Mumbai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has finalised a detailed plan, including extension of runways, for the development of additional facilities at small airports in
Maharashtra. The AAI move will benefit airports in Akola, Aurangabad, Jalna, Kolhapur and Pune. Recently, the aviation ministry had made the announcement that a new airport at
Sindhudurg will become operational from September this year.“Akola Airport will have extension of runway from 1,219 meters to 1,400 meters, construction of new technical block cum control tower, fire station and allied buildings. The Aurangabad Airport will have extension from 2,835 meters to 3,660 meters. Jalgaon Airport will also have extension of runway from 1,700 meters to 3,269 meters. Kolhapur airport will have extension of runway from 1,370 meters to 2,300 meters, new terminal building, ATC, fire station, provision of night landing facility and simple approach lighting for both ends of runway,” an official from Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADC) said.
The Pune Airport will have construction of new integrated terminal building and four nos. of parking bays for Airbus 320/321 aircraft. The AAI has demanded land of 84.26 acres and 182 acres to the State government for the expansion of Akola and Aurangabad airports respectively. Further, AAI has issued statement of work and drawings for the above-mentioned work at Kolhapur Airport and has also appointed management consultant for construction of new Integrated Terminal Building at Pune Airport, the official added.
Under the Centre’s scheme Udey Desh ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN), it was proposed to have interconnectivity via air route within the states. Encouraged with the scheme’s motive, the Maharashtra state cabinet decided to develop Shirdi, Amravati, Gondia, Nashik, Jalgaon, Nanded, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg airports in the first phase. It also signed an MoU in 2016 with the ministry of civil aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop 10 airports in the state. Currently, Nashik, Nanded, Kolhapur and Jalgaon airports are functional.
Airport Projects
- The AAI has demanded land of 84.26 acres and 182 acres to the State government for the expansion of Akola and Aurangabad airports respectively.
- Kolhapur airport will have extension of runway from 1,370 meters to 2,300 meters.
