Key Development Plans Discussed for Surat Airport at High-Level Meeting in New Delhi
Surat, January 17 – In a significant step toward enhancing the infrastructure and functionality of Surat Airport, a high-level meeting chaired by Union Minister C.R. Patil was held in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Union Aviation Minister K.R. Naidu, local MLAs, and members of the Airport Advisory Committee (AAC). Eleven major development issues were discussed to make the airport more progressive and user-friendly.
Key Discussion Points
Increased Surat-Mumbai Flights:
Emphasis was placed on increasing the number and frequency of flights between Surat and Mumbai to boost trade and tourism in the region.
Introduction of E-Visa Facility:
Plans to implement an e-visa facility for foreign tourists at Surat Airport aim to encourage international tourism.
Four-Lane Road Development:
A proposal to develop a four-lane road connecting the airport’s main entrance to ensure smooth traffic flow was discussed.
Dedicated Auto-Rickshaw Parking:
Special parking stands for auto-rickshaws were proposed to enhance convenience for passengers and drivers.
24/7 Flight Operations:
To ensure round-the-clock flight operations, increasing the number of Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff was deemed necessary.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model:
Utilizing the airport's open spaces for development under a PPP model was suggested to maximize resources and improve services.
Housing for CISF Personnel:
Plans to provide over 400 residential units for CISF security personnel were discussed to ensure their comfort and efficiency.
Completion of Terminal Building:
Urgent completion of pending work on the terminal building was prioritized to enhance passenger experience.
Low Visibility Procedure (LVP):
Introducing LVP technology to enable flight operations during foggy conditions was proposed to tackle weather-related disruptions.
Improved Arrival and Departure Connectivity:
Enhancements to connect arrival and departure areas more efficiently were part of the discussions.
Implementation of Digi Yatra:
Plans to roll out the Digi Yatra digital travel system aim to simplify the passenger experience through seamless digital processes.
Attendees and Goals
Prominent attendees included MLA Sandeep Desai, former standing president and AAC member Paresh Patel, and AAC members Suresh Agarwal, Keval Shah, and Keyur Kheni.
The meeting aimed to modernize Surat Airport with state-of-the-art facilities and provide passengers with an enhanced travel experience. Once implemented, these initiatives are expected to significantly strengthen Surat’s air connectivity, benefiting trade, tourism, and the overall convenience of citizens.
