The New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 18 July 2023 at 10:30 AM through a video conference.
PM @narendramodi to inaugurate New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair on 18th July
Inspired from nature, the architectural design resembles a shell shaped structure depicting sea & islands
Read here: https://t.co/VH1LVSfyb6 pic.twitter.com/zEu3pjDTmH
— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 17, 2023
Improving connectivity infrastructure has been a major priority for the government, and the inauguration of the New Integrated Terminal Building is a significant step towards enhancing connectivity in the island-union territory. The terminal, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹ 710 crore, will have a total built-up area of around 40,800 sqm and will have the capacity to handle approximately 50 lakh passengers annually. A dedicated apron has also been built at Port Blair Airport, costing ₹80 crore, which can accommodate two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 aircraft simultaneously, allowing for the parking of up to ten aircraft at a time.
The airport terminal’s architectural design takes inspiration from nature and resembles a shell-shaped structure that represents the sea and islands. The new terminal building incorporates various sustainable features to minimize its impact on the environment. These include a Double Insulated Roofing System to reduce heat gain, skylights that maximize natural sunlight to reduce the need for artificial lighting, LED lighting, and low heat gain glazing.
The terminal also features an underground water tank for rainwater catchment, an on-site sewage treatment plant that reuses 100% of treated wastewater for landscaping purposes, and a 500 KW capacity solar power plant. These elements collectively ensure a minimal negative impact on the environment of the islands. Port Blair serves as the entry point to the pristine islands of Andaman and Nicobar, making it a sought-after destination for tourists.
The expansive New Integrated Terminal Building is expected to increase air traffic and significantly contribute to the growth of tourism in the area. Moreover, it will create new employment prospects for the local community and stimulate the regional economy.
(With inputs from PIB)
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