NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open the new integrated terminal building of the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair on Tuesday, using video conferencing.
According to the Prime Minister's Office, the government has prioritised improving connectivity infrastructure, and this new facility, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 710 crore, will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity to the island, which is a Union Territory.
The terminal building covers a total area of around 40,800 square metres and has the capacity to handle approximately 5 million passengers annually.
In addition, the airport has constructed an apron at a cost of '80 crore, capable of accommodating two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 type aircraft or parking up to 10 aircraft simultaneously, the PMO said.
The architectural design of the terminal resembles a shell-shaped structure, representing the sea and islands.
The new terminal building incorporates several sustainable features such as a double-insulated roofing system to minimise heat gain, skylights for natural daylight utilisation, LED lighting, low heat gain glazing, rainwater catchment in an underground tank, an on-site sewage treatment plant with 100 per cent wastewater reuse for landscaping, and a 500 kW solar power plant. These features aim to have minimal negative impact on the environment of the islands.
Port Blair serves as a gateway to the pristine Andaman and Nicobar islands, attracting a large number of tourists. The spacious new integrated terminal building is expected to boost air traffic, enhance tourism in the region, create employment opportunities for the local community, and contribute to the regional economy, the PMO added.
