New Delhi: Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the new Terminal Building at Dehradun Airport today in the presence of Shri Puskar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. The state-of-the-art terminal is a significant addition to the aviation infrastructure, aiming to enhance connectivity and cater to the growing air travel demand.
During the inaugural address, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia highlighted the meticulous planning and phased construction of the new terminal. The project was executed in two phases, with the first phase covering an area of 28,729 sqm and the second phase expanding it to 42,776 sqm. The overall capacity of the terminal has increased tenfold, providing an expanded and improved experience for passengers.
Addressing the ongoing development initiatives, Shri Scindia shared, “The Government is upgrading three airports in Uttarakhand, namely Dehradun, Pant Nagar, and Pithoragarh. Additionally, seven heliports have been initiated, contributing to the enhanced air connectivity of the region. The number of heliports is expected to increase to 21 in the upcoming years.”
Dehradun Airport, also known as Jolly Grant Airport, will play a crucial role as a central hub connecting various parts of Uttarakhand. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the city’s air connectivity has grown significantly from three destinations in 2004 to 13 destinations today. The airport, witnessing a growth of 130%, currently handles 200 flights per week, compared to 46 flights in 2014.
Spread over 326.42 acres, the airport, situated 20 km from Rishikesh and 35 km from Haridwar, serves around 10 lakh passengers annually, earning its moniker as the Air Gateway of Garhwal and contributing significantly to Uttarakhand’s tourism.
The design of the new terminal reflects a harmonious blend of culture, nature, and modern architecture. Inspired by local heritage and environment, the terminal features columns reminiscent of the Prayer Wheels of Buddhist monasteries, creating an ambiance of tranquility and spirituality. Columns inspired by the state flower, “Brahmakamal,” incorporate skylights, minimizing the need for artificial lighting.
In terms of accessibility and inclusivity, the terminal is designed to cater to Divyangjans with ramps, lifts, and specially designed restrooms. Equipped with modern amenities, the new terminal includes 48 check-in counters, four conveyor belts, 12 baggage X-ray machines, and parking facilities for 500 cars.
The estimated cost of the entire project, constructed in two phases, is Rs. 486 Crores. The airport’s runway, measuring 2140m, and the apron with 20 parking bays enhance its operational capabilities. The New Terminal Building is set to serve 3240 passengers during peak hours and accommodate 47 lakh passengers annually.
The inaugural event was attended by dignitaries, including Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank,’ Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Shri Naresh Bansal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Shri Brij Bhushan Gairola, Member of Legislative Assembly, and officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Uttarakhand government.