Indian Cabinet Approves Rs 1,667 Crore for New Srinagar Airport Terminal

The Union Cabinet of India has approved a series of major infrastructure projects with a total financial outlay of Rs 12,236 crore, including a significant investment to expand aviation capacity in the Kashmir Valley. A key component of the approval is the allocation of Rs 1,667 crore for the construction of a new integrated airport terminal at Srinagar International Airport (SXR).

This investment is a direct response to rising air traffic demand in the region and aligns with the government's broader strategy for economic development. The new terminal is intended to significantly enhance connectivity and support the growing tourism sector in the area. The funding is part of a multi-modal transport investment plan that also includes substantial upgrades to the country's railway network.

Srinagar Terminal Project Details

According to an official government release, the new integrated terminal at Srinagar will cover an area of 71,500 square metres. The facility is designed to accommodate an annual passenger capacity of 10 million, a substantial increase over the current airport's capabilities. As an integrated terminal, it will handle both domestic and international flights, an approach designed to optimize gate capacity, reduce infrastructure duplication, and improve the overall passenger experience.

The project is a central element of the government's long-term vision, known as Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India 2047), which aims to build world-class infrastructure to support sustained economic growth. The official approval from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirms the expenditure and outlines the project's scope as a major expansion of the civil enclave at the airport.

Broader Infrastructure Investments

While the Srinagar airport expansion is the key aviation component, the Cabinet's decision encompasses a wider range of transport projects. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approvals following the meeting, detailing significant investments in Indian Railways. These include:

• Rs 5,236 crore for the doubling of the Gondia-Jabalpur rail line.
• Rs 2,668 crore for the 3rd and 4th rail line project between Punarkh and Kiul.
• Rs 1,168 crore for the 3rd and 4th lines between Gamharia and Chandil.

In urban transport, the Cabinet sanctioned Rs 1,067 crore for the extension of Phase 2B of the Ahmedabad Metro project to improve city connectivity. The total package of approvals underscores a coordinated government effort to upgrade transport infrastructure across multiple sectors.

During the announcement, Minister Vaishnaw framed the decisions as foundational for the country's future. Speaking from the new Prime Minister's Office, 'Seva Teerth', he stated, "This meeting and this building are a direct expression of the reconstruction of New India. With this auspicious beginning, we welcome that future whose foundation has been laid by centuries of effort." He added that the Cabinet dedicated itself to the national resolve of 'Viksit Bharat 2047', a long-term journey where "decisions taken today will determine the future shape of the coming generations."

Why This Matters

The approval of the Srinagar terminal project signals a strategic government focus on enhancing infrastructure in regions with high tourism potential and strategic importance. For the aviation industry, this development creates much-needed capacity in a high-demand market, potentially enabling airlines to launch new routes and increase frequencies to the Kashmir Valley. This investment is a critical step in modernizing regional airport infrastructure to meet future passenger growth.

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