PM inaugurates, lays foundation stone for multiple airport development projects in Varanasi worth over Rs 6,100 Cr

New Delhi [India], October 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Development of the New Terminal Building and allied works at Varanasi Airport, New Civil Enclave of Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra and inaugurated New Airports at Rewa, Sarsawa and Ambikapur on October 20 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Development of New Terminal Building and allied works at Varanasi Airport, New Civil Enclave of Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra and inaugurated New Airports at Rewa, Sarsawa and Ambikapur on October 20, 2024, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh," as per a press release from the Airports Authority of India.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel; Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, were also present during the ceremony in Varanasi.
"Hon'ble dignitaries including Governors, Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers of respective states and Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation participated in the event virtually," the release stated.
Development of New Terminal Building and allied works at Varanasi, and New Civil Enclave at Agra, Darbhanga and Bagdogra Airports is being undertaken at the total cost of Rs 5910 Crore.
"The three new airports of Sarsawa in in Uttar Pradesh, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh & Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh have been developed at a total cost of Rs 225.88 crore, having combined capacity to serve around 10 lakh passengers annually. These airports are fully equipped with all passenger facilities including check-in counters, baggage conveyors and sufficient concessionaire area while boasting various sustainability features," the release stated.
While addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi underlined that the government has initiated a huge campaign for infrastructural development in the country in the last 10 years with two main objectives of improving services for the people and creating employment opportunities for the youth through investments.
"The designs of all seven airports are influenced and derived from the common elements of heritage structures of that state and city, thus reflecting the local culture and highlighting the heritage of the region," as per the release.
On this occasion, highlighting about these projects, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon'ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation said that Varanasi airport currently serves 30 lakh passengers annually which will cross the figure of 3 Crore by 2047, for which a new terminal will be built at a cost of Rs. 2870 crore. He also emphasized about the 'UDAN Yojana' Regional Connectivity Scheme, under which Sarsawa, Rewa and Ambikapur airports have been developed. As a result of these projects, the air connectivity of the nation will be strengthened, the economy will grow and new employment opportunities will be created, as per the release.
"The inauguration and foundation stone laying of these seven Airport projects worth more than Rs 6,100 Crore, places India's civil aviation industry at the forefront of the nation's economic growth and solidifies its role as a major player in the global aviation landscape," the release added.
With these new airports and terminal buildings, air connectivity in the country will witness an increase which in turn will spur tourism, business, education and generate employment which is vital to the regions' economic prosperity. It will also strengthen the economy of the states over the long haul, boosting productivity through its positive impact on businesses, as per the release.