AMRAVATI AIRPORT'S TAKE-OFF: A NEW CHAPTER FOR MAHARASHTRA?

Airports around the globe have focused on the development of Multi-Modal Transport Hubs (MMTH) to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience. Indian airports, particularly those in Bengaluru and Delhi, have rapidly embraced this international trend. RASHEED KAPPAN dissects this trend and how it helps passengers get in and out of airports.

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Can the DGCA's recent grant of an aerodrome license to the Amravati airport help Eastern Maharashtra transform its economic landscape? The license effectively makes the aerodrome a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) airport, but it is still early days to judge its potential as a game-changer in a traditionally agriculture-reliant region with multiple challenges.

Located 15km south of Amravati city, this is the third commercial airport under the Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADCL). The DGCA's green signal clears the runway for operations, with Alliance Air all set to launch flights to Mumbai sometime in April. Spread across an area of 389 hectares, the airport has a runway 1,850 meters long and 45 meters wide. Also integrated are a taxiway measuring 163 meters by 18 meters and a 100m by 110m apron. The airport's terminal building has an area spanning 2,600 square meters.

Potential for growth

According to MADCL's assessment, the new airport has significant potential for growth. Its rationale: Amravati, being the seventh most popular metropolitan area in Maharashtra, is also the administrative headquarters of the district. The city, the company contends, has emerged as a major educational centre in Central India, offering many majors, including medical and engineering courses.

Tourism is another factor, with destinations ranging from pilgrimage sites to wildlife sanctuaries and sightseeing spots in the vicinity. Among the potential hotspots for tourism are Chikhaldara, Muktaigri, Salbardi, and Waigaon. Also close to the airport is the Melghat Tiger Reserve.