PM inaugurates AAI's Solapur Airport in Maharashtra

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Solapur Airport through video conferencing along with the laying of the foundation stone, inauguration and dedication of various projects of Housing & Urban Development, Commerce & Industry etc. on September 29.

On the occasion, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde; Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol were also present.

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Inaugurating the Airport, Prime Minister said that the development of this airport will facilitate access of pilgrims to religious places, enhance the overall infrastructure of the city, boost the tourism industry and create new livelihood opportunities, thereby promoting regional development.

The Solapur airport has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 65 crore to operate Code- B- type of aircraft. The Terminal Building of Solapur now has a total area of 1152 sqm. to serve 150 passengers during peak hours and 4.1 lakh passengers annually. The Terminal is fully equipped with required passenger facilities like two check-in counters and sufficient concessionaire area. The city side area of the airport is also developed for a parking of 100 cars. The Airside augmentation include expansion of Apron to accommodate four aircraft (Two Q-400/ATR-72 and two BCH-1900D type of aircraft). Construction of Fire station is also completed as an Operational requirement.

The terminal building reflects AAI’s commitment to sustainable developments by implementing cost effective carbon mitigation actions like energy efficient technologies & power generation from renewable energy sources like, 100 percent LED Lighting control through Building Management System, Energy Efficient E&M equipment.

The artworks installed inside the Terminal building glorify and showcase the rich art, architecture and culture of Solapur City. The paintings at different locations in the terminal showcasing the Lavani dance form, the images of various traditional musical instruments of Maharashtra and ‘Pandharpur Wari’ work displays to make the passengers informed and enchanted with the enriched cultural heritage, rooted tradition and religious beliefs of the city.

With the new Airport, Solapur anticipates heightened connectivity, promising increased business opportunities and tourism growth in the region. Solapur is renowned for its textile industry, particularly the Solapuri chadars and towels, which are famous not only in India but also in other countries for their quality and craftsmanship. Additionally, Solapur is famous for its agricultural produce, including pomegranates and sugarcane, contributing to its economic growth.

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