Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a newly built international terminal at Vadodara airport that is reportedly environmentally-friendly on Saturday. The terminal will increase the airport’s hourly handling capacity from 400 to 750 passengers, Business Standard reported. However, Vadodara has no international flights departing from it yet, and will reportedly have international departures from next year.
Reports said the terminal has energy-saving cooling mechanisms, rainwater harvesting, and was made using fly ash (naturally-occurring residue from coal combustion) instead of bricks. Kochi had the country’s first green airport. The foundation stone for the terminal at Vadodara was set in 2009 by Praful Patel, who was civil aviation minister at the time.
Modi spoke of the state’s new aviation policy and said that improving air connectivity will help the growth of the tourism sector, Indian Express reported. “We have limitless opportunities when it comes to tourism in India. I am sure that Vadodara will contribute to that,” he said. He also mentioned plans to introduce technological innovations in the country’s network of railways.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!