The Foundation Stone for Extension and Strengthening of existing Runway at Tirupati Airport in Andhra Pradesh was laid by the Hon’ble Vice President of India . The ceremony took place in the august presence of Shri Jayant Sinha, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation; Smt S. Geervani Chandraprakash, Chairperson, Zila Panchayat, Chittoor District; Smt Sugunamma, MLA (Tirupati); Shri Bojjala, Gopalkrishna Reddy, MLA (Srikalahasti) and Shri I.N. Murthy, Member (Operations), Airports Authority of India by unveiling the plaque.
Airports Authority of India, under the supervision of the Ministry of Civil Aviation is committed to provide air connectivity and develop and upgrade airport infrastructure across the country. Due to the proactive measures being undertaken by the Government, India is already one of the fastest growing civil aviation markets in the world.
Presently, Tirupati Airport is an International airport suitable for operation of AB-320 type of aircraft in all weather conditions. The existing Runway of 2286 m will now be extended to 33810m; after which it will be suitable to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft. The work for Extension of Runway, Strengthening of Existing Apron, Expansion and Strengthening of Existing Isolation Bay for wide-bodied aircraft, pavement against Blast Erosion & Provision of Runway End Safety Area (RESA) will be carried out at the total cost of 177.10 Cr.
While addressing the public gathering during the ceremony, Hon`ble Vice President said “The aviation sector is playing an important role in promoting connectivity and creating jobs. Apart from playing key role in economic development, aviation sector also facilitates nation`s integration into the global economy”.
Tirupati is famous for Tirumala Venkateswara Temple located in the hill town of Tirumala in the Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple attracts scores of pilgrims round the year both national and international and is visited by about 100,000 to 200,000 pilgrims daily, while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims’ shoots up to 500,000.
Shri Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation expressed his happiness during occasion and said “The extension of runway will enable the landing of wide – bodied aircraft at the airport. The pilgrims and devotees from all over the world will be able to visit Tirupati in coming future”.