A canopy at the passenger pickup and drop area outside the Rajkot airport terminal in Gujarat has collapsed amid heavy rains. The incident comes a day after a similar incident at the Delhi airport killed a person and injured six.

According to initial reports, there were no injuries or casualties.

Meanwhile, Gujarat is experiencing heavy rainfall as the southwest monsoon progresses. With forecasts of heavy to very heavy rain in certain areas, seven teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed across the districts of Kutch, Rajkot, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Narmada, and Valsad.

Photo: PTI

Rajkot: With Rajkot airport’s relocation to Hirasar, obtaining an NOC from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for high-rise buildings in Rajkot is no longer necessary. This change enables the construction of skyscrapers in the city. Previously, the airport’s central location restricted building heights to 50-55 meters (approximately 14 storeys).

The Rajkot Builder Association (RBA) confirmed that developers no longer need AAI’s NOC for new building plans near the old airport. This decision follows the civil aviation ministry’s official gazette renaming Hirasar airport as Rajkot airport. The removal of the height restriction allows approvals for buildings up to 50 stories, provided they comply with land area norms as per TP regulations.

Key Developments:

• NOC Requirement Removed: No AAI NOC needed for high-rise buildings.
• Height Restrictions Lifted: Buildings up to 50 stories can be approved.
• Streamlined Process: Easier development plan approvals.
• Ministry Gazette Update: Hirasar airport renamed Rajkot airport.

RBA Vice-President Dhruvik Talalviya highlighted that this change will streamline processes and promote development in western Rajkot. This development marks a significant shift in the city’s construction landscape, paving the way for modern skyscrapers and enhancing urban growth.