Committed to creating developed India: PM Modi

New Delhi, Mar 10:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said that he was committed to creating a developed India.

Inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for a series of ambitious airport projects across India, with a combined value exceeding Rs 9800 crore, the PM reiterated his dedication to creating a developed India, saying: “People are seeing that Modi is made of different material. I am working relentlessly to create a Viksit Bharat.”

He marked the inauguration of 12 new terminal buildings in key locations including Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Delhi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Adampur Airports.

Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for three new terminal buildings at Kadapa, Hubballi, and Belagavi Airports.

Highlighting the pace of development, he said that the Gwalior terminal was completed in just 16 months, showcasing the government's commitment to efficient project execution.

“This initiative will make air travel easier and accessible for the citizens of the country,” the PM said, countering allegations of electioneering tactics.

Addressing concerns about project completion, he said: “The record of the government in completing announced projects on time repudiates the allegation of these projects being election gimmicks.”

PM Modi underscored the holistic approach to infrastructure development, noting that alongside airport projects, investments were also being made in highways, railways, education, water, and the environment.

The inauguration of these projects is expected to significantly boost the civil aviation sector.

The 12 new terminal buildings will collectively have the capacity to serve 6.20 crore passengers annually, while the three terminals under construction will add capacity for an additional 95 lakh passengers per annum upon completion.

These modern terminal buildings boast state-of-the-art passenger amenities and incorporate sustainability features such as double-insulated roofing systems, energy-saving canopies, and LED lighting.

Moreover, the designs draw inspiration from local heritage structures, reflecting the unique culture and heritage of each region.

PM Modi also inaugurated the integrated Terminal T3 of the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA), built at Rs 2400 crore.

Terminal T3 will cater to domestic and international flights, with a capacity to handle 4000 passengers during peak hours.

Phase I of the world-class terminal can cater to 80 lakh passengers per annum, with elevated pathways separating the arrival and departure flows.

Phase II will enhance the handling capacity to 1.3 crore passengers per annum.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd, Karan Adani said: “Our vision for CCSIA is big and far-reaching. The master plan aims to expand the airport's capacity to ultimately serve 38 million passengers annually by 2047-48. This exponential growth is a cornerstone of our strategy to support Uttar Pradesh's aspiration to become a one-trillion-dollar economy. We are not just building infrastructure – we are creating over 13,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, thus contributing significantly to the economic advancement of the region and the state.”

The terminal has state-of-the-art amenities and features for passenger convenience.

While 72 check-in counters (including 17 for self-baggage drop) and 62 immigration counters (27 emigration and 35 arrival immigration counters) will ensure swift and smooth transit of passengers, modern lounges will elevate their comfort.

The newly constructed apron will increase the passenger boarding gates from seven to 13 and passenger boarding bridges from two to seven.

At present, the airport connects 24 domestic and eight international destinations.

The capacity augmentation will help in improving its operational efficiency substantially.

T3 will also simplify travel with technologies such as DigiYatra, common-use self-service kiosks, automated tray retrieval systems, and advanced baggage screening machines.

An out-of-the-world audio-visual experience has been brought to life at the airport with the art and architecture of Uttar Pradesh, starting from the entry gates to the skylight.

The check-in counters will mesmerise passengers with illuminated motifs of ‘Chikankari’ and ‘Mukaish’ embroidery.

Graphics on the frosting depict stories from epics, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The airport has several sustainability features and adequate deployment of recyclable materials. It will be a multi-modal travel hub with metro connectivity, intercity electric bus service, and app-based taxi services.