Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Gujarat’s First Greenfield Airport on July 27

Gujarat is abuzz with anticipation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a significant two-day visit to the state on 27th and 28th July 2023. The highlight of this visit is the highly-awaited inauguration of Gujarat’s first greenfield airport – the Hirasar Greenfield Airport. The event is set to mark a major milestone in the state’s aviation infrastructure and represents the fulfillment of a project that was initiated following the laying of the airport’s foundation stone on October 7, 2017.

The imminent launch of the Hirasar Greenfield Airport, under the able guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has ignited a sense of enthusiasm and optimism among the people of Saurashtra and Gujarat. This landmark project is poised to provide a significant boost to the region’s economic development, ushering in a new era of progress and connectivity.

Foundation Stone Laid in 2017 – A Vision Set in Motion

The roots of the Hirasar Greenfield Airport project can be traced back to the momentous Bhumi Pujan in 2017, when Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of this airport. It was a visionary step that signified the government’s commitment to uplifting the state’s aviation infrastructure and fostering inclusive growth across the region.

Rajkot: A Thriving Economic Center Poised for Growth with the Inauguration of Hirasar Greenfield Airport

Rajkot, an important economic hub in Gujarat and India, boasts a unique blend of small and large-scale industries, positioning itself as a vital player in complex supply chains with a global outlook. As the city prepares for the inauguration of the Hirasar Greenfield Airport, its economic landscape is set to witness a remarkable transformation, opening new avenues for industrial growth, international trade, and generating fresh employment opportunities.

With the advent of the Hirasar Greenfield Airport, Rajkot is set to witness an exponential surge in industrial growth. The improved air connectivity with the international market will facilitate smoother import and export operations, rendering Rajkot a pivotal link in global trade networks. This enhanced connectivity will enable businesses to expand their reach and establish stronger ties with international partners, bolstering the region’s economic standing on the global stage.

The economic prosperity driven by the airport’s operations is expected to create a myriad of new job opportunities in Rajkot. As industries flourish, the demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers across various sectors will witness a surge. This influx of employment opportunities will not only uplift the local workforce but also attract talent from neighboring regions, fostering an inclusive and thriving job market.

The establishment of the Hirasar Greenfield Airport is poised to trigger a surge in commercial development within Rajkot. The airport’s strategic location on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway will significantly reduce time and cost related to logistics for numerous industries in the vicinity. As a result, Rajkot is poised to emerge as a preferred destination for businesses seeking a seamless and cost-effective transportation hub.

Hirasar Greenfield Airport Features

Rajkot International Airport has earned a place of prominence as a vital component of the PM Gati Shakti project. The successful completion of this international greenfield airport is a testament to India’s commitment to modernizing its aviation infrastructure and bolstering connectivity across the nation. Constructed at a cost of ₹1405 crore, the airport is strategically located near Hirasar village, in close proximity to National Highway No-27, approximately 30 km from Rajkot.

The Hirasar Greenfield Airport is an expansive and modern aviation complex, occupying an impressive area of 1025.50 hectares (2534 acres). The Airport Authority of India has developed 1500 acres of this land, showcasing the scale and ambition of the project. The airport’s key features are designed to accommodate a substantial volume of air traffic and passenger flow efficiently.

The airport boasts a 3,040-meter-long (3.04 km) and 45-meter-wide runway, capable of handling various types of aircraft. The runway’s length and width accommodate safe take-offs and landings for a wide range of commercial and cargo flights. Additionally, the airport’s apron features 50,800 square meters of bay space, providing ample parking for 14 aircraft simultaneously.

The airport’s passenger terminal has been thoughtfully designed, covering an area of 23,000 square meters. This expansive terminal serves as the hub for passenger processing, offering a seamless and pleasant experience for travelers. During peak hours, the terminal has the capacity to handle 1280 passengers every hour, ensuring efficient processing and reducing waiting times.

The Hirasar Greenfield Airport’s exceptional infrastructure and well-planned facilities enable it to accommodate various types of aircraft, including ‘C’-type planes, and have provisions for future ‘E’-type planes. This strategic capability empowers the airport to offer enhanced services and connectivity to the people of Rajkot and Saurashtra.

Moreover, the airport’s forward-looking approach is evident in its preparations for future ‘E’-type planes. ‘E’-type planes are characterized by larger aircraft, such as Airbus A380, Boeing 747, and Boeing 777, which are commonly deployed for long-haul international flights. By making arrangements to accommodate these larger aircraft in the future, the airport positions itself to expand its global reach and offer seamless connections to international destinations.

The Hirasar Greenfield Airport sets a commendable example in promoting sustainability and modernity with its innovative and eco-friendly features. Beyond the state-of-the-art terminal and runway facilities, the airport incorporates several environmentally conscious initiatives and functional amenities to ensure operational efficiency.

To preserve the natural landscape and promote ecological balance, a green belt has been established around the airport. This initiative involves planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and greenery in the airport’s vicinity. The green belt not only enhances the airport’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to air quality improvement and biodiversity conservation.

The recent recognition of the Greenfield Airport with the International Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) tag is a significant milestone that underscores its adherence to international aviation standards and protocols. This designation holds paramount importance for the smooth and safe operation of aircraft at the airport.

The development of the city side area surrounding the Greenfield Airport adds to the overall efficiency, accessibility, and aesthetics of the airport complex. Several essential facilities have been constructed to enhance the overall travel experience and support smooth operations for passengers, visitors, and airport personnel.

The Airport Gallery at the Greenfield Airport offers a captivating and immersive experience, showcasing the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of Gujarat. This curated space celebrates the state’s cultural essence through a thoughtful display of art and artifacts that reflect its historical and artistic heritage.

What are Greenfield Airports?

Greenfield airports are airports that are developed entirely from scratch, starting with a fresh and undeveloped piece of land. Unlike brownfield airports, which involve the expansion or renovation of existing airports, greenfield airports are constructed on new sites with no prior aviation infrastructure.