The Maharashtra government released an official resolution, allocating more than Rs 12 billion for the completion of pending tasks and the construction of an additional terminal at Shirdi Airport.

According to the resolution, Rs 3.64 billion has been designated for previous projects, while Rs 8.76 billion has been earmarked for the expansion of the Shirdi airport, including the development of a new terminal. This proposal, presented by the state chief secretary, received approval from both the chief minister and the cabinet.

Shirdi Airport, currently linked to major cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Tirupati, serves as a significant hub for devotees of Sai Baba. The airport manages a monthly traffic of over 64,000 passengers and handles both passenger and cargo services, including agricultural products.

The allocated funds will primarily be utilised for enhancing the airport surroundings, constructing an entrance gate, renovating the runway, upgrading airport sewage systems, and procuring land for housing security personnel stationed at the cargo complex. Additionally, plans include establishing a training centre on the premises.

Recognising the increasing influx of devotees, the state government aims to optimise the airport's capacity. Presently, the airport can only accommodate 300 passengers per hour. However, with the construction of the new terminal, the capacity is expected to skyrocket to over 1,200 passengers per hour. To cater to this growing demand, the government intends to introduce more food and beverage stalls at the airport.

Spanning an area of 55,000 square meters, the new terminal will feature state-of-the-art amenities. The ground level will house a check-in hall, passenger screening facilities, a secure hold area, and an advanced baggage handling system. This development marks a significant step towards enhancing Shirdi Airport's infrastructure and accommodating the escalating number of travellers.