Ahmedabad Relies on Dholera International Airport for Excessive Air Traffic
Ahmedabad, the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat, is known for its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and economic growth. With a population of over 8 million people, it is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. As a result, the city has seen a significant increase in air traffic over the years, making it essential to have a robust and efficient airport to handle the increasing demand.
The Need for a New Airport
Ahmedabad has been served by the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport for several decades now. However, with the rapid growth of the city, the airport has become congested, and the existing infrastructure is unable to handle the increasing volume of passengers and cargo. According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the airport handled over 11 million passengers in 2019, and the number is expected to reach 12 million in 2021. This excessive air traffic has led to long queues, flight delays, and other operational challenges at the airport.
In addition to passenger traffic, Ahmedabad is also a major industrial hub, with several manufacturing and export industries located in and around the city. The existing airport’s cargo-handling capacity is also stretched to its limits, causing delays and inefficiencies in the transportation of goods.
To address these challenges and cater to the city’s growing needs, the Indian government identified the need for a new airport. After much deliberation and planning, the Dholera International Airport was proposed as the solution to Ahmedabad’s air traffic woes.
Welcome to the Dholera International Airport
The Dholera International Airport, also known as the New Ahmedabad International Airport, is a greenfield airport project located in Dholera, about 80 kilometers from Ahmedabad. The airport, spanning over 1,426 hectares, is being developed as a state-of-the-art facility with modern infrastructure and technology to cater to domestic and international flights.
Upon completion, the Dholera International Airport is expected to handle up to 70 million passengers annually, making it one of the largest airports in India. The airport will also have two runways and a cargo terminal capable of handling 1.4 million metric tonnes of cargo per year, making it a crucial hub for trade and commerce in the region.
The airport’s location in Dholera, a planned smart city under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project, has immense strategic significance. The DMIC aims to develop industrial nodes and infrastructure along the 1,483-kilometer-long dedicated freight corridor connecting Delhi and Mumbai. The airport, along with the DMIC, will boost economic activities and create new opportunities for investment in the region.
The Impact on Ahmedabad’s Air Traffic
The Dholera International Airport is expected to have a significant impact on Ahmedabad’s air traffic. The new airport will not only reduce the burden on the existing airport but also cater to the growing demand for air travel in the region. The modern facilities and technology at the new airport will also provide a seamless and efficient travel experience for passengers.
The cargo handling capacity at the Dholera International Airport is also expected to ease the burden on the existing airport. The airport will be a boon for industries located in and around Ahmedabad, providing them with a faster and more efficient mode of transportation for their goods.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the Dholera International Airport project holds immense potential, it has also faced its fair share of challenges. Land acquisition and environmental concerns have caused delays in the project’s construction, which was initially scheduled to be completed by 2020. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the timeline of the project, with construction activities put on hold for several months.
Despite these challenges, the Indian government and the developers are committed to completing the project at the earliest. The airport’s first phase is expected to be completed by 2023, with the entire project estimated to be completed by 2028. Once operational, the Dholera International Airport will play a crucial role in boosting the city’s economic growth and positioning Ahmedabad as a major aviation and industrial hub in India.
Conclusion
The Dholera International Airport is set to revolutionize air travel in Ahmedabad and the entire state of Gujarat. With modern infrastructure, advanced technology, and strategic location, the airport will not only cater to the city’s needs but also contribute to the region’s economic growth. As the project progresses, we can look forward to a new era of aviation and development in Ahmedabad.