Shirdi Airport to Get 6 Crore 60 Lakh Safety Upgrade

MADC Invites Bids for Key Airfield Development Work

The Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd. (MADC) has invited bids for airside infrastructure improvements worth ₹6.60 crore at Shirdi Airport in Maharashtra. The project is designed to strengthen airport safety, improve emergency access, and support smoother aircraft operations as passenger traffic continues to grow.

The work will focus on several important areas of the airfield, including isolation bay roads, taxiway connections, and crash fire rescue access roads. MADC has set a five-month deadline for completing the project.

New Roads to Strengthen Airport Operations

Shirdi Airport is located at Kakadi village in Kopargaon, in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar district. The planned infrastructure work aims to address important requirements within the operational area of the airport.

One of the major components is the construction of an isolation bay road. This facility will provide a designated area for isolating an aircraft when required for security or safety reasons.

The project also includes a taxiway link road. This connection will help ground support and emergency vehicles reach airside areas while reducing interference with active runway operations.

Crash fire rescue roads are another key part of the project. These roads are designed to provide strong and reliable access for emergency response vehicles, including crash tenders, during airport incidents.

Fire Safety and Site Development Included

The ₹6.60 crore project also covers roads leading to the cooling pit and fire pit, which support specialized airport training, emergency preparedness, and maintenance activities.

MADC has also included clearing and grubbing work as part of the project. This involves removing vegetation and underground roots from designated areas to prepare the site for construction.

According to the tender details, the selected contractor will be required to complete the work within five months. A two-year defect liability period will also apply after completion of the project.

Focus on Aviation Security and Emergency Response

The planned improvements are expected to strengthen Shirdi Airport's emergency response capabilities. Dedicated crash fire rescue routes will provide emergency vehicles with better access to different sections of the airfield.

The completion of the isolation bay and taxiway link is also expected to support safer aircraft handling when special security arrangements or emergency procedures are required.

Because Shirdi Airport continues to handle flight operations, construction activities will have to be carefully planned around aircraft arrivals and departures. Contractors will be required to follow site safety procedures and coordinate their work to avoid disrupting airport operations.

Work to Follow Aviation Safety Standards

MADC has specified safety requirements for the construction work, including temporary runway lighting and other measures needed during the project. The work will have to follow applicable aviation security and safety requirements, including standards associated with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The planned investment comes as Shirdi Airport continues to serve passengers traveling to the prominent Sai Baba pilgrimage destination. Improvements to airside infrastructure can help the airport strengthen its operational readiness and accommodate future passenger requirements.

Luxury Hotel Project Planned Near Shirdi Airport

Alongside airside infrastructure development, MADC is also looking to expand passenger amenities around Shirdi Airport. The authority has invited bids for leasing a 3.7-acre plot near the airport for the development of a 100-key luxury hotel.

The proposed hotel is intended to improve accommodation options for visitors and support the growing tourism and pilgrimage activity in the region. The selected developer will be required to make the hotel operational within four years.

Together, the airside infrastructure upgrades and proposed hotel development reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen Shirdi's airport facilities and support the region's growing aviation and tourism needs.