Kolhapur’s Airport Aerodrome license upgraded to handle 24×7 flight operations
The Airports Authority of India is redeveloping Kolhapur Airport in Maharashtra by constructing a new terminal building, new apron and isolation bay as well as extending the runway.
The expansion is to accommodate increase passenger traffic at the airport, which is presently connected to Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and Tirupati.
More than 60% of the work for extension of terminal building has been complete and it would be ready by 31 March 2023, the Ministry Civil Aviation said on 18 Aug 2022.
Recently, Kolhapur’s Airport Aerodrome license has been upgraded to handle 24×7 flight operations.
The new 4,000 sqm terminal is designed to process 300 passengers during peak hours. With 10 check-in counters, the Terminal will be equipped with all modern passenger amenities.
The building will be a Four-Star GRIHA rated energy efficient building with sustainability features. Interiors of the terminal building will reflect the art and culture of local culture and heritage.
The big archways at the front façade of the new terminal building is influenced and derived from the commonly used arches in the heritage structures like Maharaja Palace, Bhavani Mandap, Panhala Fort of Kolhapur city.
Work of upgrading of the airside facilities is completed. Apart from this, a new Air Traffic Control Tower is also being constructed to cater for future traffic growth.
Kolhapur city is situated on the banks of Panchganga river and is surrounded by Sahyadri mountain ranges. It is a city known for its historical forts, temples and royal places of erstwhile royals.
Kolhapur is one of the most agriculturally advanced districts in Maharashtra and is known for being a leading district in agro based industry. It is also a front runner for manufacturing engineering products, refined sugar and textiles.
The world-class airport terminal will enhance the connectivity to this industrial city, boosting tourism industry of the region, said the Ministry. fiinews.com
