July 19, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 18 inaugurated the new integrated terminal building of the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair via video conferencing. Developed at an expense of Rs 710 crore, the new terminal building is capable of handling about 50 lakh passengers annually.
(Source: PMO India’s Youtube Channel)
So far, the existing terminal could handle 4,000 tourists. The new terminal has taken this number to 11,000. An apron suitable for two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 types of aircraft has also been constructed at the Port Blair Airport at a cost of Rs 80 crore, making the airport now suitable for parking 10 aircraft at a time.
More flights and tourists will bring more jobs to the area, the PM said. Port Blair’s new terminal building will increase ease of travel, ease doing business and connectivity, the prime minister added.
With a total built-up area of around 40,800 sqm, the new terminal will play a key role in boosting connectivity of the island UT.
Inspired by nature, the architectural design of the airport terminal resembles a shell-shaped structure depicting the sea and islands. The new airport terminal building has a number of sustainability features such as double-insulated roofing system to reduce heat gain, skylights to provide maximum inlet of abundant natural sunlight during daytime to reduce artificial light usage inside the building, LED lighting, and low heat gain glazing.
The New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair will enhance ease of travel and ease of doing business as well as strengthen connectivity. pic.twitter.com/tswaI1s8ZG
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 18, 2023
“Rainwater catchment in an underground water tank, an on-site sewage treatment plant with 100% of treated wastewater reused for landscaping and a 500 KW solar power plant are some other features of the terminal building to ensure a minimal negative impact on the islands’ environment,” the ministry of civil aviation said in a statement.
“As a gateway to the pristine islands of Andaman and Nicobar, Port Blair is a popular destination for tourists. The spacious new terminal will boost air traffic and help enhance tourism in the region. It will also help create enhanced employment opportunities for the local community and give a fillip to the region’s economy,” it added.
(Header image source: Twitter feed of PMO India)
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