Bharuch: A greenfield airport is being built at Ankleshwar in Bharuch district in a phased manner. In the latest breakthrough, the development of the airstrip has been completed, according to the Roads and Buildings Department of the Gujarat government. The airstrip, built at a cost of around ₹105 crore adjacent to National Highway 48, measures 2,135 meters in length and 45 meters in width, making it the fifth longest airstrip in Gujarat.

In the next phase, essential infrastructure facilities, including an air traffic control (ATC) tower, will be developed. Initially, the airstrip will be equipped to handle small passenger aircraft and cargo flights.

The first phase of work on the airstrip near Amartpura village is almost complete, and cargo aircraft are expected to begin operations soon. Once the ATC tower is ready, there are plans to conduct landing and take‑off tests with Boeing cargo aircraft. The absence of tall buildings in the vicinity will ensure safer and smoother aircraft movement.

Notably, decades after the government first announced plans for an airstrip in Bharuch district back in 1993‑94, the first phase has finally been realized after the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the project in 2022.

Local representatives have also requested that the airstrip be developed to support not only cargo flights but also passenger services. DeshGujarat