Chennai, Lucknow, Guwahati airports to get new terminal buildings
In a major step towards augmentation of aviation infrastructure in the country, the Center today approved a proposal to build new terminal buildings at Chennai, Lucknow, and Guwahati airports at an estimated cost of over Rs. 5,000cr. The aviation sector in the country is currently growing at well over 20% and touched 28% in March, with 1.16cr Indians making flight journeys during the month.
Estimated cost of new Chennai and Lucknow terminal buildings
Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said the new terminal building approved for Chennai airport at Rs. 2,467cr will have a capacity to handle 35mn passengers per annum and cater passenger growth requirement till 2027. The new Lucknow terminal will have an annual capacity of 13.6mn passengers and will cater to passenger growth requirements till 2030-31. It will build at a cost of Rs. 1,232cr.
New Guwahati terminal to be built at Rs. 1,383cr
The new terminal building at Guwahati will be built at a cost of Rs. 1,383cr and will have a capacity to handle 9mn passengers per annum. "It will give a major thrust to our Act East policy and to tourism in NE India," Prabhu said.
Last month, the aviation market grew around 30%
"We remain committed to augmenting the airport capacity and facilities to match the 20% passenger growth rate and for constantly improving your air-travel experience under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi", he said. Last month, the aviation market grew close to 30%. Therefore, the need of the hour is to keep pace with growth and ensure better facilities in airports.