Surat, the diamond city of India, is about to shine brighter than ever. On December 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the city to inaugurate the new integrated terminal building of Surat Airport, a major infrastructural upgrade that will benefit the city and its people in many ways

Surat Airport, also known as [Morarji Desai International Airport], is the second busiest airport in Gujarat after Ahmedabad. It serves Surat and the southern regions of the state, connecting them with domestic and international destinations. The airport was built by the state government of Gujarat in the early 1970s and was transferred to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in 2003. Since then, the airport has undergone several expansions and modernizations to meet the growing demand for air travel.

How Surat Airport will look like?

The new terminal building is the latest and most significant improvement of the airport. It covers an area of 25,500 square meters and has a capacity to handle 1,800 passengers per hour. It features state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, such as 18 check-in counters, six aerobridges, a spacious departure lounge, a food court, a duty-free shop, and a VIP lounge. The terminal also has a green building design, incorporating energy-efficient features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and LED lighting.

The new terminal building is expected to boost the airport’s operations and enhance the passenger experience. But more importantly, it will also have a positive impact on the city of Surat and its people. Here are five amazing benefits of the new terminal building:

1. It will improve the ‘Ease of Living’ for the citizens of Surat

One of the main objectives of the new terminal building is to improve the ‘Ease of Living’ for the residents of Surat. The upgraded airport will provide better connectivity, reducing travel time and making air travel more accessible and affordable for the citizens. This will improve their quality of life and enable them to explore more opportunities for education, employment, and leisure.

The new terminal will also offer more convenience and comfort for the passengers. They will be able to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free journey, with modern facilities and services at their disposal. The terminal will also have a passenger-friendly design, with ample natural light, ventilation, and greenery.

2. It will boost the economy of Surat and the surrounding areas

Surat is one of the fastest-growing cities in India, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. It is a hub for the diamond and textile industries, as well as other sectors such as information technology, engineering, and biotechnology. The new terminal building will bolster these industries by improving connectivity and facilitating business travel. It will also attract more airlines to operate from Surat, potentially leading to increased tourism, trade, and investment.

The new terminal will also create more employment opportunities for the local population, both directly and indirectly. According to the AAI, the terminal will generate direct employment for 2,000 people and indirect employment for 6,000 people. The terminal will also spur the development of ancillary industries and services, such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.

3. It will enhance the image and reputation of Surat

The new terminal building will also enhance the image and reputation of Surat as a modern and progressive city. It will showcase the city’s achievements and aspirations, as well as its rich culture and heritage. The terminal will also reflect the city’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, with its green building features and smart technologies.

The new terminal will also increase the visibility and awareness of Surat among the national and international audiences. It will help the city to attract more visitors, investors, and partners, and to establish itself as a leading destination for business and leisure.

4. It will support the development of regional connectivity and integration

The new terminal building will also support the development of regional connectivity and integration, as part of the government’s vision to connect the remote and under-served areas of the country with the mainstream. The terminal will enable the operation of more regional flights under the [UDAN scheme], which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible for the common people.

The terminal will also facilitate the integration of Surat with the rest of Gujarat and the neighboring states, such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. It will strengthen the socio-economic ties and cultural exchange among these regions, and promote their holistic development.

5. It will mark a new era of growth and prosperity for Surat and its people

The inauguration of the new terminal building at Surat Airport will mark a new era of growth and prosperity for Surat and its people. It will be a historic occasion that will celebrate the city’s achievements and potential, as well as the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting economic development. It will also be a proud moment for the citizens of Surat, who have been eagerly awaiting the Prime Minister’s visit and the launch of the new terminal.

The new terminal building at Surat Airport is more than just a new building; it’s a game-changer for the city of Surat and its people. It will transform the airport into a world-class facility that will cater to the current and future needs of the passengers and the city. It will also bring multiple benefits for the city and the region, in terms of improving the ‘Ease of Living’, boosting the economy, enhancing the image, supporting the regional connectivity, and marking a new era of growth and prosperity. The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the terminal will be a historic and memorable event that will showcase the importance of this milestone and the central government’s commitment to regional development.