| India's first greenfield airport project built under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Shamshabad, was today dedicated to the nation by Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of United Progressive Alliance. The Greenfield airport would commence commercial operations on March 16, 2008, exactly three years from the day the foundation stone of the project was laid by Smt. Sonia Gandhi.
Mr. Praful Patel - Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Dr. Y S Rajasekhara Reddy - Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. G M Rao - Chairman GMR Group; the lead partner of the consortium that developed the airport and a host of industry captains were present at the formal inauguration of the airport in Shamshabad, 25 kms from the commercial business district of the city. The first commercial flight from RGIA will be a Lufthansa flight, which will land at 0025 hrs on March 16, 2008. The same aircraft will turn around to be the first departure from RGIA at 0220 hrs on the same day.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has been developed by GMR-HIAL (Hyderabad International Airport Ltd) - a consortium comprising GMR Infrastructure Ltd., Malaysian Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB), Airports Authority of India (AAI), and Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The inauguration of this new international airport marks the dawn of a new era in the Indian aviation history and showcases the growing capabilities of the Indian industry in specialized areas. The Greenfield airport is ready well ahead of the original schedule. The mandate for HIAL was to complete the project (Phase I) 36 months from the date of financial closure, which was achieved in August 2005.
Built on par with global standards, the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has a capacity to handle 12 million passengers per annum and features the country's first A380 capable; Code F runway which is 4.26 km-long and presently the longest runway in South Asia. Construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was the Engineering, Procurment & Construction contractor for the project.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. GM Rao, Chairman GMR Group said, "Airports today are considered to be the engines to drive the economic growth of a nation and generates employment. This airport will create half a million direct and indirect jobs and will be a major contributor to the development of the State. Just as the 400 year Charminar built by Quli Qutab Shah became the symbol of Hyderabad; we believe that the Rajiv Gandhi Airport will become the symbol of Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh's progress and economic development for generations to come."
According to Mr. Kiran Kumar Grandhi - Chairman Airports, GMR Group "The inauguration of RGIA is a very satisfying moment for all of us at GHIAL. With the combined teamwork of all our partners and the support of the State & Central Govt., we have been able to deliver a world class airport to the citizens of Hyderabad and the nation. We shall strive continuously to enhance the range of passenger experiences to make RGIA a true national asset that all of us can be proud of."
| Salient Features of RGIA |
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India's first greenfield airport developed through a Public Private Partnership Initiative |
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Terminal with initial capacity to handle 12 million passengers per annum |
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Country's longest runway measuring 4.26 km, capable of handling the A380 |
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Unique Airport village for meters & greeters and a host of Duty Free, retail, F&B and leisure facilities |
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Well connected to the city through shuttle buses, radio taxis and executive can service |
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130 check-in, 16 self check-in and 46 immigration counters for smooth passenger flow & minimum queuing |
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4 level in-line baggage handling system for greater security |
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Ample parking for over 3000 cars |
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A 308 room business hotel as part of airport facility |
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25 room lounge with shower & nap room facilities |
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A 17 bed medical center for quality |
About GHIAL
GMR-HIAL is a joint venture company promoted by GMR Infrastructure Ltd., (63%); Malaysian Airports Holding Berhad (11%), Airports Authority of India (13%) and Government of Andhra Pradesh (13%), with a mandate to develop a world-class international grade airport spread over 5,500 acres in Shamshabad, about 25 kms from the main city of Hyderabad.
The airport is being designed to handle 12 million passengers per annum with a total project cost of Rs. 2478 crore in the first phase scheduled to be commissioned in March 2008. This project - Rajiv Gandhi International Airport - is set to position Hyderabad as a prominent player in the global aviation map contributing to the prosperity, development and economic well-being of the region.
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