Minister inaugurates Rs.486cr terminal in Dehradun
The Government is upgrading 3 airports in Uttarakhand — Dehradun, Pant Nagar, Pithoragarh — and work has started on 7 heliports, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
He said Almora, Chinyalisaur, Gauchar, Sahastradhara, New Tehri, Srinagar, and Haldwani Heliports. Development of Dharchula, Haridwar, Joshimath, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Ramnagar heliports are being upgraded.
The Minister shared update on projects in Uttarakhand while inaugurating the new Rs.486 crore Terminal Building at Dehradun Airport from New Delhi virtually on 14 Feb 2024.
He disclosed that heliports in the state will be increased to 21 in the upcoming years.
Scindia said, “The construction of the New Terminal Building was planned in two phases to provide uninterrupted operations at the Airport.
“After the operationalization of the first phase of the Terminal admeasuring 28,729 sqm, and second phase measuring 14,047 sqm, the overall area of the Terminal has expanded to 42,776 sqm. This way the overall capacity has gone up by ten times.”
Spread in an area of 326.42 acres it is also known as Jolly Grant Airport. Located 20 km from Rishikesh, and 35 km from Haridwar, the airport serves 10 Lakh passengers annually. It is also known as the Air Gateway of Garhwal and plays an important role in the tourism of Uttarakhand.
Design & architectural aspects show local heritage & ethos
The Dehradun Airport Terminal is a testament to the harmonious blend of culture, nature, and modern architecture. The terminal’s design is inspired by the local heritage and environment, with each element narrating a story of its own. With its focus on sustainability and local culture, the terminal is also equipped with all modern features and facilities, offering travelers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
The columns supporting the canopy on the curbside are reminiscent of the Prayer Wheels of Buddhist monasteries. Inscribed with prayers from the Vedas, including the sacred Gayatri Mantra, these columns infuse a sense of tranquility and spirituality into the terminal’s ambiance. The terminal’s pillow-shaped roof design offers optimum height, making it energy-efficient.
Terminal’s columns inspired by the “Brahmakamal”
The terminal’s columns, inspired by the “Brahmakamal”, the state flower of Uttarakhand, are another distinctive feature. These columns, akin to blooming flowers, opens to skylights, allowing the terminal to bask in natural light. This not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the terminal’s sustainability measures by reducing the need for artificial lighting. The white color of the columns, symbolizing tranquility, further enhances the serene environment.
The terminal is designed to be inclusive and accessible for Divyangjans with facilities such as ramps, lifts, and specially designed restrooms.
Salient Features of New Terminal Building
Planned in two phases to provide uninterrupted operations at the Airport, the terminal will be capable to serve 3,240 passengers during peak hours and 47 Lakh passengers annually.
After the operationalization of the first phase of the Terminal admeasuring 28,729 sqm, and the second phase the terminal building was expanded with 14,047 sqm taking the overall area to 42,776 sqm.
The Airport has a runway of length 2,140m and an Apron with 20 parking bays in total. Fiinews.com
