Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building at Surat Airport, Gujarat, today. He also took a walkthrough of the new terminal building.
“The new integrated terminal building in Surat marks a significant leap in the city’s infrastructure development. This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance the travel experience but also boost economic growth, tourism, and connectivity,” the prime minister posted on the microblogging site X.
Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel was among the people who accompanied the PM during the event.
New Surat International Airport: key facts
The terminal building is designed to handle 1,200 domestic passengers and 600 international passengers during peak hours, with provisions to increase the peak hour capacity to 3,000 passengers, and an annual handling capacity of 55 lakh passengers. The gateway to Surat City, the terminal building reflects the local culture and heritage in both its interior and exterior, particularly drawing inspiration from the traditional woodwork of the old houses in the ‘Rander’ region of Surat City.
The GRIHA-IV-compliant new terminal building incorporates various sustainability features, including a double insulated roofing system, canopies for energy saving, low heat gain double glazing unit, rainwater harvesting, water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, and the use of recycled water for landscaping and a solar power plant, among others.
It's worth noting that the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently approved the proposal to declare Surat Airport as an international airport.
“The Surat Airport will not only become a gateway for international travelers but also facilitate seamless export-import operations for the thriving diamond and textile industries. This strategic move promises to unlock unprecedented economic potential, making Surat a key player in the international aviation landscape and fostering a new era of prosperity for the region,” the government said in a statement on December 15.
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Ans 1. It is the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich.
Ans 2. Gujrat is a place of some antiquity and abounds in important ancient sites. The city and district formed part of the kingdom of Porus who ruled primarily within the Chaj Doab. He was defeated by Alexander after a difficult campaign at the Battle of Hydaspes in May 326 BC.
Ans 3. Surat airport is under continuous operations since 2007 through domestic flights to and from Surat to major Indian cities. Surat Airport Terminals: Terminal1: Domestic Terminal - The domestic terminal of Surat Airport can accommodate total of 240 passengers at a time with 120 each at arrival and departure section.
Ans 4. The Surat Airport expansion, undertaken at a cost of ₹353 crore, aims to meet the growing demands of passenger traffic and cargo operations. Currently connected to 14 domestic cities and internationally via Sharjah, the airport handles over 252 passenger flight movements per week.
Ans 5. Surat International Airport Surat International Airport (IATA: STV, ICAO: VASU) is an international airport serving Surat, Southern Gujarat.