Here are 10 key points about PM Modi Lays Foundation for ₹1,550 Crore Bagdogra Airport Expansion in West Bengal:
- Foundation Laid by PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the INR 1,550 crore expansion of Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, West Bengal.
- Virtual Unveiling of Projects: PM Modi also virtually unveiled 23 development projects worth INR 6,700 crore during an event in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- New Terminal Capacity: The new terminal building at Bagdogra Airport will cover 70,390 square meters, accommodate 3,000 peak-hour passengers, and handle up to 10 million passengers annually.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: The expansion includes two link taxiways, a multi-level parking structure, and an apron with ten parking bays suitable for A-321 aircraft.
- Eco-Friendly Design: The new terminal will aim for minimal ecological impact, utilizing natural lighting and renewable energy sources.
- Cabinet Approval: The Union Cabinet approved the project in August, affirming its importance.
- Point-of-Call Airport: Bagdogra Airport has been recognized as a point-of-call (PoC) airport, allowing it to handle international flights without prior approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- Regional Importance: The airport is a major aviation hub in northern West Bengal, handling over 8,000 passengers and 60 flights daily.
- State Contribution: The state government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, contributed about 100 acres of land for the expansion project.
- Political Reactions: The event included political moments, with Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb expressing disappointment over slogans raised during the ceremony, while Darjeeling MP Raju Bista emphasized the project’s potential to boost business, industry, and tourism.
The foundation stone for the INR 1,550 crore expansion of the Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri in northern West Bengal was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. PM Modi virtually unveiled 23 development projects totaling INR 6,700 crore at an event in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
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According to officials, the 70,390 square meter terminal building at the new civil enclave at the Bagdogra Airport would house 3,000 peak-hour passengers (PHP) and have the potential to handle 10 million passengers annually. According to them, the proposal also includes two link taxiways, a multi-level parking structure, and an apron that can hold ten parking bays that are appropriate for A-321-type aircraft.
According to them, the new terminal building will have a minimal ecological impact by maximizing natural lighting and using renewable energy sources. In August, the project received approval from the Union Cabinet. Located 14 kilometers from Siliguri, the Bagdogra Airport is a major aviation center in northern West Bengal, serving over 8,000 passengers and 60 flights per day.
It can now accommodate foreign flights without prior Ministry of Civil Aviation approval because it was recently recognized as a point-of-call (PoC) airport. Union Minister of State for Shipping Shantanu Thakur, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, and Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb were among the dignitaries who attended the event held in Siliguri to honor the anniversary.
According to Thakur, the project has significance from a regional perspective. Deb highlighted the dedication of the state government to the airport development project.
For this development, the state has contributed about 100 acres of land. “Inclusive growth for all is what Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee envisions,” he said
That being said, when Deb’s name was brought up during the show, some audience members raised the ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan.
The mayor of Siliguri later responded to the ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan by saying, “I find it sad as a representative of the state government at this official ceremony. It speaks poorly of the cultural values of those in charge.
In contrast, Bista claimed that the growth of the airport will spur the growth of business, industry, and tourism.
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