Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Gwalior Airport in the state of Madhya Pradesh has marked a milestone in the construction of its new terminal after the Government of India conducted a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the new building.
While the current terminal has a capacity to handle 200 passengers during peak hours with its runway accommodating up to A-320 and ATR072 type aircraft, the new facility will be able to handle 1,400 passengers during peak hours. It is being built with an investment of INR4.5bn ($54m) and will be developed on 172 acres of land. The apron will have a parking capacity of 13 aircraft, four times higher than the current capacity. A cargo terminal is also being established to promote economic growth
According to Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah, the planned development will make Gwalior one of the best airports in the country. The Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia added that “under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, new India is being developed which leads to the development of a new Madhya Pradesh and a new Gwalior.”
He also noted that “This terminal will strengthen this development. In the last year, the air activities of Madhya Pradesh have increased by 48% where earlier there were 554 arrivals and departures every week.” He also revealed that the Gwalior will be connected with Bangalore six days a week by SpiceJet.
With a focus on sustainable growth, the new terminal building will be powered by solar energy and will feature rainwater harvesting. It will also embrace a sense of place with an amalgamation of Gwalior’s cultural heritage fused with modern amenities.
