India's air passenger traffic is set to triple to 42 crores by 2030, according to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for a new terminal building at Rajahmundry Airport, Scindia outlined plans for enhanced aviation capacity, including an increase from 22 crores to 42 crores at six metro airports in the next five years.
He emphasized the growth of greenfield airports, with two more set to be operational in Jewar and Navi Mumbai next year. The total number of airports, waterdromes, and heliports is expected to rise from 149 to 220 by 2030.
Scindia highlighted the improved air connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, with new projects at Bhogapuram, Nellore, and a waterdrome at Prakasam Barrage underway. The new terminal at Rajahmundry, costing Rs. 350 crore, aims to significantly increase passenger capacity and contribute to local tourism and economic development.
Key Points:
1. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia forecasts a significant surge in India's air passenger traffic by 2030, anticipating a tripling from the current 14.5 crore to an estimated 42 crore.
2. Six major metro airports are projected to witness a capacity rise from 22 crore to 42 crore within the next five years, as highlighted by Scindia during the inauguration of the new terminal at Rajahmundry Airport.
3. Over the last nine years, the country has added 12 new greenfield airports, increasing the total count to 15, with plans for two more to be operational next year, located in Jewar (near Delhi) and Navi Mumbai.
4. The overall count of airports, waterdromes, and heliports is expected to escalate from 149 to 220 by 2030, showcasing substantial growth compared to the progress since Independence, with an addition of 75 facilities in the past nine years.
5. Notably, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed notable developments, with new airport projects in Bhogapuram and Nellore underway, and a waterdrome at Prakasam Barrage, accompanied by an increase in connectivity and air traffic movement across various cities in the state.
6. Rajahmundry Airport is set to undergo a substantial transformation with the construction of a new terminal, quadrupling its size to 17,029 square meters, significantly expanding its capacity to cater to over 2,100 passengers during peak hours and accommodating 30 lakh passengers annually.
7. Emphasizing the boost in connectivity, Scindia anticipates the opening of doors for local tourism, investments, and agricultural trade, recognizing Rajahmundry's historical and cultural significance as the cradle of Telugu language and tradition.
8. The existing Rajahmundry Airport, covering 1,200 acres and equipped with a 3,165-meter runway capable of handling Boeing 377 and Airbus 321 planes, will experience an exponential increase in passenger load and advanced facilities with the new terminal.
9. Future plans for cargo terminal expansion are contingent upon increased demand, particularly in seafood and domestic trade, signaling openness from the government post the completion of the new passenger terminal.
10. The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Andhra Pradesh's Industries Minister Gudivada Amarnath, MP Bharat Margani, and BJP state President D. Purandeswari, underscoring the significance of the aviation developments in the region.
(With Agency Inputs)
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