PM Modi to Inaugurate New Civil Air Terminal in Chandigarh Tomorrow

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the new civil air terminal in Chandigarh to the nation in an inaugural ceremony tomorrow. All schools in the city will also remain shut for the Prime Minister's visit.

"Keeping pace and bridging the gap between the demand and capacity Airports Authority of India (AAI) has continued with adding destinations after destinations and new civil air terminal at Chandigarh is being dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister on September11," an official spokesperson said today.

The new air terminal is a joint venture, called Chandigarh International Airport Limited, between the Airport Authority of India and the governments of Punjab and Haryana. The modern integrated 'glass and steel' terminal building is equipped with modern state-of-the-art equipment and passenger facilities.

The terminal building depicts heritage of the city, which is capital of two states - Haryana and Punjab and also holds the status of Union Territory, he said, adding that it is a "hub of robust business activities" and one of the "fastest growing" capital city having the highest per capita income in the country.

The terminal building, spread over an area of 53,400 sqm and capable to handle 1600 passengers during peak hours, has been built by state-owned Airport Authority of India or AAI at the total cost of Rs 939 crore. The other features of the building includes 48 check in counters, four 72-metres-long baggage conveyor belts, three passenger aerobridges, space for parking of 500 cars.

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On the apron side, it can accommodate 8 aircraft -- 7 of Beoing 737 or Airbus A 320 (C-Type) and one of Boeing 747 (E-Type) plane while the 120 metre by 110 metres cargo apron can hold two 'C' type aircrafts.

Apart from these, the AAI has introduced ample green features in the building which include LED lighting, energy efficient chillers, double insulated roofting system, rain water harvesting, re-use of treated water with 600 KLD STP.

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"This new civil air terminal is going to highly impact the economic development of the catchment areas. The Terminal Building has been constructed by AAI, who have the vast experience in building such state of the art infrastructure in the country, he said.

The number of air travellers has tripled, from 69 million in 2004-05 to 188 million in 2014-15, in the last decade with an annual growth rate of 12 per cent per annum.