On account of rise in passenger traffic, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) will begin expansion work of the Shirdi Airport’s terminal building. Passenger traffic reportedly increased to over 2,000 per day in February. Also, two more flights were added in March, taking total flight movements to 24. The present terminal building is 2,800 sq m. As an interim measure, Rajkumar Berry, Executive Engineer, MADC, shares, “With the increase in daily passenger traffic, we are expanding the terminal across another 2,500 sq m. However, as a permanent measure, we have floated tenders for the appointment of a design consultant for a 12,000-sq-m terminal building, which will be adjacent to the existing building.” Further, other developmental activities at Shirdi Airport are also on full swing. The expansion of the existing runway at the airport from 2,500 m to 3,200 m has been completed, while apron work is under construction. “The existing runway has been expanded by 700 m, where even a 747 can land,” adds Berry.MADC has incurred an expenditure of Rs 3.6 billion to date for the development of the airport. Targetted to be completed in a year’s time, the expansion will reportedly result in facilities such as an additional conveyor belt for passengers and a dedicated space for infrastructure related to international flights like customs and immigration. Being a popular temple town, these development works will tremendously benefit pilgrims and tourists. Ever since Shirdi Airport became operational on October 1, 2017, it has successfully operated 1,500 flights and hosted 70,000 passengers, reportedly.