- It is key gateway for national & international visitors to access Gir National Park & Somnath Temple
- The runway extension project cost is estimated to be Rs. 190.56 crore and the timeline for the completion of the project has been set at 18 months
- The AAI has also undertaken the development of Keshod Airport at an estimated total cost of Rs. 364 crore
NE HOSPITALITY & TOURISM BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, AUG 5
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has undertaken the extension of the runway at Keshod Airport in Gujarat, to a length of 2500 meters to facilitate the operations of larger AB-320 type of aircraft. AAI has undertaken the development of Keshod Airport at an estimated cost of Rs 364 crore, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. He was responding to questions raised by Parimal Nathwani, MP on Keshod Airport expansion plans.
According to the statement of the minister, ”The runway extension project cost is estimated to be Rs. 190.56 crore and the timeline for the completion of the project has been set at 18 months and projected date of completion is January 2027. The AAI has also undertaken the development of Keshod Airport at an estimated total cost of Rs. 364 crore, which includes construction of a new terminal building at a cost of Rs. 142.17 crore. The new terminal building spanning 6,500 square meters, is designed to handle a peak hour capacity of 400 departing and 400 arriving passengers simultaneously.”
“The tender for construction of the new terminal building has been floated, and the timeline for the completion of the project is 15 months from the date of award of the work. For both projects the timeline for the completion depends upon many factors such as land acquisition, availability of mandatory clearances, financial closure, etc,” the minister added.
Elaborating on the importance of the ongoing expansion at Keshod Airport, Parimal Nathwani commented, “By upgrading Keshod Airport to allow operating of large body aircraft, it will become easier for wildlife enthusiasts across the globe to travel to Gir National Park to see the only remaining Asiatic Lions in the world. At the same time, the Somnath temple enjoys a special place amongst the 12 Jyotirlings and Keshod Airport will facilitate devotees of Lord Shiva from India and abroad to visit this famous temple with much greater ease.”
