Amenities at city airport to be upgraded ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Summit

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport will be upgraded keeping the public facilities a top priority ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit early next year, sources said. Top business and political leaders from across the country are expected attend the event. A restaurant, new rooftop solar system and a washroom were dedicated on Friday.

A 'State of Art' gentleman washroom at the domestic terminal, Gangal claimed, is unmatched at any of the airports in India. Gangal inaugurated 700 KW solar power unit set up on the roof of the airport building raising the total installed solar power capacity to 1400 KW. The new unit will generate 2,800 units of electricity per day. The total solar system will result in savings of Rs 14 lakh per month, which is about 7% of total monthly electricity expenses for the airport.

After exhausting the capacity for solar power generation on rooftops, ground top solar panels will be installed, said another SVPI airport official. Gangal also inaugurated a restaurant at the international terminal. Recently, a theme park on Gir Sanctuary for Asiatic Lions was unveiled at the airport in order to create awareness about it among the visitors and bring more footfalls in the only natural abode of lions in Asia.

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“We are expecting a huge footfall. We have started some facilities today, and some of the best in the class among all the airports in India,” SVPI Airport director Manoj Gangal said.  By the time VGS starts, more amenities will be added, he said.