Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri in northern West Bengal at a cost of Rs 1,550 crore.
This was among 23 development projects worth Rs 6,700 crore unveiled by PM Modi virtually from a function in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.
The new civil enclave at the Bagdogra Airport will have a terminal building, spanning 70,390 sqm, that will accommodate 3,000 peak-hour passengers (PHP), with an annual capacity to handle 10 million passengers, officials said.
Other key components of the project include an apron capable of accommodating 10 parking bays suitable for A-321 type aircraft, as well as two link taxiways and a multi-level car parking, they said.
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The new terminal building will be environment-friendly, integrating renewable energy sources and maximising natural lighting to minimise ecological footprint, they added.
The Union Cabinet had approved the project in August.
The Bagdogra Airport, situated 14 km away from Siliguri, is a key aviation hub in northern West Bengal, handling around 60 flights and about 8,000 passengers daily.
It has recently been designated as a point-of-call (PoC) airport, allowing it to host international flights without prior approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
On the occasion, an event was organised at Siliguri where Union Minister of State for Shipping Shantanu Thakur, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb were present among other dignitaries.
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Thakur said the project is very important from a geographical standpoint.
Deb highlighted the state government's commitment to the airport expansion project.
"The state has provided approximately 100 acres of land for this development. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee envisions inclusive growth for all," he said.
However, the 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan was raised by a section of the audience when Deb's name was mentioned during the programme.
Later, reacting to the 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan, the Siliguri mayor said, "As a representative of the state government at this official function, I find it unfortunate. It reflects poorly on the cultural ethos of those responsible."
While Bista stated that the expansion of the airport will lead to the development of tourism, industry, and commerce.
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