Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new integrated terminal at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair on 18 July at 10:30am via video conference.
Improving the connectivity infrastructure has been a major focus of the government. The inauguration of the new integrated terminal, built at a cost of around Rs 710 crore, will play a key role in boosting the connectivity of the UT island. With a total built-up area of ​​approximately 40,800 sq m, the new terminal building will be able to handle approximately 50 lakh passengers annually. An apron suitable for two types of Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 aircraft was also built at Port Blair Airport at a cost of ₹80 Crore, making the airport now suitable for parking ten aircraft at a time.
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 input of abundant natural sunlight during the day to reduce artificial light inside the building, LED lighting, low heat gain glazing. Rainwater collection in an underground water tank, an on-site wastewater treatment plant with 100% of the treated wastewater reused for landscaping, and a 500KW solar power plant are some other features of the terminal building which ensure minimal negative impact on the islands’ environment.
As the gateway to the pristine islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is a popular destination for tourists. The spacious new integrated terminal will increase air traffic and help improve tourism in the region. It will also help create more job opportunities for the local community and boost the region’s economy.
