Present Runway Expansion Plan for Amravati Airport – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Approval Granted for Two Helipads and Eight Parking Bays at Shirdi Airport

Mumbai – In view of the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the construction of two helipads and eight parking bays at Shirdi Airport, along with its expansion and modernization. During a meeting of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), he also directed officials to submit a detailed plan for the runway expansion of Amravati Airport.

The 91st board meeting of MADC was held at the Sahyadri Guest House, with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in attendance. Vice-Chairperson and Managing Director Swati Pandey made a detailed presentation during the meeting.

CM Fadnavis highlighted that with the growing industrial network in Amravati, runway expansion is essential. He also instructed that a revenue generation model for the airport be prepared. At Shirdi, work on the cargo terminal is progressing rapidly. Given the proximity of Shirdi Airport to Nashik, it will be convenient for devotees flying in for the Kumbh Mela. Taking into account the expected crowd and limited capacity at Nashik Airport, the expansion of Shirdi Airport has been approved. This includes eight new parking bays, two helipads, and terminal upgrades, which will benefit aircraft and helicopter operations during the Kumbh Mela.

Highlighting the development of Latur district across various sectors, CM Fadnavis stated that Latur Airport will become increasingly significant. He called for the expansion of the airport to benefit Latur, Beed, and Dharashiv districts. He also instructed that work on Karad Airport be accelerated, with night landing facilities to be developed.

To enable operations of chartered flights at Chandrapur Airport, the Chief Minister directed the runway be extended. For the proposed airport in Gadchiroli, he suggested exploring two to three alternative locations.

The progress of airport development projects in Ratnagiri, Akola, Kolhapur, Nanded, and Dhule was also reviewed. It was informed that under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), flights are currently operational on 16 routes in the state, and eight new proposals have been submitted to the central government for further connectivity.

The meeting was attended by MADC Vice-Chairperson & MD Swati Pandey, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) and Board Member O.P. Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Sanjay Sethi, MIDC CEO P. Velarasu, and other senior officials.