Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the New Integrated Terminal Building of the Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair on Tuesday, via video conferencing.

Enhancing connectivity infrastructure has been a major focus of the government. The inauguration of the New Integrated Terminal Building, built at a cost of around Rs 710 crore, will play a key role in boosting connectivity of the island UT.

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With a total built up area of around 40,800 sqm., the new terminal building will be capable of handling about 50 lakh passengers annually. An Apron suitable for two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 types of aircraft has also been constructed at the Port Blair Airport at a cost of Rs 80 crore, making the airport suitable for parking of 10 aircraft at a time.

Inspired by nature, the architectural design of the airport terminal resembles a shell-shaped structure depicting sea and islands. The new airport building has a number of sustainability features like Double Insulated Roofing System to reduce heat gain, and skylights to provide maximum inlet of abundant natural sunlight during day time.

This will reduce artificial light usage inside the building. The building also has LED lighting and low heat gain glazing.

Rainwater catchment in an underground water tank, on-site sewage treatment plant with 100 per cent of treated wastewater reused for landscaping and a 500 KW capacity solar power plant are some other features of the terminal building, ensuring minimal negative impact on the islands’ environment.

As a gateway to the pristine islands of the Andaman and Nicobar, Port Blair is a popular destination for tourists. The spacious New Integrated Terminal Building will boost air traffic and help enhance tourism in the region. It will also help create enhanced employment opportunities for the local community and give fillip to the economy of the region.