Section of Under-Construction Terminal at Rajahmundry Airport Collapses; Inquiry Initiated
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Synopsis
A section of the under-construction terminal at Rajahmundry Airport in Andhra Pradesh collapsed, leading to an inquiry by the Union Civil Aviation Minister. Fortunately, no workers were present, and no injuries occurred. The new terminal is set to enhance the airport's capacity significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Section of terminal collapsed without injuries.
- Inquiry requested by Union Civil Aviation Minister.
- New terminal will be four times larger.
- Designed to accommodate 2,100 passengers at peak hours.
- Completion promises enhanced connectivity and features.
Amaravati, Jan 24 (NationPress) A section of the under-construction terminal at Rajahmundry Airport in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district collapsed on Friday, prompting the Union Civil Aviation Minister to request an investigation into the incident.
A significant tragedy was avoided as there were no workers present on-site during the collapse, resulting in no injuries.
Iron grills from the construction site fell in the afternoon, but the exact cause of the collapse remains unclear.
Officials were relieved that the incident did not lead to any casualties.
The new terminal is being built adjacent to the current terminal of Rajahmundry, which was renamed as Rajamahendravaram in 2015.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu communicated with officials from Rajahmundry Airport and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to obtain a report regarding the situation.
Recently, the minister had visited the airport to assess the progress of the new terminal’s construction.
The foundation stone for this new terminal was laid in December 2023 by the former Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
With an estimated cost of Rs.350 crore, the new terminal at Rajahmundry Airport will cover an area of 17,029 square metres, which is four times larger than the current terminal.
The facility will include three aero bridges, modern connectivity options, 28 check-in counters, and sustainable features.
It is designed to accommodate over 2,100 passengers during peak hours and will ultimately serve 30 lakh passengers annually, which is nine times the current terminal's capacity.
This airport spans 1,200 acres and features a 3,165-metre runway capable of accommodating Boeing 377 and Airbus 321 aircraft.
It has six parking bays and provides connectivity to Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with 126 flight movements weekly.
Upon completion of the new terminal, the peak passenger capacity will increase from 225 to 2,100 passengers.
In response to the demand from then Rajahmundry MP Bharat Margani for a cargo terminal, Scindia mentioned that once the new passenger terminal is operational, the airport will be able to handle larger narrow-bodied aircraft.
