was transferred to the Indian Air Force (IAF), which also coincided with India’s independence. Indian Air Force IAS continues to operate a base at the airport, contributing to national security.
Civil Aviation was opened in 1958, marking the beginning of new commercial connectivity for Gwalior airport. The airport’s first commercial flight was an Indian Airlines Douglas DC3 from Delhi. Furthermore, from 1958 to the present, Gwalior airport has experienced significant growth and expansion. Over the past decade, there has been a gradual increase in passenger traffic and flight connectivity, which has been improved year after year.
The runway and terminal building were expanded in 1918, and the airport’s infrastructure and facilities were upgraded during the 2000s. Recent changes include the construction of a new and larger terminal building at Gwalior airport, as well as the addition of some modern amenities that are currently under construction and under construction.
Madhav Rao Scindia laid the groundwork for the original airport, and Vijay Rajshahi Scindia led the airport’s development and expansion, prompting its naming after her. The new terminal building project is expected to be completed soon, increasing the airport’s capacity significantly. Additionally, airport development is aimed at improving the passenger experience. The future goal of this Gwalior airport is to become a regional hub for air travel, connecting calls to more destinations while boosting tourism and economic activity.
Location
Gwalior Airport is located 10 kilometres northeast of the city centre. One of the main advantages of this airport is that it is located in a busy region, allowing passengers to get close to their destination while avoiding the hustle and bustle. This airport is located on National Highway 75, which connects Gwalior with major cities like Agra and Delhi. It is also easily accessible by bus and train routes. Gwalior Junction Railway Station, located just 10 kilometres from the airport, provides connections to major Indian cities. People who live in remote areas without access to an airport can easily travel to Gwalior Airport. Gwalior is a peaceful city, and the airport enjoys a relatively less noisy environment, which is beneficial to operations and passenger experience.
The distance from the city centre necessitates additional travel time from the city, which may be inconvenient for some passengers who live on the outskirts of city. There is also limited public transportation near the airport, even though it is connected by road and rail. Dedicated public transportation options such as the metro or Airport Shuttle may be limited. Gwalior is an urban city that has grown over the years, so future expansion opportunities are limited, particularly for the second runway. Because of urban development, it is difficult for the government to expand the creator restriction. The ongoing expansion project aims to improve the passenger experience and cater to future growth, potentially addressing some of the location-related limitations.
How to reach Gwalior airport?
By road
Taxi, car, and bus are some of the best options for transportation on the road. Taxes are one of the most convenient options, but they can be costly. Taxis are available near hotels as well as throughout the city. Booking in advance can be beneficial. If you are driving yourself, the airport is near National Highway 75. The airport’s parking facilities are excellent; you will have plenty of space to park your car. There are also regular buses from Gwalior’s bus stand to the airport, but they may take longer but cost less. It is also less expensive than a taxi, but it takes longer.
By train
Gwalior Junction Railway Station, the town’s main station, has excellent connections to India’s largest cities. It is advised to take a bus or an autorickshaw from the station. Tickets can be reserved online at the IRCTC website.
By air
Air travel is the most convenient mode of transportation available. The airport has regular flights to India’s major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. You can compare fares and book your ticket online using various websites or any airline app. Although it can be expensive, it is one of the most comfortable options.
Facilities for passengers
Check-in desks
There are six counters to ensure a seamless check-in procedure.
Storage for bags
For travellers who need to store their belongings before or after their flight, there are left luggage facilities available.
Screening for security
Passenger safety is ensured by a contemporary security screening system.
Area of waiting
There is a large waiting area in the terminal building with cosy seating.
Food and drink
There are many different places to eat and drink, such as cafes, restaurants, and snack bars.
Shops. Travel necessities, souvenirs, and other items are available for purchase at a number of retail stores for passengers.
Free WiFi
For thirty minutes, free Wi-Fi is offered, enabling travellers to stay connected.
Currency exchange
For visitors who need to exchange their money, there is a currency exchange counter.
ATMs
Cash withdrawals can be made from ATMs located within the terminal building.
Medical facilities
Passengers can receive basic medical assistance from a medical centre.
Wheelchair support
In the airport, travellers with disabilities can ask for wheelchair assistance.
Tourist information
A tourist information counter can help with Gwalior sightseeing and travel arrangements.
Lost and found
At the airport, travellers who misplace their belongings can use the lost and found service.
Connectivity
Gwalior airport now has domestic flight connectivity. Gwalior Airport serves primarily as a domestic airport, connecting to some of India’s major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Indore, Pune, and Kolkata. Airlines that fly this route include Indigo SpiceJet and Air India.
Air India Express
Destinations: Ayodhya, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad
IndiGo
Destinations: Delhi and Mumbai
Akasa Air
Destinations: Ahmedabad (starts from February 1, 2024)
Spicejet
Destinations: Bangalore and Mumbai
Alliance Air
Destinations: Delhi and Indore
International flight connectivity is limited to certain areas; currently, there are no scheduled international flights from Gwalior airport, but it connects to a number of airports from which passengers can travel to international destinations via major Indian airports such as Delhi and Mumbai.
Hotels near Gwalior airport
Some of hotels within 10km are listed below:
Name of hotel |
Distance from airport |
| OYO The Indian Guest House | 3.8 km |
| OYO Flagship Hotel | 4.1 km |
| Hotel Adityaz | 8.4 km |
| FabHotel Sumangal | 8.4 km |
| Park Inn by Radisson | 9.7 km |
| The Central Park Hotel | 10 km |
| The Crystal Park Gwalior | 6.8 km |
Impact on real estate sector
Positive impact
In recent years, Gwalior airport’s air connectivity has improved, attracting a large number of businesses. This development has a significant impact on investment in Gwalior. The investment graph is increasing, resulting in increased demand for commercial and office space. As airports have become more accessible in recent years, there has been an increase in demand for hotels, guest houses, and other tourism facilities. It also provides employment opportunities. The development of the airport increased demand for residential property. Areas near airports, particularly those used for commercial and business purposes, experience an increase in land value.
Negative impact
Due to the development, the potential crowd at Gwalior airport has increased, resulting in noise pollution in the surrounding area. Additionally, this traffic has increased air pollution. Gwalior is not a large enough city, and this traffic could cause traffic congestion, reducing quality of life and potentially lowering property values in the affected area. The overall impact of Gwalior airport on the real estate sector is expected to be positive in the long run, but careful planning and mitigation strategies are also necessary to address potential negative impacts.
FAQs
It usually takes 25 to 30 minutes to drive 9 kilometres.
It currently has only a single terminal.
The airport code is IATA: GWL.
It is approximately 760 acres of land.
You can expect to pay between Rs 300 and Rs 500, depending on the distance and luggage.
It is operational 24 hours per day.
The new terminal building is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2025. How much time does it take to travel from the bus station to the airport?
How many terminals does Gwalior Airport have?
What is the Gwalior airport code?
What is the total area of Gwalior Airport?
How much does a taxi to the airport cost?
What are the airport's opening hours?
What is the status of the current expansion project?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected] |
Sanskrati Gupta is an economics major currently pursuing her studies at Delhi University. She likes to explore world topics and share her thoughts and analysis through her writing.
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