Uttarakhand marked a significant milestone in aviation infrastructure on Wednesday. Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, virtually inaugurated the new terminal building at Dehradun Airport, alongside Chief Minister Puskar Singh Dhami. Addressing the gathering, Scindia highlighted the strategic planning behind the terminal’s construction, emphasizing its phased approach to ensure uninterrupted airport operations.
Construction and Capacity
Scindia said that the construction of the new Terminal building was meticulously planned in two phases to ensure seamless operations at the Airport. With the completion of the initial phase, covering 28,729 square meters, followed by the second phase encompassing 14,047 square meters, the terminal’s total area has now expanded to 42,776 square meters. This strategic approach has resulted in a tenfold increase in the terminal’s overall capacity, effectively catering to a significantly larger volume of passengers and flights.
Design, role and key features
Spread across 326.42 acres, Dehradun Airport plays a pivotal role in Uttarakhand’s tourism sector, annually catering to 10 lakh passengers. Situated conveniently near Rishikesh and Haridwar, the airport serves as the air gateway to Garhwal, seamlessly blending modernity with the region’s natural splendor.
The architectural marvel of the new terminal epitomizes a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity. Inspired by local heritage and environmental ethos, every element narrates a story of Uttarakhand’s rich culture. Noteworthy are the canopy-supporting columns, reminiscent of Buddhist prayer wheels, instilling a sense of tranquility and spirituality. Additionally, columns resembling the Brahmakamal, Uttarakhand’s state flower, contribute to sustainability efforts by harnessing natural light.
Designed with inclusivity in mind, the terminal ensures accessibility for all, featuring ramps, lifts, and specially designed restrooms for Divyangjans.
Key features of the new terminal include:
- Capacity to serve 3,240 passengers during peak hours and 47 lakh annually.
- 48 check-in counters, 4 conveyor belts, and 12 baggage X-ray machines.
- Parking facility for 500 cars.
- Project cost estimated at Rs. 486 crore.
Scindia also elaborated on the government’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity across Uttarakhand. He revealed that the development is not just taking place at Dehradun Airport, but the government is also upgrading airports in Pant Nagar and Pithoragarh, and introducing heliports in various locations, bringing the total to 21 shortly.