The Hirasar greenfield airport is likely to begin operations from March 2023, with the construction work in full swing. A source from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) informed the media on Thursday that 55% of earthwork and 48% of the runway and other pavement work has been completed till now. Situated around 30 km from the city on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway, this airport is predicted to boost the industrial growth of the Saurashtra region. The ceramic industry of Morbi and the brass industry of Jamnagar depend on Rajkot for air connectivity. From both the destinations, a bypass road has already been constructed. The airport is being developed at the price of Rs 1,400 crore, and during peak hours, the terminal will be capable of managing 1,300 passengers. The airport will have all the modern facilities for passengers spread over 1,032 hectares. The terminal would have four passenger boarding bridges, state-of-the-art passenger facilities, three conveyor belts and 20 check-in counters, along with the modern firefighting and fire alarm systems. The plans to develop ample parking space are underway. The length of the runway of the airport is 3,040 m to facilitate landing and takeoff of B747-400 and B777-300ER type of aircraft. The airport is going to be capable of parking 14 aircraft at any given time. As per AAI, the design of the Hirasar airport is inspired by the existing palaces of Rajkot, like Ranjit Vilas Palace. Image Source Also read: Biju Patnaik Airport revamp: Airport to get facelift within one year