Shirdi Airport Expansion: Two Helipads and Eight New Parking Bays Approved
Shirdi Airport Expansion: Two Helipads and Eight New Parking Bays Approved
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis approves two helipads, eight parking bays, and expansion plans for Shirdi Airport to manage air traffic during the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela.
In a significant move to strengthen aviation infrastructure ahead of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the construction of two helipads and eight parking bays at Shirdi Airport. The decision also includes the airport’s overall expansion and modernization to handle the anticipated surge in air traffic.
The approvals were given during the 91st board meeting of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), held at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Swati Pandey, Vice-Chairperson and Managing Director of MADC, were present at the meeting. Pandey presented detailed plans outlining the various upcoming projects across the state’s aviation sector.
Highlighting the importance of Shirdi Airport’s proximity to Nashik, CM Fadnavis stated, “The expansion will enhance the airport’s capacity to serve pilgrims arriving for the Kumbh Mela. The project includes two new helipads, eight additional parking bays, and upgradation of the passenger terminal.”
He also noted that work on the Shirdi Airport cargo terminal is progressing steadily and will further boost connectivity.
Additionally, the Chief Minister directed officials to submit plans for the extension of the runway at Amravati Airport, emphasizing the region’s growing industrial activity. He underscored the importance of developing a viable revenue model for airport operations.
Fadnavis also stressed the need for faster development of Latur Airport to support the rising demand from nearby districts like Beed and Dharashiv. He instructed that work at Karad Airport be expedited, with night-landing facilities introduced.
The meeting also covered progress on the extension of Chandrapur Airport’s runway to accommodate chartered flights and discussed identifying alternative sites for a proposed airport in Gadchiroli.
Meanwhile, ongoing projects at airports in Ratnagiri, Akola, Kolhapur, Nanded, and Dhule were reviewed. Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), 16 routes are currently operational across Maharashtra, with eight more proposals awaiting central government approval.
