Airports Authority of India (AAI) has undertaken the work for the construction of a new greenfield airport in Gujarat’s Rajkot to cater increasing flow of air traffic in this region. With the project cost of Rs 1405 crores, the new airport is expected to be a transportation hub for people travelling abroad from Gujarat. A new greenfield airport spread over 2534 acres has been planned with modern facilities and conveniences for travellers with an improved number of counters and other necessary facilities. The new airport is around 30 kms from Rajkot city and on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad highway. With a total built-up area of 23,000 sq m except for the basement, the terminal building of this new airport will be competent to handle 1800 passengers during peak hours. The terminal will be provided with state-of-the-art passenger facilities, three conveyor belts, four-passenger boarding bridges, and 20 check-in counters, along with modern firefighting and a fire alarm method. The city side area of the airport will also be designed for adequate parking facilities for cars, taxis, and buses, along with landscaping. Runway length is planned for 3,040 m for aiding AB-321 type of aircraft, which will be competent for parking 14 aircraft at a time. The terminal façade structure is influenced by the current Palaces of Rajkot incorporating traditional elements into a contemporary form. An outer skin of traditional Jalis of Palaces is equipped to minimise the heat gain inside the building. The terminal will show different art forms through its dynamic external façade and splendid interiors. Over 82% of earthwork and 80% of Runway and other pavement works have been finished. The work for the new terminal building & ATC Tower is also in improvement. An interim terminal building of size 60 m x 60 m capable of handling 300 passengers per hour is also in progress to commission the airport. The current progress of the total project is 45%. The new airport will likely be operational by March 2023. Image Source Also read: AAI to open new terminal building at Jabalpur airport